Dr. Francisco Bautista, MD

Dr. Francisco Bautista, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist at his clinic in Lakeland, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (863) 619-5999 to schedule.

Dr. Francisco Bautista, MD is a gastroenterologist in Lakeland, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena Escuela De Medicina in 1982, followed by an internship at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in 1985. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in 1989, deepening his expertise in this critical area of patient health. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings over four decades of dedicated experience to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Bautista is fluent in Italian and also offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Francisco Bautista 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. Francisco Bautista 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. Francisco Bautista 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:

• Abdominal Pain: Even seemingly minor abdominal pain warrants attention as it can signal digestive problems that are better addressed early to prevent long-term health issues.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a serious liver disease that can often be prevented by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and managing underlying conditions like viral hepatitis.
• Constipation: Preventing constipation is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding more serious complications down the line.
• Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of underlying digestive issues, so seeking medical attention early helps prevent serious complications and ensures timely treatment.
• Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia is a preventable condition that can lead to serious cardiovascular problems; taking steps to manage it now protects not only your heart but also contributes to the overall wellness of your digestive system.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Protecting your digestive system starts with understanding GERD: early detection and management can help avoid long-term health issues.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Early detection and management of intestinal diverticulosis are key to preventing painful complications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient fiber intake, can significantly reduce your risk.
• Malnutrition: Addressing malnutrition early on can help your body better absorb nutrients, reducing your risk of digestive problems and boosting your immune response.
• Nausea: Preventative strategies for digestive health include recognizing that recurrent nausea can signal a serious condition and seeking timely medical evaluation.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: NAFLD, a buildup of fat in your liver not caused by alcohol, can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes, preventing progression to more serious liver diseases and improving long-term health.
• Vomiting Disorders: Managing vomiting effectively prevents further damage to your esophagus and stomach lining, promoting better overall digestive health.

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. Francisco Bautista offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Ensure the health of your lower digestive tract with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This screening procedure helps find and remove precancerous polyps, lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Protecting your future health starts with a screening colonoscopy, a simple yet powerful tool for early detection of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.

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 Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Francisco Bautista 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 Patient's life:

• Recognizing the importance of early intervention, a patient proactively addressed persistent abdominal pain, reducing the risk of developing more serious digestive issues and gaining peace of mind.
• By understanding their risk factors and diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing cirrhosis, ensuring a healthier future. This peace of mind allowed them to focus on enjoying life's activities with confidence.
• By understanding their individual digestive needs and adopting simple dietary changes, a patient successfully prevented constipation, improving their overall well-being and reducing future digestive discomfort.

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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Francisco Bautista:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Bautista is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in preventive screenings like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Bautista will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy preparation can be concerning, but modern prep solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination and the removal of any polyps. This one-day preparation is a small investment for long-term peace of mind.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, and it takes thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should prompt a visit. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Bautista can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), in contrast, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

3655 Innovation Dr
Lakeland FL 33812
Phone: (863) 619-5999

Dr. Francisco Bautista, 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): 1356468698

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. Gastroenterology like Dr. Francisco Bautista 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 gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.