Dr. Joseph Staffetti, MD

Dr. Joseph Staffetti, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Hudson, FL. He is committed 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) 382-5223 to schedule.

Dr. Staffetti is a specialist in Gastroenterology with over 35 years of dedicated experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his training in Gastroenterology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. His extensive experience includes positions at Long Island College Hospital, where he taught Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and served as an Instructor of Medicine at The State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. He also mentored Gastroenterologists in training and in practice, teaching advanced endoscopic procedures. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Staffetti's patient-centered approach, coupled with his deep understanding of the complexities of the digestive system, ensures that all patients receive exceptional care. His practice prioritizes preventive care, ensuring proactive wellness plans and personalized strategies for optimal digestive health. Dr. Staffetti offers consultations in several languages, including German, Italian, and Spanish. Patient care is our #1 priority. Your health and well-being is our primary concern.

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

• Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis effectively through diet and medication prevents further esophageal irritation and reduces the risk of developing more severe problems such as esophageal strictures or Barrett's esophagus.
• Alcoholic Hepatic Failure: Alcoholic hepatic failure is a preventable condition. Making healthy lifestyle choices, including limiting alcohol, can safeguard your liver's long-term health.
• Ileus: Preventing ileus involves proactive measures to avoid potential triggers, including managing opioid use and addressing any underlying digestive problems promptly.
• Ischemic Colitis: By managing conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing ischemic colitis and protect your colon's health.
• Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome: By identifying and addressing potential triggers, such as stress or certain foods, you can actively prevent CVS episodes and improve your quality of life.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively is crucial for preventing dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, both essential for overall digestive health and preventing future problems.
• Dysphagia: Managing dysphagia effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, helps avoid malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Taking steps to prevent or manage GERD, such as dietary changes and medication, can safeguard your digestive system's health and prevent future problems.
• Intestinal Prolapse: Regular exercise and a high-fiber diet can strengthen your abdominal muscles and promote regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of intestinal prolapse.
• Duodenal Cancer: While uncommon, duodenal cancer highlights the importance of overall digestive health maintenance. Regular check-ups and addressing any persistent symptoms promptly may aid in early diagnosis.
• Acute Gastritis: Understanding and managing the risk factors for acute gastritis, like H. pylori infection or excessive alcohol use, can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing this painful condition.
• Ascites: Early detection of ascites is vital because it can indicate serious health problems like liver failure; regular screenings and prompt medical attention can significantly improve your outcomes.

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

• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer in your colon and rectum, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• Biliary Drainage: Regular checks of your biliary system can help detect problems early, such as blockages or inflammation, leading to quicker treatment.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver conditions.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Safe removal of impacted stool helps restore regular bowel movements and improves your overall digestive health.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• 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.

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. Joseph Staffetti 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 adopting a tailored dietary plan and taking prescribed medication, a patient significantly reduced their reflux esophagitis symptoms, lessening the risk of further complications and improving their overall well-being.
• By understanding the risks and making conscious choices about alcohol consumption, a patient proactively reduced their risk of alcoholic hepatic failure, gaining peace of mind about their liver health.
• By proactively managing opioid use and addressing digestive issues, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ileus, gaining valuable peace of mind about their digestive 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. Joseph Staffetti:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Staffetti and our gastroenterology team are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating 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. Staffetti will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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), on the other hand, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without physical inflammation or damage to the intestines.

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 gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is essential 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, but a positive result still necessitates a colonoscopy for thorough evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only cause issues if they block the cystic duct, leading to pain. Dr. Staffetti can help diagnose this.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may indicate a more serious issue like GERD. If you experience this, Dr. Staffetti can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

7515 State Road 52 Ste 105
Hudson FL 34667
Phone: (727) 382-5223

Dr. Joseph Staffetti, 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): 1508852773

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. Joseph Staffetti 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.