Dr. Girish Patel, MD

Dr. Girish Patel, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Girish Patel MD in St. Petersburg, FL. He is deeply dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your gastroenterologist 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 (727) 380-2327 to schedule.

Dr. Girish Patel, MD is a gastroenterologist in St. Petersburg, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Patel has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Bj Medical College in 1986, completing an internship at Bridgeport Hospital - Yale University School Of Medicine, and subsequently undergoing residency training in Gastroenterology at Cleveland Clinic, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Providence Hospital, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with HCA Florida Northside Hospital and HCA Florida Saint Petersburg Hospital. Dr. Patel is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, and offers consultations in Hindi.

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

• Ascites: While ascites itself isn't always preventable, managing risk factors like high blood pressure and liver disease through proactive health choices can significantly reduce your chances of developing it.
• Rectal Prolapse: Managing conditions that increase the risk of rectal prolapse, such as prolonged diarrhea or constipation, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this issue.
• Peptic Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system includes being aware of peptic ulcers, which can be prevented through lifestyle changes and medication if needed, reducing the risk of severe health problems.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Alcoholic cirrhosis is a severe liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and preventing it starts with responsible drinking habits to protect your liver health.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your liver, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent further harm and improve your overall digestive health.
• Cirrhosis: Early detection of cirrhosis through regular blood tests and screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent life-threatening complications.
• Gallstones: Early detection of gallstones is crucial as they can lead to severe pain and even require surgery; proactive lifestyle choices can significantly minimize your risk.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Alcoholic gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like ulcers or bleeding.
• Esophageal Varices: Esophageal varices are abnormal veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause severe bleeding; proactive management of risk factors like alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis significantly lowers your chances of developing them.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Regular screenings and proactive lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing NAFLD, a common liver condition linked to obesity and diabetes, and prevent future health issues.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can signal serious underlying health problems, so early detection through regular checkups with your doctor is crucial for preventing complications.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction, a blockage in your intestines, can be prevented by managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease and diverticulitis and by addressing any dietary factors that might contribute.

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

• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Protecting your gut health, a proctosigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure to screen for colon cancer and other potentially serious conditions in your rectum and lower colon.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.

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. Girish Patel 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:

• By addressing underlying liver health issues and managing blood pressure, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ascites, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their well-being.
• By understanding and managing underlying conditions like chronic diarrhea, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing rectal prolapse, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By understanding their risk factors and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their digestive health, significantly reducing the possibility of developing a peptic ulcer and ensuring a healthier future.

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. Girish Patel:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Patel and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, and perform 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. Patel will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Patel can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Patel can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. In its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing it is important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, and Dr. Patel can help diagnose this issue.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, as it's a more serious condition requiring a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests. However, a positive result on these tests still requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

Girish Patel MD
2112 16th St N
St Petersburg FL 33704
Phone: (727) 380-2327

Dr. Girish Patel, 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): 1508975343

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. Girish Patel 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.