Harshinie Amaratunge, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Houston, TX. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive Internal Medicine care to adults, registered with The Texas Medical Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). Dr. Amaratunge is an internist, meaning she is an adult primary care doctor providing comprehensive preventive care, managing common and complex chronic conditions, diagnosing diverse illnesses, and coordinating specialist care. She serves patients 18 years and older, and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (713) 795-4444 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Amaratunge, an internist in Houston, TX, has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Esophageal Disorders. She is affiliated with CHI Saint Luke's Health Baylor College of Medicine ME and Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Amaratunge earned her degree from University of Texas Medical Branch and pursued fellowship training in Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas. She is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Amaratunge provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Amaratunge is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Amaratunge provides comprehensive internal medicine care, focusing on building strong relationships with her patients. She meticulously assesses each individual's health history and needs, offering preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialist referrals as necessary. Her patient-centered approach prioritizes clear communication and shared decision-making to create a personalized plan that addresses the whole person's well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Amaratunge can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Houston Area HMO-Standard
- Humana
- Humana Health Plan of Texas
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Amaratunge offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Pharyngitis: A persistent or severe sore throat (pharyngitis) should be evaluated by an internist to rule out more serious conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.
- Cancer: Internists help manage cancer by coordinating care with oncologists, monitoring side effects of treatment, and providing overall health management for those undergoing cancer treatment.
- Pancreatitis: If you experience severe abdominal pain potentially indicating pancreatitis, your internist is the right doctor to seek help from for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of this condition.
- Ulcer: If you have an ulcer, an internist can accurately determine its type and severity, providing a personalized treatment plan to promote healing.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, means you're struggling to get enough air, and an internist can help determine the cause and recommend treatment.
- Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of your stomach lining, and an internist can help diagnose the cause and recommend treatment to relieve your symptoms.
- Mild Asthma: If you have mild asthma, meaning you have symptoms some of the time but not constantly, an internist can create a plan to control your symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
- Hemorrhoids: Your internist can diagnose and manage hemorrhoids, helping you find relief from symptoms and prevent complications through medication, procedures, or lifestyle adjustments.
- Throat Pain: An internist can assess your throat pain, considering factors like its severity, duration, and other symptoms, to develop a personalized care plan.
- Hemochromatosis: Your internist can diagnose and treat hemochromatosis, a condition causing iron overload that can harm your liver, heart, and other organs if left unchecked.
- Constipation: Constipation, characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, is a condition an internist can diagnose and treat, often through lifestyle modifications or medication.
- Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Infectious diarrhea involves intestinal infection causing loose stools and potentially other symptoms. An internist will diagnose the type of infection and provide appropriate treatment to resolve the problem.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Amaratunge offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Chronic Care Management: If you have a chronic illness, chronic care management provides ongoing support and care to help you better manage your condition and avoid health crises.
- Colon Cancer Screening: Getting screened for colon cancer helps doctors detect and remove polyps before they turn cancerous.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To assess your heart health, your doctor may use an EKG to detect problems like heart rhythm disturbances, previous heart attacks, or underlying heart conditions.
- Hepatitis B Virus Screening: Hepatitis B screening involves a blood draw to detect the presence of the virus, helping your doctor assess your liver health.
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening: A Hepatitis C virus screening is a blood test used to diagnose the presence of the Hepatitis C virus in your body.
- Hepatitis Screening: During a hepatitis screening, your doctor will order a blood test to look for antibodies or antigens indicating an infection.
- Liver Function Test: This simple blood test helps diagnose liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
- VAP Lipid Testing: VAP Lipid Testing is a simple blood draw that provides valuable information about your heart health and helps guide treatment decisions.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Amaratunge is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an internist, a patient experienced significant relief from their persistent sore throat, enabling them to return to their normal daily activities.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their cancer, maintaining a good quality of life with the support of their internal medicine physician. Their internist helped coordinate care and provided ongoing support, ensuring the patient felt empowered and well-informed throughout the process.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from their internist, a patient successfully managed their pancreatitis, experiencing significant relief from pain and improved quality of life.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
4100 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX, 77098
Phone: (713) 795-4444
View on Map - Practice
6620 Main St Ste 1500, Houston, TX, 77030
Phone: (713) 795-4444
View on Map
- Baylor College Of Medicine Houston, Texas (Fellowship Hospital)
- University of Texas Medical Branch (Medical School)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Internal Medicine care with Dr. Amaratunge:
- What is the difference between an Internal Medicine doctor and a Family Medicine doctor?
- Internal Medicine physicians, or Internists, specialize in adult healthcare (typically age 18 and older). They have extensive training in diagnosing and managing complex adult illnesses and chronic conditions. Family Medicine physicians, on the other hand, provide care for patients of all ages, including children.
- I have multiple chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. Is an Internist a good choice for me?
- Yes. Managing multiple chronic conditions is a core strength of Internal Medicine. Dr. Amaratunge is an expert in understanding how different adult diseases interact and can coordinate all aspects of care, including medications and specialist visits, to create a cohesive health plan.
- Since you don't treat children, will I need to find a new doctor when I get older?
- No. Internal medicine covers the entire adult lifespan, from young adulthood to senior years. Many internists have expertise in geriatrics, making them well-suited for the health needs of older adults.
- Do you only treat sick patients, or do you also focus on preventive care?
- Dr. Amaratunge's practice emphasizes adult wellness and disease prevention, including annual physicals, managing risk factors, and recommended screenings for various conditions like cancer and osteoporosis.
- What kind of adult immunizations do you provide?
- Dr. Amaratunge provides common adult vaccines, including the annual flu shot, tetanus boosters (Tdap), shingles (Shingrix), and pneumonia (Prevnar/Pneumovax) vaccines. She will review your immunization history and recommend vaccinations based on your age, health status, and CDC guidelines.
- Can you help me manage my medications?
- Yes. Medication management is a critical part of internal medicine, especially for patients with multiple conditions. Dr. Amaratunge will review all of your prescriptions (even those from specialists) to check for interactions, ensure proper dosing, and simplify your regimen whenever possible.
- How do you coordinate care with my other doctors, like my cardiologist or surgeon?
- Dr. Amaratunge serves as the central coordinator for your care, managing referrals to specialists like your cardiologist or surgeon. We review all reports and ensure that all treatments and medications are compatible and safe. We're committed to keeping all your doctors informed and working together effectively.
- I have a set of confusing symptoms that other doctors haven't been able to diagnose. Can an Internist help?
- Yes, an internist can be very helpful. Internists are highly trained in diagnosing complex medical conditions, often acting as "medical detectives." Dr. Amaratunge is skilled at evaluating unusual or vague symptoms to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
4100 S Shepherd Dr
Houston TX 77098
Phone: (713) 795-4444
Harshinie Amaratunge, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1265696504
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Harshinie Amaratunge are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.