Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the study of the normal function and diseases of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. It involves a detailed understanding of the gastrointestinal organs including the movement of material through the stomach and intestine, the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, removal of waste from the system, and the function of the liver as a digestive organ.
A Gastroenterologist is a physician that specializes in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Gastroenterologists receive dedicated training in endoscopy, including upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Endoscopy is the use of narrow, flexible lighted tubes with built-in video cameras, to visualize the inside of the intestinal tract to identify, diagnose, and treat diseases.
These diseases include:
- Celiac Disease
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Colitis
- Colon Cancer Screening
- Constipation
- Crohn's Disease
- Diverticulitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Irritable Bowel
- Liver Disease
- Pancreatic Disorders
- Ulcerative Colitis
Colon Cancer Screening
A Colon Cancer Screening is recommended for those who:
- Are 45 years of age or older
- Have personal/family history of colon cancer
- Notice symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, persistent abdominal discomfort, a feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely, weakness or fatigue, and/or unexplained weight loss
Open Access Screening
Open Access Screenings allow the patient or referring physician to schedule a screening colonoscopy without a prior full gastrointestinal specialty consultation with one of our providers. Open Access is appropriate for healthy patients who need a routine screening colonoscopy and who have no serious medical conditions.
Your primary care provider will decide if you are healthy enough to have a colonoscopy performed without a consultative visit in advance. You will be contacted by a member of our nursing staff, a history and physical form will be completed over the telephone, and you will be scheduled for your procedure. You will not need to come in for an office visit prior to your procedure if you fall within our guidelines. You will meet the provider the day of your procedure, which eliminates two visits to our office.
If you are interested in Open Access Screening, please talk to your primary care physician to determine if you qualify.
Forms
Medical History and Physical Form
Colonoscopy Prep - Miralax/Dulcolax
Directions
WellSpan Gastroenterology is located at 90 Medical Park Drive in Lewisburg, PA.
WellSpan Surgical Specialists is located directly behind WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital at 210 JPM Road in Lewisburg, PA.
- Call us: 570-524-2722
- Info Request Form