Gastroenterology

Welcome to Gastroenterology. It is our hope that your visits to our office will be efficient, comfortable and, most importantly, will provide a satisfactory outcome to your medical problem. We are constantly striving to maintain the highest standard of medical care. We appreciate receiving any comments you might have regarding your visit to our office.

Appointments

Whenever possible, appointments are scheduled in advance. If an emergency or urgent situation arises, every effort will be made to evaluate the problem in the office or at the hospital. If it is necessary to cancel or change an appointment, please notify the office as early as possible.   

Prescriptions

Please call the office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for prescription refills. Calls should be made at least a week before your supply is gone. Please provide the pharmacy name, phone number, prescription number, drug name and dosage, and how often you take it. Please note that we do not refill routine prescriptions in the evening or on weekends.

The First Visit

The initial visit begins with a comprehensive review of your medical history. It is important to accurately complete the detailed questionnaire that is mailed prior to the appointment so our physicians will have needed information regarding your medical history. Testing may be recommended after the physician reviews your history and completes a physical examination. Endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach (upper endoscopy) or large intestine (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) may be scheduled. These outpatient procedures are performed at  GHS Greer Medical Campus, Endoscopy Center, Patewood Medical Campus and Cross Creek Outpatient Surgical Center. Information regarding the procedures and the preparation instructions will be explained at the time of visit by the procedure schedulers. At the completion of the visit, the physician will discuss the possible problems or diagnosis and recommend additional studies and/or outline a treatment program. Educational material and dietary information are provided to reinforce the discussion and help in treatment.

Other Tests

In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is often necessary to perform additional tests. Labs, x-rays and ultrasounds are performed in the office. When necessary, other studies are done at a private radiology office.

Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy has revolutionized diagnosis by providing a sensitive and simple (non-invasive) means of examining the inside of the small intestine.  Capsule Endoscopy is a procedure that utilizes a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of your digestive tract.  The camera is small enough to fit inside a vitamin sized capsule that is swallowed. As the capsule travels through your digestive tract, the camera takes thousands of pictures that are transmitted to a recorder worn on a belt around your waist.  

Open Access Colonoscopy

Open Access Colonoscopy is a colorectal cancer screening program offered to healthy patients with no significant medical problems. The program allows patients to be scheduled for a screening colonoscopy without a physician consultation. A Nurse Practitioner contacts patients via the telephone to review their medical history to ensure it is safe to proceed with the procedure without a preliminary physician evaluation.   

Primary Care Physician

Since our role is to provide specialized care in gastroenterology, you should communicate with your primary care doctor for all other medical problems. If you need regular treatment by a gastroenterologist, we will continue to manage the gastroenterology problem with your physician's approval. We will provide your primary doctor regular detailed reports to insure the best care and communication.