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When To See a Gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists are Internists with specific expertise
in the diagnosis and management of diseases of the esophagus, stomach,
intestines, and liver.
You may wish to see a gastroenterologist if you
know that you have a disease involving these organs or
if you have symptoms that may indicate gastrointestinal problems.
Although gastrointestinal conditions can present in many ways,
some of the more common complaints include:
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Loss of appetite |
Diarrhea |
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Weight loss |
Constipation |
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Trouble swallowing |
Rectal Bleeding |
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Heartburn |
Elevated liver tests |
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Abdominal pain |
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What Does a Gastroenterologist Do?
Many problems require that the gastroenterologist do an interview and a physical examination in
order to determine the best course of investigation or treatment.
Upper endoscopy- This test assesses the structure of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Under sedation,
a tube with a video chip in the end is passed via the mouth. The doctor can look directly at the inner surface
of these organs. If needed, biopsies (removal of small amounts of tissue) or polypectomy can be done.
For patients who are bleeding, there are a umber of techniques that the gastroenterologist can use to stop
the bleeding after he has visualized the cause for the bleeding and the location.
Colonoscopy- This test involves passing a tube with a video chip in the end via the rectum throughout the colon.
The inner lining is visualized. Polyps can be removed. Although there are a number of reasons to do this test,
colonoscopy is often done to screen patients for polyps, a potential precursor for cancer.
ERCP- An abbreviation for a test that involves injection of dye into the pancreatic or bile duct. This test is done
to look for gallstones or to assess the pancreas. It is often part of the investigation for jaundice.
Endoscopic ultrasound- A test that allows for the assessment of the depth of tumors in the esophagus and stomach.
Endoscopci ultrasound is also used to assess the bile duct and pancreas.
Liver biopsy- A sample of liver is removed.
Esophageal manometry and pH study- Investigations of the esophagus to assess the function of the muscles involved in
transferring food from the mouth to the stomach. pH monitoring is used to quantify acid reflux.
DHCMI accepts the following
insurances:
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Aetna |
Great Lakes |
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Blue Cross Blue Shield |
HAP |
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BCN |
MCARE |
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Blue Choice |
Medicaid |
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Blue Preferred Plus |
Medicare |
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Cape Health |
Multi Plan |
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Care Choices |
PPOM |
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Chandler Group |
Preferred Choice |
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CIGNA |
Tricare |
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County Health Plan |
United Health Care |
If your insurance is not on the above list, please call us.
We are currently in the process of adding new insurance companies. |
Colonoscopy Preparation: FLEETS Phospho-Soda
Fleets Phosph-soda can be purchased at your pharmacy. A prescription is not required. You will need TWO 1.5 oz
bottles.
--- If you are diabetic or have kidney or heart problems, DO NOT take this medication before speaking to
your doctor ---
The Day Before Your Colonoscopy:
- Drink only clear liquids for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Examples of clear liquids: water, black coffee, tea without milk or powdered creamer, bouillon, clear fruit
juice without pulp, apple juice, clear soda drinks, sport drinks such as Gatorade, Jello, Kool-Aid and Popsicles.
- Do not eat solid food or take dairy products
- 5:00 PM: Add 1 1/2 fl oz of Fleet Phosph-Soda to 4 oz of cool water and drink.
Quickly, drink at least 8 oz of water after taking the Phospho-soda.
Drink at least three 8 oz glasses of water during the next 3 hours.
- If You Have a Morning Procedure:
At 10:00PM take the second bottle of Fleets Phospho-Soda as above. Drink at least 8 oz of fluid after taking the laxative.
- If You Have an Afternoon Procedure:
Instead of taking the dosage at 10 p.m., take Fleet Phospho-Soda eight hours before your appointment time.
Drink an 8 ounce glass of water or clear liquids after the laxative.
The Day of Your Colonoscopy:
- Do not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to your colonoscopy.
You may take your morning medications but only with a small amount of water.
- You must have someone drive you and stay at the hospital during the procedure.
You cannot drive for 12 hours after the procedure.
- Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
- On the day of your colonoscopy, you will be given a consent form to read and sign.
This authorization gives the physician permission to perform the examination and must be
signed before the procedure can be done.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 586-598-5731.
Colonoscopy Preparation: HalfLytely with Bisacodyl Tablets
This bowel preparation kit will be purchased from your pharmacy with a prescription.
The Day Before Your Colonoscopy:
- Drink only clear liquids for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Examples of clear liquids: water, black coffee, tea without milk or powdered creamer, bouillon, clear fruit
juice without pulp, apple juice, clear soda drinks, sport drinks such as Gatorade, Jello, Kool-Aid and Popsicles.
- Follow the directions regarding the HalfLytely Bowel Preparation kit athat are found with the kit.
The Day of Your Colonoscopy:
- Do not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to your colonoscopy. You may take your morning medications
but only with a small amount of water.
- You must have someone drive you and stay at the hospital during the procedure. You cannot drive for 12 hours after the procedure.
- Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
- On the day of your colonoscopy, you will be given a consent form to read and sign. This authorization gives the physician permission to
perform the examination and must be signed before the procedure can be done.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 586-598-5731.
Colonoscopy Preparation
There are two types of colonoscopy preparations.
Please follow the doctor's instructions on which one to use:
If you are unsure which preparation method to use, please call us at 586-598-5731.
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