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Gastroenterology

Everyone has digestive problems from time to time—an upset stomach, gas, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. Many problems may be uncomfortable or embarrassing, but they are not serious and don’t last long. Others can be controlled with simple changes in your diet. But sometimes even common symptoms can be signs of a more serious problem.

We provide a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services. From inflammatory bowel and Crohn’s to ulcerative colitis, frequent heartburn, and more, we have the experience and skill to diagnose and treat your condition so you can live life to the fullest.

Colon cancer screening can save your life

Colon cancer is silent and often has no symptoms. The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers is to get screened, and a colonoscopy is still considered the gold standard. Our gastroenterologists use state-of-the-art technology and are experts in both performing the procedure and interpreting the results.

If you’re 45 years or older, you should be screened. If your family has a history of colorectal cancer, you should consider screening earlier. Talk with your doctor to discuss your personal risk.

CRC screening options:

Colonoscopy (visual exam)

How does it work?

Uses a scope to look for and remove abnormal growths in the colon/rectum

Who is it for?

Adults at high or average risk

How often?

Every 10 years

Noninvasive?

No

Prep required?

Yes, full bowel prep including fasting and laxatives

Time it takes?

1-2 days for bowel prep and procedure

Covered?

Covered by most insurers

After a positive result?

Polyps removed and examined

All positive results on non-colonoscopy screening tests should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.
FIT does not require changes to diet or medication. FOBT may require changes to diet or medication.
Insurance coverage may vary. Ask your insurance provider if your policy covers colorectal cancer screening.
For adults at high risk, testing may be more frequent and should be discussed with your primary care doctor.

Stool DNA test (Cologuard)

How does it work?

Finds abnormal DNA and blood in the stool sample

Who is it for?

Adults 45+ at average risk

How often?

Every 3 years

Noninvasive?

Yes, used at home

Prep required?

No

Time it takes?

The time it takes to collect a sample

Covered?

Covered by most insurers

After a positive result?

Follow-up colonoscopy

All positive results on non-colonoscopy screening tests should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.
FIT does not require changes to diet or medication. FOBT may require changes to diet or medication.
Insurance coverage may vary. Ask your insurance provider if your policy covers colorectal cancer screening.
For adults at high risk, testing may be more frequent and should be discussed with your primary care doctor.

FIT/FOBT (Fecal immunochemical test/fecal occult blood test)

How does it work?

Detects blood in the stool sample

Who is it for?

Adults at average risk

How often?

Once a year

Noninvasive?

Yes, used at home

Prep required?

No/Yes

Time it takes?

The time it takes to collect a sample

Covered?

Covered by most insurers

After a positive result?

Follow-up colonoscopy

All positive results on non-colonoscopy screening tests should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.
FIT does not require changes to diet or medication. FOBT may require changes to diet or medication.
Insurance coverage may vary. Ask your insurance provider if your policy covers colorectal cancer screening.
For adults at high risk, testing may be more frequent and should be discussed with your primary care doctor.

Pediatric gastroenterology services

Digestive health is essential to a child’s growth and development. Children can face a wide range of problems with digestive organs, such as the stomach, liver and intestines. Parents can be confused and troubled when a simple tummy ache seems to be a symptom of a larger problem.

A pediatric gastroenterology specialist attends to the specific needs of a child’s delicate digestive system and may also treat digestive disorders that result from other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis.

Make a gastroenterology appointment

To make an appointment, find a gastroenterologist or pediatric gastroenterologist, call 888.396.3729.