Symptoms and Disorders We Evaluate and Treat

We provide a comprehensive set of gastroenterological services. Symptoms and disorders that we are able to evaluate and treat include:
 

• Heartburn/GERD

• Difficulty Swallowing

• Abdominal Pain

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Ulcers

• Unexplained Weight Loss

• Crohn’s Disease

• Constipation

• Hemorrhoids

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Celiac Disease

• Cirrhosis of the Liver

• Colitis

• Gallstones

Screenings and Procedures We Perform

Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-releated deaths in America. Reducing the number of deaths from colorectal cancer depends on early detection and treatment. This type of cancer can develop without any symptoms. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended or all adults 45 years of age and older. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer should begin screening procedures at age 40 or before.

The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 45, both men and women should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. The procedure may be performed earlier and more often in people at increased risk, including those with a personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or hereditary syndromes.

Why is this important? Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in our country, and it can be detected early through regular screenings. Regular screenings are recommended universally to start at 45 because the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Although unpleasant, a colonoscopy could save your life.

 

Direct Patient Scheduling for Screening Colonoscopy

Direct Patient Scheduling allows a healthy person, age 45 or older, to schedule an appointment with one of our Registered Nurses for a free pre-procedure screening. This reduces the need and expense of a consultation with the physician or physician assistant for those patients that have had this procedure in the past and/or qualify based on their current health and age status.

 

Direct Patient Scheduling does not substitute for evaluation by our medical providers for patients that are having gastrointestinal symptoms and/or have medical conditions that require consultation. Patients who are having gastrointestinal symptoms and/or have medical conditions should call our office and schedule an appointment for prompt attention with our physician or physician assistant.

 

Can you answer "no" to these questions?

 

• Are you actively taking blood thinners (Anticoagulant/anit-platelet drugs such as Coumadin or Warfarin, Plavix, Lovenox, Pradaxa, Aggrenox, etc.)?

• Do you have any condition affecting your heart, lungs, liver or kidneys that requires active medical treatment, other than mild high blood pressure or high cholesterol?

• Do you take insulin or have diabetes that is difficult to control?

• Do you have a psychiatric condition that is difficult to control?

• Do you have active gastrointestinal symptoms? (including any of the following: rectal bleeding, heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, bowel irregularities, diarrhea or constipation). A formal consultation is recommended for patients with symptoms.

 

If you answered "no" to each of the questions above, call our office and request to participate in our Direct Patient Scheduling program and schedule a visit with one of our Registered Nurses. If you are not sure, ask to speak with the RN to discuss any questions you have.

 

Call today for your appointment: 336-625-0305.

Diagnostic Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a safe and effective procedure in which a colonoscope (a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end) is used to ‘look inside the colon'. A colonoscopy is more precise than an x-ray and very effective in the treatment and diagnosis of problems that may not have been detected in other tests.

Contact us for answers to additional questions about the procedure, and to find out what colorectal screening schedule is appropriate for you.

Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)
Upper GI endoscopy, often referred to as EGD, is a procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat problems of the upper digestive system.  The instrument used is called an endoscope, and it produces a high quality, detailed picture.