Please schedule a consultation to learn more about Dr. Vinod Thakkar's compassionate approach to senior healthcare.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Vinod Thakkar is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Thakkar is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. He expertly manages a wide range of digestive conditions, from colon cancer to liver issues, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure optimal health outcomes. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment that maximizes comfort, independence, and quality of life for seniors in his care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Vinod Thakkar can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Curative
Golden Rule
HealthSmart
Humana
POMCO Group
Universal American
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- AvMed
- Blue Card
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- ChoiceCare Network
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna PPO
- Group Plan
- Group Plan PPO
- Health Net
- Healthfirst
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Navigate
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Neighborhood Health Partnership
- Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options
- Options PPO
- Select
- Select HMO
- Tricare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Vinod Thakkar 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:
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat builds up in the liver, often linked to factors like being overweight or having diabetes, and can be managed with lifestyle changes to improve liver health and overall well-being.
- Liver Diseases and Disorders: Liver diseases encompass a range of conditions affecting this vital organ, and managing them often involves lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring to maintain overall health and well-being.
- Cirrhosis: Living with cirrhosis means your liver is scarred and less effective, but a personalized treatment plan can help you manage symptoms, maintain your well-being, and enjoy your life to the fullest.
- Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: For seniors, noninfectious inflammation of the digestive tract (gastroenteritis and colitis) might cause diarrhea and abdominal pain; focusing on symptom relief, such as adequate hydration, can aid a speedy recovery and prevent complications.
- Cholangitis: Cholangitis involves inflammation of the bile ducts, which can lead to discomfort and other health issues; with proper diagnosis and treatment, this condition can be managed to maintain your overall well-being.
- Stomach and Small Intestine Cancer: Cancers affecting the stomach or small intestine can cause various digestive issues, but with proper medical care including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, many seniors can manage their symptoms and maintain their independence.
- Constipation: Constipation is when bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass, causing discomfort and impacting your daily life.
- Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers: Distal gastrointestinal tract cancers, such as colon or rectal cancer, are cancers affecting the lower part of your digestive system, and early detection through regular screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
- Heartburn: Heartburn, a common discomfort, can be managed with lifestyle changes like eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating your head while sleeping, improving your comfort and sleep quality.
- Viral Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis affects the liver, and although it can cause symptoms like fatigue and jaundice, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications, allowing seniors to remain active and independent.
- Colon Cancer: For seniors, managing colon cancer often involves a team approach with doctors, nurses, and support groups to ensure they receive the best care possible while maintaining their comfort and dignity.
- Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, leading to discomfort, but with the right diet and medication, you can manage your symptoms and enjoy meals more comfortably.
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. Vinod Thakkar offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To manage symptoms like bleeding or changes in bowel habits, your doctor might recommend rigid proctosigmoidoscopy to pinpoint the cause and guide the most effective treatment plan.
- Gallbladder Scan: To manage your digestive symptoms, a gallbladder scan can provide valuable information for your doctor to determine whether your gallbladder is the source of your discomfort.
- Manometry: To better understand and manage conditions like GERD or difficulty swallowing, your doctor may recommend manometry, a procedure that assesses the muscle function in your digestive tract.
- Bile Duct Procedure: A bile duct procedure helps ensure comprehensive care for seniors by addressing issues affecting bile flow and preventing complications.
- Gastrointestinal Procedure: Gastrointestinal procedures offer a way to examine the inside of your digestive organs, aiding early detection of concerns such as ulcers or tumors, and guiding appropriate treatment decisions.
- Sigmoidoscopy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a sigmoidoscopy offers a safe and effective way to screen for colon cancer and other conditions affecting the lower colon, allowing for early intervention.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove small growths (polyps) from the duodenum, helping prevent potential complications and ensuring overall digestive health.
- Screening Colonoscopy: Regular colonoscopies are a critical part of managing your colorectal health as you age, ensuring early detection and treatment of potential problems.
- pH Probe: To create a comprehensive care plan for your digestive health, a pH probe provides valuable data on the acid levels in your esophagus.
- Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your regular health check-ups, a proctosigmoidoscopy can help your doctor assess the lower part of your large intestine, allowing for early diagnosis and management of potential problems.
- Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): A PEG tube is a surgically placed feeding tube that helps seniors who have difficulty swallowing get the nutrition they need.
- Capsule Endoscopy: Capsule endoscopy provides doctors with detailed images of the small intestine, allowing for a more precise diagnosis and better management of various digestive disorders in elderly patients.
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. Vinod Thakkar 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:
- Following a tailored plan, a senior felt a noticeable reduction in fatigue and experienced a renewed energy that allowed them to enjoy their daily walks and gardening again.
- With careful guidance on lifestyle adjustments and medication, a senior couple found renewed energy and confidence in managing their liver condition, allowing them to resume their beloved weekly ballroom dancing.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior with cirrhosis experienced fewer digestive issues and regained the energy to enjoy her beloved vegetable garden, a cherished pastime.
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)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Vinod Thakkar:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- A gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, is a specialist who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They help seniors maintain digestive health and comfort.
- 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, a common concern in this age group. Dr. Thakkar can use this procedure to find and remove small growths called polyps before they become cancerous, ensuring long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Vinod Thakkar?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Thakkar 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 drinking a prescribed liquid solution to thoroughly clean the colon. A clean colon is essential for Dr. Thakkar to perform a complete and accurate examination. Our practice provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to help make the preparation as straightforward as possible.
- 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. In early stages, it can often be managed or even reversed with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Dr. Thakkar can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, damaging the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes similar digestive symptoms without the autoimmune response or intestinal damage. A proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is essential to determine the best treatment approach.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- While IBS can cause significant discomfort with symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramping, it's not a serious disease that damages the intestine or increases cancer risk. Dr. Thakkar can help identify triggers and create a management plan, including dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly medication, to greatly reduce symptoms.
- How do you manage Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in seniors?
- Managing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in older adults requires a careful, personalized approach. The goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while carefully considering other health conditions. Dr. Thakkar works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
Thakkar Patel & Avalos MDS LC
1009 Sebring Pkwy
Sebring FL 33870
Phone: (863) 250-0711
Dr. Vinod Thakkar, 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): 1497717185
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. Vinod Thakkar 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.