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:

	Loss of appetite	Diarrhea
	Weight loss	Constipation
	Trouble swallowing	Rectal Bleeding
	Heartburn	Elevated liver tests
	Abdominal pain

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:

	Aetna	Great Lakes
	Blue Cross Blue Shield	HAP
	BCN	MCARE
	Blue Choice	Medicaid
	Blue Preferred Plus	Medicare
	Cape Health	Multi Plan
	Care Choices	PPOM
	Chandler Group	Preferred Choice
	CIGNA	Tricare
	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.

Please print and fill-out the Record Release Form attached.

Preparation for an Upper Endoscopy

On the day before your test you may eat your regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Starting at midnight the night before your test, do not eat or drink anything.

The following morning you make take your morning medications but only with a sip of water (e.g., heart, blood pressure, stomach, thyroid, and seizure medications).

On the day of the exam:

• Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home


• You must have someone drive you and stay at the hospital during the procedure. You cannot drive for 12 hours after this procedure. If you do not have someone to drive you home after the procedure, the EGD will not be done.


• You will be given a consent form to read and sign. This gives the physician permission to perform this examination. This form must be signed before the procedure can be done.

If you have any questions please call 586-598-5731.