Dr. Mihir Patel, MD

Dr. Mihir Patel, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends to 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. Please call (727) 447-3100 to schedule.

Dr. Patel obtained his medical degree from The State University of Gujarat, India, and completed residency in Internal Medicine from The State University of New York at Stonybrook, NY in 2000. He then obtained three years of fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at The University of Texas, Houston and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He has been in private practice since 2003 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His areas of interest include colon cancer screening and liver and biliary tract disease. He is a member of The American Gastroenterology Association, The American College of Gastroenterology, and The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and his approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Mihir Patel provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Preventive strategies focused on managing conditions like pancreatitis, which can increase your risk of developing a pancreatic pseudocyst, can significantly reduce potential harm.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer: Don't wait for symptoms – proactive colon cancer prevention through regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle helps safeguard your digestive system's well-being.
• Cyclical Vomiting: Understanding cyclical vomiting and its triggers allows for proactive management, reducing the frequency and severity of episodes and improving overall well-being.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Managing autoimmune hepatitis is vital for preventing liver cirrhosis and cancer; consistent monitoring and adherence to your healthcare provider's recommendations are vital aspects of preventive care.
• Heartburn: Don't ignore persistent heartburn – it might indicate a larger digestive issue. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent long-term damage to your digestive tract.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease or H. pylori infection is crucial in preventing intestinal ulcers and ensuring a healthy digestive system.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Protecting your digestive system from intestinal obstruction involves promptly addressing symptoms like persistent constipation and abdominal pain, ensuring early intervention and preventing severe health consequences.
• Ileus: Managing underlying conditions like abdominal surgery or certain medications can help prevent the occurrence of ileus and its associated discomfort.
• Bowel Strangulation: Managing chronic conditions and risk factors, such as adhesions from previous surgeries, can significantly reduce your chances of developing bowel strangulation.
• Stomach Stenosis: Managing conditions that may lead to stomach scarring or inflammation, such as ulcers or infections, can help prevent the narrowing of the stomach passage, known as stomach stenosis.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Managing ulcerative colitis effectively involves proactive steps to reduce inflammation and prevent potentially life-threatening complications like toxic megacolon.

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

• Endoscopy: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Protecting your liver and gallbladder, a bile duct procedure allows for the early detection and treatment of gallstones or other issues impacting bile flow.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): To proactively safeguard your liver and pancreas, an ERCP can help diagnose and treat issues within your bile ducts and pancreatic duct system, preventing more significant health problems down the line.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.

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. Mihir 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 following a proactive health plan, guided by a gastroenterologist, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a pancreatic pseudocyst, fostering peace of mind and a more confident future.
• By following a personalized plan for healthy eating and exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gallstones, gaining valuable peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By adhering to a personalized screening schedule and adopting a healthy diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of colon cancer, fostering a sense of peace and well-being.

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. Mihir Patel:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Patel and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We also perform preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, to help maintain your digestive health.

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.

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, like the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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 or difficulty swallowing.

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. Patel 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. While 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 development of colorectal cancer.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning, but modern solutions are much gentler than before. A clean colon is essential for a thorough examination, and identifying and removing polyps early. This one-day prep is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

3901 66th St N Ste 201
Saint Petersburg FL 33709
Phone: (727) 447-3100

Dr. Mihir 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): 1730152018

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. Mihir 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.