Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Orlando, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health on infoaging.org, Dr. Navaneethan understands the unique needs of this population and is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes. He focuses on the specialized expertise needed to manage complex digestive conditions frequently encountered in seniors, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. He serves older adults (65 and over) and is currently welcoming new patients; please call (407) 303-9921 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan, MD is a gastroenterologist in Orlando, FL, with extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Navaneethan earned his medical degree from Madras Medical College, followed by an internship at University Of Cincinnati Medical Center. He further specialized in gastroenterology with fellowship training at The Cleveland Clinic, solidifying his expertise in this field. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that patients and their families are heard and empowered throughout their healthcare journey. Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Navaneethan is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment that promotes comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver, and while it can cause serious problems, many people manage it well with regular monitoring and medication, enabling them to maintain their independence and enjoy a good quality of life.
- Intestinal Ulcer: An intestinal ulcer is a painful sore in your intestines, but with the right medical care, including medication and possibly dietary modifications, you can find relief and live a more comfortable life.
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: PSC is a long-term condition causing inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts, impacting liver function; however, regular check-ups and treatment can help slow progression and improve your well-being.
- Obesity: Obesity treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and can include support groups or counseling to help you maintain a healthy weight long-term.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones, preventing fractures and falls. A simple blood test can reveal a deficiency, and addressing it with supplements and a balanced diet ensures a safe and independent life.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Facing an intestinal blockage can be frightening, but know that healthcare professionals have effective ways to address this issue, often involving procedures or medications, that can significantly improve your comfort and overall well-being.
- Liver Damage from Alcohol: If you've experienced liver damage related to alcohol, know that there are treatments available to slow or reverse the damage and improve your quality of life, potentially maintaining your ability to live at home safely.
- Vitamin B Deficiency: Vitamin B deficiencies can sometimes cause digestive issues and even affect your ability to perform everyday tasks. However, with proper diagnosis and management through diet changes or supplements, you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
- Ileus: When your intestines temporarily lose their ability to push food along, it's called ileus; this can lead to bloating and nausea, but treatments like medication and fluid adjustments can often get things moving again and improve comfort.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: While IBS doesn't have a cure, understanding its symptomssuch as gas, diarrhea, or constipationand working closely with your physician can lead to a personalized management plan that enhances your overall well-being and daily routines.
- Gastric Ulcer: Gastric ulcers are open sores in the stomach, often causing pain and discomfort; however, treatment with medication, dietary adjustments, and stress reduction can significantly improve your well-being and allow you to enjoy your daily life.
- Gastritis: Dealing with persistent stomach pain or indigestion? Gastritis could be the culprit. Fortunately, it's often manageable with medication and changes to your diet, allowing you to maintain your independence and enjoy your meals.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Liver Function Test: Liver function tests help your doctor diagnose various liver diseases, including those that may not show symptoms early on, supporting proactive health management.
- Transendoscopic Stent Placement: For seniors experiencing blockages in their digestive tract, a stent, placed during a procedure called transendoscopic stent placement, can help restore normal function and improve quality of life.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Regular colorectal cancer screenings are a vital part of a senior's comprehensive healthcare plan, allowing for early detection and management of potential problems.
- Therapeutic ERCP: Therapeutic ERCP is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to help diagnose and treat blockages in the bile and pancreatic ducts, improving digestive health in seniors.
- Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps find colon polyps or cancer early, when treatment is most effective, giving seniors a better chance at a long and healthy life.
- pH Probe: By measuring the pH of your esophagus, a pH probe helps doctors pinpoint the source of your digestive discomfort and recommend the most effective management strategies.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: As part of your comprehensive health assessment, endoscopic ultrasound offers a non-invasive way to evaluate the health of your liver, gallbladder, and other abdominal organs.
- Bile Duct Procedure: If you're having trouble with your liver or gallbladder, a bile duct procedure may be necessary to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
- Biliary Drainage: For seniors with gallbladder or liver issues, biliary drainage can help manage symptoms like jaundice and pain by restoring normal bile flow.
- Gallbladder Scan: As part of your overall health assessment, a gallbladder scan can reveal if there are any blockages or inflammation in your gallbladder, leading to better care planning.
- Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a vital procedure that helps detect colon polyps and early signs of colon cancer, allowing for timely treatment and improved outcomes.
- Endoscopic Pseudocyst Drainage: Endoscopic pseudocyst drainage is a less invasive alternative to open surgery for seniors, allowing for quicker recovery and reduced risk of complications in managing pancreatic conditions.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.
Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With regular monitoring and medication, a senior felt much less fatigued, allowing them to return to their beloved hobby of painting and spending more time with their family.
- After struggling with a painful intestinal ulcer, a senior couple found significant relief from their symptoms, allowing them to enjoy their cherished weekly dinners out with friends again.
- A senior with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis felt significantly less fatigued after regular check-ups and medication adjustments, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of knitting.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- A gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, is a specialist trained to care for the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of digestive diseases, helping seniors maintain comfort and health.
- Why is a colonoscopy so important for older adults?
- A colonoscopy is crucial for older adults because it's the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, which is more common in seniors. Dr. Navaneethan can find and remove small growths called polyps before they become cancerous, making it a critical proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan?
- Your first visit with Dr. Navaneethan will be a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health. We'll review your symptoms, diet, medications, and health history. This thorough evaluation is the first step toward creating a personalized plan to address your concerns, whether it's for heartburn, a change in bowel habits, or a screening.
- What is the preparation for a colonoscopy like?
- We understand that colonoscopy preparation can be concerning. It involves a specific diet and prescribed liquid solution to thoroughly clean the colon. A clean colon is essential for Dr. Navaneethan to perform a complete and accurate examination, and our practice provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to make the preparation as straightforward as possible.
- How do you manage Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in seniors?
- Managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in older adults requires a careful, personalized approach. Our goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Navaneethan works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when extra fat builds up in your liver. Fortunately, in early stages, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can often help manage or even reverse it. Dr. Navaneethan can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be effectively managed with dietary adjustments and at-home care. For persistent pain, Dr. Navaneethan offers minimally invasive in-office procedures, like banding, which are quick, effective, and require minimal downtime.
- I have constant heartburn. Is it just 'acid reflux' or something more?
- Your concern about constant heartburn is valid. While often related to GERD, it's important to have it evaluated. Dr. Navaneethan can determine the cause and recommend effective treatments, from lifestyle changes to medication, to manage your symptoms and prevent potential long-term damage to the esophagus.
601 E Rollins St
Orlando FL 32803
Phone: (407) 303-9921
Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1225227507
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Udayakumar Navaneethan are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.