Stephani Carver, APRN

Stephani Carver, APRN is a Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner practicing at HCA Florida Ocala Primary Care, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 732-5365 to schedule.

Dr. Stephani APRN, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), brings a wealth of experience to her practice. A Florida native, she has called Ocala home since 1994, and has been a dedicated healthcare professional since 2002. Her background includes experience in Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Emergency, Intermediate Care, and Ophthalmology Surgical Care, along with a rich history of patient care progression from medical records to registered nurse and now nurse practitioner. Dr. Stephani APRN's commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at South University and her undergraduate studies, Associate Degree in Nursing, at College of Central Florida. Dr. Stephani APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Appendiceal Tumor: Although rare, appendiceal tumors can be prevented or managed effectively with timely detection and appropriate treatments based on a healthcare professional's assessment.
• Ileitis: Ileitis, or inflammation of the ileum (the last part of your small intestine), can be managed through early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent more serious complications.
• Pancreatic Islet Cell Cancer: While rare, pancreatic islet cell cancer can be managed more effectively with early detection through screening and medical checkups, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially preventing serious complications.
• Colon Ulcer: A colon ulcer is a sore on the lining of your large intestine, and while many heal on their own, early detection through regular colonoscopies can help prevent serious complications.
• Food Intolerances: Food intolerances, if left unaddressed, can lead to chronic digestive problems; proactive identification and dietary changes are key to preventive care.
• Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer, Familial: Familial nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) significantly increases your risk of colon cancer, so regular screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention of life-threatening complications.
• Motility Disorders: Motility disorders can disrupt your digestion, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Routine checkups and attention to symptoms are crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.

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

• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: As a preventive measure, a colonoscopy with polypectomy helps detect and remove polyps, which can potentially become cancerous, ensuring the ongoing health of your digestive system.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test can help detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially serious conditions like colorectal cancer.
• Enteral Stenting: If you experience symptoms like difficulty swallowing or persistent digestive issues, enteral stenting can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause, improving your long-term digestive health.
• Intragastric Integrated Dual Balloon System Insertion: For a more complete understanding of your digestive system's health, this minimally invasive procedure employs a dual balloon system to improve visualization and screening for issues within your stomach and intestines.
• Endoscopic Billiary Stone Removal: As a proactive step in maintaining a healthy liver and gallbladder, endoscopic biliary stone removal prevents painful blockages and potential long-term complications.
• Foreign Body Removal: Protecting your digestive health starts with addressing foreign body ingestion; this procedure quickly removes swallowed items, avoiding potential blockages and future health issues.
• Infrared Coagulation (IRC) Hemorrhoid Removal: As a proactive step in managing hemorrhoidal disease, infrared coagulation offers a non-surgical treatment option to alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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. Stephani 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 guided by a healthcare professional, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing an appendiceal tumor, ensuring peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By understanding their risk factors and making dietary adjustments, a patient successfully managed their ileitis, preventing more serious complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• By diligently following a proactive screening plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of pancreatic islet cell cancer, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health future.

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. Stephani 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. Stephani APRN 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. Stephani APRN can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to help prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine. A small pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. This allows us to see areas not easily reached with traditional scopes.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern. However, modern prep solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

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

IBD, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage within the digestive tract. In contrast, IBS is a functional disorder, meaning there's no visible inflammation or damage, but rather symptoms like cramping and bloating. Our team is here to help you understand the differences and receive the appropriate care.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

HCA Florida Ocala Primary Care -2415 17th St.
2415 SE 17th St
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 732-5365

Stephani Carver, 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): 1083207211

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. Stephani 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.