The 20 Best Swallowing Difficulty Doctors Near Me in Santa Maria, CA

Find the Top Swallowing Difficulty Experts and Specialists

Last Updated: 09/26/2026

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MediFind found 36 doctor with experience in Swallowing Difficulty near Santa Maria, CA. Of these, 27 are Experienced, 7 are Advanced and 2 are Distinguished.

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36 providers found
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Referral may be required

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Atul Vachhani is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Vachhani is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 53 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gardner Syndrome, Turcot Syndrome, Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Vachhani is board certified in Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology). Dr. Vachhani is currently accepting new patients.

    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Referral may be required

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Keval Shah is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Shah is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 49 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Indigestion, Gastric Dysmotility, Childhood Volvulus, Endoscopy, and Thrombectomy. Dr. Shah is board certified in American Os Bd Internal Medicine and American Os Bd Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterlogy). Dr. Shah is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Peter Alan Krause Medical Corp

    2151 S College Dr, Ste 203, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (2.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Peter Krause is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Krause is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His clinical expertise encompasses Hepatic Cystic Hamartoma, Caroli Disease, Osteoporosis, and Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. Dr. Krause is currently accepting new patients.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Haverty Vanterpool & Allen Medical Group

    2342 Professional Pkwy, Ste 260, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (2.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Michael Haverty is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Haverty is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Chronic Cough, and Ventricular Fibrillation. Dr. Haverty is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Haverty is currently accepting new patients.

    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Referral may be required

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Sukhpreet Walia is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Walia is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 58 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gastric Dysmotility, Gardner Syndrome, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Walia is board certified in Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology). Dr. Walia is currently accepting new patients.

    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Referral may be required

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Hindi, Punjabi
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Paramjit Benipal is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Benipal is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 43 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Colonic Malakoplakia, Gardner Syndrome, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Benipal is board certified in Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology). Dr. Benipal is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    Albert W. Hawkins, MD Private Practice

    1300 E Cypress St, Ste G1, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Albert Hawkins is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Hawkins is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 30 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Autosomal Dominant Partial Epilepsy with Auditory Features, Visceromegaly, Hepatitis C, and Memory Loss. Dr. Hawkins is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Hawkins is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Referral may be required

    Surgical Oncology - Dignity Health - Santa Maria, CA

    1325 E Church St, Suite 202, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Constantine Melitas is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Melitas is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Jaundice, Bile Duct Obstruction, Cholangitis, Acute Pancreatitis, and Endoscopy. Dr. Melitas is board certified in Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology) and Internal Medicine. Dr. Melitas is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Okerblom, Voegele, And Hole MD

    915 E Stowell Rd, Ste C, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Robert Okerblom is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Okerblom is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses CAPOS Syndrome, Cryptococcosis, Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, and Xanthoma. Dr. Okerblom is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Okerblom is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    CCFC - Chapel Office

    915 E Stowell Rd, Ste B, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Experience:
    47+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    John Okerblom is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. He has been practicing medicine for over 47 years. Dr. Okerblom is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and High Cholesterol. Dr. Okerblom is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Okerblom is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Okerblom, Voegele, And Hole MD

    915 E Stowell Rd, Ste C, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Donald Hole is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Hole is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Cirrhosis, and Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia. Dr. Hole is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Hole is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    CCFC - Chapel Office

    915 E Stowell Rd, Ste B, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Melinda Jezierski is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Jezierski is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. She is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and High Cholesterol. Dr. Jezierski is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Jezierski is currently accepting new patients.

    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Referral may be required

    Marian Regional Medical Center

    1400 E Church St, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Vance Rodgers is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Rodgers is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hemorrhagic Proctocolitis, Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    CCFM - Palisades

    220 S Palisade Dr, Ste 104B, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Brian Desmond is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Desmond is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses High Cholesterol, Sitosterolemia, Hyperlipidemia Type 3, and Chronic Cough. Dr. Desmond is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Desmond is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    CHC-Santa Maria-Palisade Primary Care

    1510 E. Main St, Ste 104B, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Victor Guerrero is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Guerrero is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Hypertension, and Familial Hypertension.

    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Referral may be required

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Igor Nastaskin is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Nastaskin is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 38 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Turcot Syndrome, Gardner Syndrome, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Nastaskin is board certified in Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology). Dr. Nastaskin is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    Primary Care - Dignity Health - Santa Maria, CA

    5075 S Bradley Rd, Suite 131, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (6.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Gujarati , Hindi
    Accepting New Patients

    Rashiklal Patel is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Patel is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hypertensive Heart Disease, Enlarged Liver, Pediatric Myocarditis, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Dr. Patel is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Patel is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Arlene C Gonzales M D Inc

    722 E Chapel St, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (0.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Arlene Gonzales is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Gonzales is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), and Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Pacific Central Coast Health Centers

    117 W Bunny Ave, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (0.7 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Mary Brown is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Brown is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her clinical expertise encompasses Gastric Dysmotility, Swallowing Difficulty, Painful Swallowing, and Hypertension.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    Michael Kazak MD Inc.

    1040 W Main St, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (0.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Michael Kazak is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Kazak is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Memory Loss, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, and Enlarged Liver.

    Showing 1-20 of 36

    Last Updated: 09/26/2026

    What is the definition of Swallowing Difficulty?

    Difficulty with swallowing is the feeling that food or liquid is stuck in the throat or at any point before the food enters the stomach. This problem is also called dysphagia.

    When should I see a Swallowing Difficulty doctor near Santa Maria, CA?

    There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

    • Your primary care provider recommends it. 
    • Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 
    • Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 
    • You need specialized testing or procedures. 
    • You want a second opinion.  

    What should I consider when choosing a Swallowing Difficulty doctor near Santa Maria, CA?

    It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

    How does MediFind rank Swallowing Difficulty doctors near Santa Maria, CA?

    MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

    What types of insurance are accepted by Swallowing Difficulty doctors near Santa Maria, CA?

    Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

    How can I book an appointment online with a Swallowing Difficulty doctor near Santa Maria, CA?

    MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Swallowing Difficulty doctor search results page. 

    Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Swallowing Difficulty doctor?

    Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

    How can I prepare for my appointment with a Swallowing Difficulty doctor near Santa Maria, CA?

    Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

    • Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 
    • Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 
    • Family history of disease 
    • List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 
    • Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  
    • List of questions and concerns 
    • Your insurance card 

    You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

    What questions should I ask my Swallowing Difficulty doctor?

    Here are some sample questions: 

    • Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 
    • What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 
    • What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 
    • Are there other specialists I need to see? 
    • What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

    How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Swallowing Difficulty doctor may know about?

    MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

    MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

    Can I filter my search to show male or female Swallowing Difficulty doctors near Santa Maria, CA?

    Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Swallowing Difficulty doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

    Can I filter my search to find a Swallowing Difficulty doctor that offers video calls?

    Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Swallowing Difficulty doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

    Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

    By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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