Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake, MD

Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at Access Health Care in Weeki Wachee, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical care. Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. He is currently welcoming new adult patients (18 years and older) to begin their proactive health journey, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (352) 632-6344.

Dr. Ekanayake, with over 25 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his practice. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and earned his medical degree from the University of Colombo in 1995. His extensive training, including a residency at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, coupled with his extensive experience in the care of clinic and hospital patients, as well as managing emergency room patients, positions him as a trusted and skilled healthcare provider. Dr. Ekanayake specializes in a broad range of internal medicine conditions, including but not limited to alcoholism, arthritis, asthma, and more. He is a firm believer in prompt quality care with a personal touch, ensuring his office is well-staffed with friendly, bi-lingual individuals who understand the importance of comfort and care during each visit. He is fluent in Sinhala and also offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Preventing intestinal diverticulitis involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber to support regular bowel movements and reduce pressure on the intestinal walls.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can sneak up on you, leading to fatigue and impacting your overall health; maintaining adequate fluid intake is a key part of preventive care.
• Acute Bronchitis: Managing acute bronchitis effectively through early intervention and appropriate treatment minimizes the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life, emphasizing the value of preventive care.
• Mild Asthma: Managing your mild asthma effectively through preventive measures, such as medication and avoiding triggers, significantly reduces your chances of developing more severe respiratory issues.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT) means a gradual decline in your overall health, often indicated by unintentional weight loss or weakness, and early detection through regular check-ups can help prevent serious complications.
• Diabetes: Early detection of diabetes through regular screenings is crucial to prevent long-term complications like heart disease and kidney failure.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Managing an acute upper respiratory infection effectively minimizes your chances of developing secondary bacterial infections, demonstrating the value of seeking prompt medical care and preventive strategies.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain, if persistent, could signal an underlying health issue, making early evaluation crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good bladder habits are key preventive measures to minimize your risk of UTIs.
• Pharyngitis: Preventing the spread of pharyngitis through good handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals safeguards community well-being.
• Cluster Headache: Understanding your risk factors for cluster headaches allows for proactive measures, potentially reducing the number and intensity of future episodes.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Regular check-ups and monitoring for risk factors like obesity and chronic respiratory illness help prevent asphyxia and hypoxemia by allowing for early intervention and management.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Taking proactive steps with incision and drainage helps clear infections, preventing further complications and promoting faster healing.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Lung Spirometry: Proactive lung health starts with spirometry – this test evaluates your lung capacity and identifies potential lung diseases early on, giving you a head start on effective treatment.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Empower yourself to breathe easier and live longer by receiving expert guidance and support to quit smoking.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Adult Patient's life:

• By following a high-fiber diet and regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing intestinal diverticulitis, gaining confidence in their long-term health.
• By consistently monitoring their fluid intake and adjusting their habits, a patient proactively managed their hydration needs, preventing fatigue and maintaining a healthy energy level throughout the day. This proactive approach instilled a sense of well-being and control over their health.
• By recognizing early symptoms and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing chronic bronchitis, gaining peace of mind about their respiratory health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Internal Medicine care with Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Ekanayake, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Ekanayake excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing your overall well-being. His expertise ensures comprehensive and coordinated care for your complex needs.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Ekanayake's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle recommendations to promote healthy aging. We work in partnership to minimize health risks and empower patients to make informed decisions about their well-being.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Ekanayake can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver problems.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Ekanayake's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key assessments include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. We strive to provide comprehensive care to support healthy aging.

Does Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Ekanayake's practice coordinates care with a dedicated hospitalist team. This ensures seamless transition of care upon admission and discharge, prioritizing continuity and comprehensive patient management during a hospital stay.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Ekanayake will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lungs, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Access Health Care
10045 Cortez Blvd Ste 110
Weeki Wachee FL 34613
Phone: (352) 632-6344

Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake, 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): 1013073188

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Dhammika Ekanayake are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.