General Practitioners

• Medical Weight Loss
  Crohn’s Disease can affect the colon as well as the small intestine. It is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea and/or constipation, fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
• Primary Care
  Before your exam, a licensed CRNA will sedate you. During a flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy exam, your doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) into your rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and most of the sigmoid colon, about the last two feet of the large intestine. If necessary, tissue samples can be taken through the scope during a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam. A flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy test does not allow the physician to see the entire colon. This means that any cancers or polyps farther into the colon cannot be detected with flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy alone. After the procedure, the physician will meet with you and discuss the findings, and you’ll receive a copy of the operative report at the time of your discharge. If any biopsies are taken during the procedure, you will be notified of the results within seven to ten days, and a copy of the report will be forwarded to your primary care physician. After your sigmoidoscopy, you will receive discharge instructions.
• Colonoscopy
  As part of this screening attempt we offer a procedure called a Screening Colonoscopy. This procedure is used for patients who may not be experiencing any symptoms and differs from a diagnostic colonoscopy procedure. This test is used when you have a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of adenomatous polyps, colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease. A screening colonoscopy allows the gastroenterologist to look inside the entire large intestine to detect inflamed tissue, abnormal growth, and ulcers. This procedure also allows the doctor to biopsy tissue if needed and to remove polyps. A screening colonoscopy is the best way to diagnose serious issues or complications.
• Constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth Testing is a simple, non-invasive, gastrointestinal test that detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. It is often referred to as BOSI or SIBO. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that often underlies chronic gastrointestinal symptoms of maldigestion and malabsorption. This includes bloating, gas, diarrhea, irregularity, and abdominal pain. Conditions that can lead to overgrowth of bacteria can include Crohn’s Disease, adhesions, radiation damage, Lymphoma, Diabetes and Scleroderma, immunodeficiency such as AIDs or Immunoglobulin Deficiency, and IBS. Excess bacteria may use up all the nutrients needed by your body and could cause you to become malnourished. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder. The Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth test can help identify the actual cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Diarrhea

Gynecologists

• Pregnancy
• Labor and Delivery

Internists

• Internal Medicine
• Gastroenterology
  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a test that uses a dye to highlight the drainage ducts in the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. This test is oftentimes done to find the reason for chronic abdominal pain or jaundice and also to detect diseases of the liver, pancreas and bile ducts. At Blair Gastroenterology Associates, we specialize in diseases and disorders of the digestive system. If you need to speak to one of our experienced physicians about this test, be sure to contact us at your earliest convenience.
• Colon Cancer
  At the Blair Gastro Colon Cancer Screening Center our providers will perform a thorough risk assessment including a review of your family, social and personal history to determine which screening test is appropriate. Genetic counseling and testing are offered if needed. You will then be given a choice of screening options. Your risk of colon cancer will influence the choice of screening tests. Our providers will be asking questions such as...
• Endoscopy
  Since this test is done during an upper endoscopy, the usual preparations for an endoscopy are followed. Before the procedure, you will be asked to not eat or drink for at least 6 hours, to ensure your stomach is empty. You will also need to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications in the days prior to your procedure. Blood thinners may increase your risk of bleeding during an endoscopy. After your procedure, although you may feel mentally alert, your memory and reaction times and judgment may sometimes be impaired. Because of this, you will need someone to drive you home. You will be instructed to rest at home after your procedure and return to work or school the following day. If the CLO test does indicate the presence of the H. Pylori bacteria, your doctor will discuss treatment options, which often times includes medicines such as antibiotics and proton pump inhibiters. Because of the seriousness of these bacteria, it is extremely important to take all prescribed medicines and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Radiologist

• Ultrasound
  Gallbladder polyps are lesions or growths that form in the lining of the gallbladder. Most people who have gallbladder polyps are symptom free. The polyps are usually discovered with an ultrasound examination of the abdomen for other reasons. Most polyps are benign and it isn’t necessary to remove them.
• X-Rays
• Chemotherapy
  The treatment for colon cancer can vary, depending on the stage of the cancer and personal characteristics. The three treatment courses typically used are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms call Blair Gastroenterology Associates today at 814-946-5469 to schedule an appointment for a complete evaluation with one of our qualified physicians.

Dermatologists

• Ulcer
  If you have an ulcer caused by the H. Pylori bacteria, you may feel a dull or burning pain in your abdomen, usually when you have an empty stomach.
• Lesions
• Rashes