Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla, MD

About Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla, MD

Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla, MD is a Gastroenterology physician dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at Gastroenterology Associates of Ocala in Ocala, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Rumalla, a board-certified gastroenterology physician with 50 years of experience, understands the complexities of digestive health. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and Florida Hospital Ocala, and founded Gastroenterology Associates in Ocala in 1978 to serve the people of Marion County. He earned his medical degree from Kakatiya Medical College and completed residency and fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Cumberland Hospital, further specializing in the care of all ages. He is currently welcoming new patients, and they can call (772) 217-4498 to schedule an appointment.

I provide comprehensive medical care for patients with disorders of the digestive system, encompassing the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. My approach to care is rooted in evidence-based medicine, emphasizing patient education and collaborative decision-making to create a supportive and reassuring environment. I am committed to understanding each patient's unique needs and concerns, tailoring my care to promote optimal health and well-being. Dr. Rumalla is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He offers consultations in Persian, in addition to English.

Gastroenterological Conditions Addressed

Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla addresses a wide range of Gastroenterological health concerns, including:

• Non-Neonatal Jaundice: Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes that appears in people beyond infancy, often caused by liver or bile duct issues.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: EoE is an allergic reaction in the esophagus leading to inflammation and symptoms like difficulty swallowing.
• Ascites: With ascites, fluid collects in the abdominal cavity, often leading to a swollen belly.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus causes inflammation, a condition known as reflux esophagitis.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: An acute lower respiratory infection is a sudden illness affecting the lower airways of the lungs.
• Colorectal Polyp: Colorectal polyps are growths on the inner lining of the large intestine; most are harmless, but some can turn into cancer.
• Cachexia: Cachexia is a condition characterized by loss of muscle and body fat due to an underlying illness.
• Crohn: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the digestive tract.
• Hiatal Hernia with Obstruction: Your stomach is pushing up into your chest cavity through an opening in your diaphragm, leading to an obstruction.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a chronic condition where the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctions, leading to frequent acid reflux.
• Ileus: Ileus is a blockage in your intestines that prevents food and stool from moving through normally.
• Peptic Ulcer: Peptic ulcers are treated with medications to reduce stomach acid and kill bacteria like H. pylori if present.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Gastroenterology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Gastroenterological Services Provided

Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Sigmoidoscopy: Sigmoidoscopy allows doctors to visualize the lower part of your large intestine (sigmoid colon) to detect abnormalities like polyps or inflammation.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This service screens for hepatitis C virus infection.
• Biliary Drainage: If your bile ducts are blocked, biliary drainage can restore normal bile flow.
• pH Probe: This thin, flexible tube with a sensor at the end measures acid levels to detect issues like reflux.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: During a duodenal polypectomy, a small growth (polyp) in your duodenum is surgically removed.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): During an ERCP, a doctor uses a scope to view the bile and pancreatic ducts, allowing for the removal of gallstones or placement of stents.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for adults starting at age 45, or earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: During a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a doctor uses a lighted, flexible scope to visualize the sigmoid colon and rectum, checking for abnormalities.
• Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy allows doctors to visually inspect your colon for abnormalities like polyps, inflammation, or cancer.
• Gallbladder Scan: This gallbladder scan helps your doctor evaluate your gallbladder's health.
• Ultrasound: This ultrasound service uses sound waves to create images of your digestive organs.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Through colon cancer screenings, doctors can identify and treat colon polyps or cancer at its early stages.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Gastroenterology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterologies in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla:

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the health of the digestive system, encompassing the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A gastroenterologist diagnoses, treats, and prevents a wide range of digestive diseases.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla?

Your first visit with Dr. Rumalla will involve a detailed review of your digestive health symptoms and medical history, a physical examination, and a discussion of potential diagnostic tests or treatment plans. Please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking and any relevant prior test results to help us provide the best possible care.

Does Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla accept my insurance?

Dr. Rumalla's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly to verify your insurance coverage before your appointment.

What should I do if I suspect I have gallstones?

If you suspect gallstones, especially with severe abdominal pain, please contact our office to schedule an evaluation. A provider can use diagnostic tools like an ultrasound to confirm the presence of gallstones and discuss appropriate management options, which may include monitoring or surgical referral.

Does Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla manage conditions of the pancreas, like pancreatitis?

Yes, Dr. Rumalla is experienced in diagnosing and managing pancreatic conditions, including pancreatitis. He investigates causes, manages symptoms of acute or chronic pancreatitis, and monitors for potential complications.

What treatments does Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla offer for acid reflux and GERD?

Dr. Rumalla offers a comprehensive approach to GERD management, encompassing lifestyle and dietary modifications, medication options, and diagnostic testing like upper endoscopy or pH monitoring to precisely tailor treatment plans.

How does Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla diagnose and manage Celiac Disease?

Dr. Rumalla diagnoses celiac disease through blood tests, followed by an upper endoscopy with biopsy for confirmation. Management focuses on educating patients about the gluten-free diet and ensuring strict adherence to prevent further complications.

Does Dr. Prabhakar Rumalla treat liver conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease?

Dr. Rumalla is experienced in treating liver conditions like hepatitis and fatty liver disease. He utilizes a comprehensive approach, including blood tests, imaging, and potentially liver biopsy, to accurately diagnose and develop personalized treatment plans to maintain optimal liver health.