Dr. Wallace Combs II, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Palm Coast, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). A gastroenterologist provides specialized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions common 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. Dr. Combs II is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (386) 610-2129 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Wallace Combs II, MD is a gastroenterologist in Palm Coast, FL, with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. With a deep understanding of pancreatic disease and a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Wright State University, Main Campus in 1988, completed an internship at University South Fla, and then pursued residency and fellowship training in Gastroenterology at University South Fla, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Older adults (65 and over). He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with AdventHealth Palm Coast. He is accepting new patients and offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Wallace Combs II is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Wallace Combs II is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive gastroenterological care with a compassionate touch. He expertly manages complex digestive conditions, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a coordinated and personalized approach. His focus extends beyond treatment to understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment that promotes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Wallace Combs II can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Wallace Combs II 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:
- Cholangitis: Cholangitis is an infection of the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from your liver to your intestines, and prompt treatment with antibiotics can often help manage the infection and prevent serious complications.
- Liver Abscess: A liver abscess is a serious but treatable infection within the liver that often involves pain and discomfort. Treatment with antibiotics and perhaps a drainage procedure can help you feel better and maintain independence.
- Hemorrhoids: Experiencing pain, itching, or bleeding during bowel movements might indicate hemorrhoids, a common condition affecting the rectum and anus, easily treated to prevent complications and improve your well-being.
- Intestinal Diverticulitis: When tiny pockets in your colon become infected, it's called diverticulitis; proper management, often with medication and dietary adjustments, can help improve comfort and maintain your daily activities.
- Vitamin B Complex Deficiency: If you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or digestive issues, it might be due to a lack of B vitamins, a common problem easily addressed with a simple blood test and tailored plan to ensure you get the vitamins you need.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: If you're diagnosed with NAFLD, it simply means there's excess fat in your liver, not caused by alcohol, and with proper care including dietary adjustments and regular checkups, you can help prevent or reduce serious complications, improving your quality of life.
- Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis often involves lifestyle changes like diet adjustments and medication to reduce stomach acid, improving your comfort and daily life.
- Gastritis: If you're struggling with stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, it's possible you have gastritis. Working with your doctor to manage this inflammation can significantly improve your overall comfort and quality of life.
- Gastric Ulcer: Experiencing stomach pain or discomfort? It could be a gastric ulcer, a manageable condition with the right treatment plan involving medication and lifestyle modifications to help improve your comfort and quality of life.
- Duodenitis: Duodenitis is an inflammation of the duodenum, the first part of your small intestine, that can cause discomfort but is often manageable with lifestyle changes and medication, improving your digestive health and overall well-being.
- Esophageal Varices: If you have liver disease, you may develop esophageal varices, which are enlarged veins in your esophagus that may bleed. Fortunately, there are ways to monitor and treat them, helping you and your caregivers manage this condition and maintain a comfortable life.
- Diverticulitis: Experiencing abdominal pain and changes in your bowel movements? Diverticulitis, an inflammation of pouches in your colon, may be the cause; thankfully, treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and support your quality of life.
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. Wallace Combs II offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Duodenal Polypectomy: This procedure helps diagnose and manage duodenal polyps, which might otherwise lead to bleeding or other digestive problems, improving your overall well-being.
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: Instrumental diagnostic evaluation for dysphagia uses special tests to pinpoint the cause of swallowing difficulties, helping seniors receive targeted treatment and improve their quality of life.
- Screening Colonoscopy: Regular colonoscopies are a critical part of managing your colorectal health as you age, ensuring early detection and treatment of potential problems.
- Proctosigmoidoscopy: This examination allows your doctor to visually inspect the rectum and lower colon for inflammation, bleeding, or growths, making it an important tool for maintaining your digestive system health and well-being.
- pH Probe: This small device measures the acidity in your stomach, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive issues like heartburn and GERD.
- Laparoscopic Removal of Stones from Biliary Tract: This procedure helps remove gallstones from the bile ducts using small incisions, reducing the risk of serious complications associated with gallstones in seniors.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: For seniors, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is a vital screening tool that helps identify and address potential problems in the lower part of the large intestine before they become serious health concerns, ensuring better management of your health.
- Endoscopy: To monitor your liver health and detect any issues, endoscopy may be used to obtain a tissue sample for analysis.
- Pancreas Surgeries: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, pancreas surgeries can help diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer, improving chances of successful long-term management of the disease.
- Liver Biopsy: This procedure aids in monitoring the effectiveness of your liver treatment and allows your doctor to track any changes in liver health over time.
- Bile Duct Procedure: For seniors experiencing digestive problems, a bile duct procedure can be a crucial step in creating a personalized treatment plan.
- Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy helps find and remove polyps or other abnormalities in the large intestine, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
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. Wallace Combs II 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:
- After careful treatment for cholangitis, a senior couple regained their zest for life, enjoying evening strolls and social gatherings with family, free from the discomfort of recurring symptoms.
- After treatment for a liver abscess, a senior couple felt much more secure in their home, able to enjoy their daily walks without the constant discomfort.
- Following a consultation with a gastroenterologist, a senior citizen experienced a significant reduction in the pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of gardening without interruption.
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. Wallace Combs II:
- 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 conditions, helping seniors maintain their 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 common in seniors. Dr. Combs II can find and remove small growths called polyps during the procedure, preventing them from developing into cancer. This is a proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Wallace Combs II?
- Your first visit with Dr. Combs will be a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health. We will 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 are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue, but many cases can be managed effectively with dietary changes and at-home care. For persistent problems, Dr. Wallace Combs II offers minimally invasive, in-office procedures such as banding, which are quick, effective, and require little recovery time.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- While Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause significant discomfort with symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramping, it is not a serious disease that damages the intestine or increases the risk of cancer. Dr. Wallace Combs II can help identify triggers and develop a management plan to significantly reduce your symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication.
- 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. We focus on controlling inflammation, managing symptoms, and maintaining nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Combs works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
- What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune response to gluten, damaging the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes similar digestive symptoms but without the autoimmune attack or intestinal damage. A gastroenterologist can accurately diagnose the condition to determine the best management plan.
- I have constant heartburn. Is it just 'acid reflux' or something more?
- We understand your concern about persistent heartburn. While often related to GERD, it's important to have Dr. Combs II evaluate the cause. He can determine the best course of treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or other options to effectively manage symptoms and prevent potential long-term issues.
120 Pinnacles Dr Ste 1
Palm Coast FL 32164
Phone: (386) 610-2129
Dr. Wallace Combs II, 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): 1437257532
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. Wallace Combs II 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.