Dr. James Johnson Jr, MD

Dr. James Johnson Jr, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at our Lakeland, FL clinic. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. 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 patients should call (863) 688-5846 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. James Johnson Jr, MD is a gastroenterologist in Lakeland, FL and has over 70 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Virginia / Main Campus in 1954 and earned his medical degree from the same institution. With over 70 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. James Jr provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Viral Hepatitis: Managing viral hepatitis effectively, including adhering to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes, helps prevent the progression to chronic liver disease.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Managing gas and bloating effectively is key to maintaining overall digestive health and preventing the development of more severe gastrointestinal conditions.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation in your digestive tract, and early detection through regular checkups can help manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and making lifestyle changes to protect your digestive health.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can lead to intestinal obstruction, such as tumors or hernias, is crucial for preventing surgical intervention and preserving digestive health.
• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications like bleeding, pain, and the need for more complex treatments.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and avoiding excessive alcohol can significantly reduce your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and support overall digestive health.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding diverticulosis: these small pouches in your intestines may not cause issues, but a fiber-rich diet and regular checkups can prevent problems later.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Preventing long-term health issues from esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm involves recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice, as timely treatment minimizes the risk of severe complications such as difficulty swallowing or food aspiration.
• Dysphagia: Managing dysphagia effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, helps avoid malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: A benign digestive system neoplasm is a non-cancerous growth that, while usually harmless, requires monitoring to prevent potential complications or future transformation into cancer.
• Gastric Ulcer: Early treatment of a gastric ulcer prevents complications like bleeding, perforation, and the need for more extensive medical intervention.

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. James Jr 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Bile Duct Procedure: This procedure helps ensure the smooth flow of bile, preventing complications like jaundice or pancreatitis by addressing potential blockages or inflammation.
• High Resolution Esophageal Manometry: High-resolution esophageal manometry is a test that helps your doctor understand how well your esophagus moves food down to your stomach, allowing for early detection of issues and preventing future problems.
• Sphincterotomy: A sphincterotomy is a procedure that can help relieve blockage or improve the flow of fluids in your digestive system, preventing future complications.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your health, a proctosigmoidoscopy helps identify polyps or other irregularities in your lower digestive tract, preventing potential issues before they become major problems.

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. James Jr 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 diligently following a personalized plan, including medication adherence and healthy lifestyle choices, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing chronic liver disease related to viral hepatitis, gaining valuable peace of mind.
• By understanding their digestive health triggers and following a tailored plan, a patient effectively managed gas and bloating, leading to improved comfort and a greater sense of well-being.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient was able to identify potential issues early, significantly reducing the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in managing their 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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. James Jr:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. James Jr. and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists trained to care for the health of your entire digestive system, from the esophagus to the colon and including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and performing 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. James Jr. 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. James Jr. can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

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

IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, IBS is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating, but without visible inflammation or damage to the digestive tract.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. James Jr. 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 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, which Dr. James Jr. can help diagnose.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. Some types can, over time, develop into cancer. A colonoscopy is a vital screening tool to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

600 W Peachtree St
Lakeland FL 33815
Phone: (863) 688-5846

Dr. James Johnson Jr, 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): 1144399676

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. James Jr 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.