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| Esophagus |
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What is
esophagitis?
Esophagitis is
inflammation of the esophagus (swallowing tube) which causes heartburn, painful
swallowing and sometimes vomiting. It is often caused by the acid that is naturally
in your stomach refluxing up into the esophagus. Please click here for more information. |
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What is Barrett's
esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus
occurs when normal esophagus cells are replaced by intestinal cells. A common cause
for Barrett's esophagus is longstanding acid reflux. This is a condition that will
require lifelong medication and surveillance by upper endoscopy because the
intestinal cells in the esophagus have a risk of turning into cancer. Please
click here for more information. |
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What is candida
esophagitis?
Candida esophagitis is a common yeast infection that may
occur spontaneously, be associated with diabetes, or a decreased immune system. It is
often easily treated with antifungal drugs. |
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What is a Schatzki's
ring?
A Schatzki"s ring is a thin
benign ring of tissue that may grow in the esophagus and cause difficulty
swallowing, most commonly with breads, rice, meats, and pasta. It is treated by
performing an upper endoscopy and breaking the ring with biopsy forceps and/or
stretching the esophagus. |
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What
is GERD?
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease or commonly referred to as acid
reflux. GERD affects about 15 million people each year in the United States. GERD
occurs when a backflow of stomach acid makes its way into the esophagus, causing
irritation and sometimes damage to the lining of the esophagus. GERD usually causes a
burning sensation that rises from the stomach into the chest, often worse after eating
or when lying down. It may also present as a sour, bitter taste, difficulty swallowing,
hoarseness or persistent cough. Please click here for more information. |
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| Stomach |
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What is gastritis?
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach that may cause abdominal
pain, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. It is most commonly caused by medications, alcohol,
and H. pylori infection. For more information please click here.
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What is H. pylori
infection?
Helicobacter pylori is a common
bacterium that infects the stomach. It is spread by consuming contaminated food or
water. Most individuals have no symptoms, but it can cause inflammation of the stomach and
small intestine that may lead to ulcers and even cancer. Symptoms may include abdominal
discomfort, heartburn, nausea and vomiting. Helicobacter pylori is easily treated with
antibiotics. Please click here for more information. |
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What is an
ulcer?
An ulcer is a breakdown of the lining of
the stomach or small intestine that forms a sore that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,
and even bleeding. Ulcers are most commonly caused by medications or H. pylori infection.
Please click here for more information. |
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What is a hiatal
hernia?
A hiatal hernia is when the upper part of
the stomach slips up into the chest through the diaphragm. It may cause acid to come up into
the esophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn. Symptoms are usually treated with
medications, but rarely may require surgery. Please click here for more information. |
| Colon and
small intestine |
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What is a colon
polyp?
Colon polyps are growths that occur in the
gastrointestinal tract, but most commonly in the colon. The risk for acquiring polyps is being
older than 50, having a personal history or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer. It is
important to have all polyps removed early, before they have a chance to turn into cancer.
Please click here for more information. |
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What is an adenomatous colon
polyp?
An adenomatous colon polyp is a type of
polyp that has a risk of turning into caner over time. Please click here for more information. |
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What is a hyperplastic colon
polyp?
A hyperplastic colon polyp is a type of
polyp that does not have a risk of turning into cancer. Please click here for more information. |
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What is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis refers to pouches that
form commonly in the colon walls. Diverticulosis is common in individuals over 50. Diverticulosis alone
has not symptoms. Please click here for more details. |
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What is
diverticulitis?
Diveticulitis is when the
diverticulum, pouches that form in the colon wall, becomes infected. Individuals may experience
abdominal pain, fevers, diarrhea, and bleeding. Please click here for more details. |
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What is microscopic colitis/lymphocytic
colitis/collagenous colitis?
The microscopic
colitis is a term that includes both lymphocytic and collagenous colitis. It will often cause
watery diarrhea. The colon appears normal during colonoscopy. However, biopsies of the colon lining
will reveal inflammation when looked at under a microscope. Please click here for more information. |
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What is ulcerative
colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease which causes
the lining of the colon to become inflamed. Individuals will often suffer from bloody diarrhea, mucous
discharge, and abdominal pain. Symptoms can be mild to severe. Treatment requires daily medications,
but sometimes will require hospitalization and ultimately surgery. Please click here for more information. Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
http://www.ccfa.org/ |
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What is Crohn's
disease?
Crohn's disease is a form of
inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to
anus. Individuals will often experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and weight loss. There is
a wide range of medications used to treat Crohn's disease and sometimes surgery is required.
Please click here for more information. Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
http://www.ccfa.org/ |
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What is celiac
disease?
Celiac disease is inflammation of the small bowel caused by dietary
gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barely, rye, and related grains. Individuals will often
experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, and weight loss. Treatment is to avoid
dietary gluten. Please click here for more information.
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What is irritable bowel
syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic condition of the digestive system. IBS
causes abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and alternating bowel habits (diarrhea/constipation).
The cause of IBS is unknown but there are many theories and it is an area of extensive
research. In recent years have we have seen significant progress in the treatment and
management of IBS. Please click here for more information.
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| Anus |
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What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are a swelling of veins under the skin of the anus or lower rectum. Hemorrhoids are
commonly asymptomatic and most patients are unaware that they have them. However hemorrhoids can
flare and cause itching, bleeding or leakage of feces. They mar or may not be associated with
pain. The most common cause of hemorrhoids are straining, chronic constipation/diarrhea,
pregnancy, age, and sitting for prolonged periods of time. Please click here for more information. |
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What is and anal
fissure?
Is a tear in the lining of the anus
which often presents with bleeding and a ripping sensation during a bowel movement. Anal
fissures are commonly trauma associated with the passage of a large stool or explosive
diarrhea. Please click here for more information.
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| Pancreas |
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What is pancreatitis?
It is inflammation of the pancreas which causes severe sudden onset of abdominal pain which is
often associated with nausea and vomiting. It is most commonly caused by gallstones or
alcohol consumption. However, there are multiple other causes which include: medications,
trauma, surgical procedures, infection, and hereditary conditions. Please click here for more information.
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What is chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis occurs when inflammation of the pancreas persists over time and causes
permanent damage. It is often associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea, malabsorption, and
can even lead to diabetes. Please click here for more information.
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| Billing |
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Which health insurance plans do you accept? We accept all
major insurance carries. Please click here for a list of accepted
insurance carriers.
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How much will my office visit and/or procedure
cost?
Visit Billing Page
All insurance plans are different and therefore patient
responsibilities vary. Some insurance carries require you to pay a copay which will be due at
the time of your visit. Other insurance carries require coinsurance which requires you to pay
a percentage of the total cost of your care. If a procedure is scheduled you will meet with
our pre-certifier who will review the estimated cost of your responsibilities. We under stand
you have many financial obligations and we will make every effort to work with you to ensure you
get the healthcare you need. Your health and wellbeing is our priority. If you have any
questions please feel free to call our office and speak with our billing department.
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