Prahba Thomas, APRN

Prahba Thomas, APRN is a Gastroenterology Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) practicing at AdventHealth Medical Group Interventional Endoscopy at Orlando in Orlando, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is 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. She serves all ages.

Dr. Prahba APRN's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. While currently not accepting new patients, she is committed to the well-being of her existing patients. If you are interested in future openings, please call (407) 303-2570 to inquire about waitlists. Prahba Thomas, APRN is a gastroenterology specialist in Orlando, FL. She is not accepting new patients. Dr. Prahba APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chagas' Disease: Preventing Chagas disease complications starts with early detection through regular checkups, especially if you've lived in or traveled to areas where the disease is common.
• Infantile Diarrhea: Preventing prolonged infantile diarrhea is key to ensuring your baby's healthy growth and development; prompt diagnosis and treatment minimizes potential long-term consequences.
• Benign Diseases of the Liver: While often manageable, benign liver diseases emphasize the importance of proactive health screenings and lifestyle choices to prevent future liver complications.
• Biliary Atresia: Biliary atresia, a blockage in the bile ducts, can cause liver damage if left untreated. Regular check-ups and newborn screenings aid in early detection, allowing for timely treatment to prevent severe health issues.
• Liver Injuries: Early detection of liver problems, often through routine blood tests, is crucial for preventing serious liver injuries and ensuring timely treatment.
• Acid Reflux: Don't ignore frequent heartburn; addressing acid reflux early can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Colonic Volvulus: Understanding your risk factors for colonic volvulus, such as chronic constipation or previous abdominal surgeries, is key to proactive management and preventing this serious digestive issue.

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

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: By taking an oral glucose tolerance test, you're taking a proactive step towards preventing long-term health issues, as it helps in the early detection of diabetes, a condition that can impact your digestive system, including your liver and pancreas.
• 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.
• Removal or Destruction of Rectal or Intestinal Tumor (incl. Colonoscopy, Proctosigmoidoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy and Control of Hemorrhage): Taking charge of your gut health: This procedure helps detect and remove precancerous polyps or cancerous tumors in your rectum or intestines, preventing them from developing into serious problems.
• Gastrointestinal Procedure: A gastrointestinal procedure involves a visual examination of your digestive tract, helping your doctor assess your overall digestive health and potentially prevent future complications.
• Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication: As part of your commitment to digestive health, consider Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, a procedure that repairs the valve between your stomach and esophagus, reducing the risk of acid reflux and other related problems.
• Enteral Access and Management: Securing optimal enteral access and management is a smart preventative step, improving your body's absorption of vital nutrients and medicines, potentially preventing serious complications down the line.
• Bile Duct Procedure: For a healthier digestive system, a bile duct procedure facilitates the timely identification and treatment of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

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. Prahba APRN 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 proactive health plan, including regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of Chagas disease complications, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• A family proactively addressed potential infantile diarrhea risks through regular checkups and dietary guidance, ensuring a healthy start for their baby and minimizing the possibility of long-term issues. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to confidently navigate their child's early development.
• By proactively scheduling regular liver screenings and adopting a healthy diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future liver complications, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Prahba APRN:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is 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, such as colonoscopies, and provide comprehensive care for 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. Prahba APRN will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 condition like GERD. Dr. Prahba APRN 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 disease.

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, as it involves an immune response. A proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is essential before starting a gluten-free diet.

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 causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern, but modern preparations are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, ensuring early detection and removal of polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies to control inflammation, combined with nutritional guidance and regular monitoring, are key to preventing flare-ups and improving quality of life.

AdventHealth Medical Group Interventional Endoscopy at Orlando
601 E Rollins St
Orlando FL 32803
Phone: (407) 303-2570

Prahba Thomas, APRN 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): 1437631777

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. Prahba APRN 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.