Affordable Board-Certified Gastroenterologist in Lake Success, NY

At Digestive Disease Care in Lake Success NY, our team of highly skilled and board-certified gastroenterologists specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the digestive system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and the biliary system which encompasses the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.

We also offer a range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for detecting and removing precancerous growths in the colon, thereby playing a crucial role in cancer prevention. Our comprehensive diagnostic capabilities include blood tests, stool tests, and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, allowing us to evaluate and visually inspect the inside of the GI tract, perform tissue biopsy, remove polyps, dilate strictures, and treat other conditions.

We believe in taking a holistic approach to healthcare. Our gastroenterologists are dedicated to recommending lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help manage digestive disorders, and in cases of more severe, chronic, or complex conditions, they may prescribe medication or even recommend surgery. Our team works closely with dieticians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive and long-term care to our patients.

Our diagnostic process begins with a detailed conversation to understand your symptoms and medical history, which can offer important insights into potential digestive system problems. We may also conduct routine laboratory tests to detect signs of infection, inflammation, anemia, or other digestive disorders.

Our board-certified gastroenterologists are adept at using a variety of endoscopic techniques to thoroughly evaluate your digestive system. These minimally invasive procedures, such as Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy, allow us to directly visualize the interior of the digestive tract, identifying abnormalities like polyps, ulcers, or tumors.

In addition to these, we offer less invasive procedures like flexible sigmoidoscopy, utilized for screening colorectal cancer. Our team may also recommend imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to gain detailed images of the abdomen, helping to identify potential issues like tumors, blockages, or inflammation.

Our practitioners also utilize innovative diagnostic techniques like capsule endoscopy, wherein you swallow a small capsule with a camera that captures thousands of images of your digestive system. We also perform biopsies to determine the presence of conditions like cancer or celiac disease. Other diagnostic procedures we offer include barium swallow and endoscopic ultrasound.

We also have the capability to diagnose certain digestive problems through breath tests which can detect conditions like lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms related to your digestive system, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. With the help of these advanced diagnostic procedures, our gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions like ulcers, acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer, offering you the best possible care for your digestive health.

We are a leading gastroenterological practice dedicated to recognizing the signs of gastroenterological concerns and addressing potential health issues before they escalate.

Common Warning Signs:

• Persistent Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: While occasional stomach pains are normal, chronic or severe pain that persists for more than a few days could signal serious conditions like gallstones, ulcers, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• Changes in Bowel Habits: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even colon cancer can be indicated by symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in the color or consistency of your stool.

• Heartburn or Acid Reflux: Persistent heartburn or acid reflux, especially when over-the-counter treatments fail to provide relief, could suggest GERD. If not treated, GERD can lead to severe complications like inflammation, bleeding, or even esophageal cancer.

• Difficulty Swallowing: If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort when swallowing or feel like food or liquid is getting stuck in your throat, this could be symptomatic of several gastrointestinal disorders, including esophageal stricture, or could even signal esophageal cancer.

• Unexplained Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss without changes to your diet or exercise regimen could be a symptom of a serious digestive disorder.

If you’re experiencing additional symptoms such as blood in stool or vomiting, nausea and vomiting, bloating and gas, jaundice, fatigue, or persistent fever, especially coupled with other symptoms, don’t ignore these warning signs.

The symptoms described above could point to a variety of digestive disorders, including not only IBS, IBD, and GERD, but also liver or gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and celiac disease.

For individuals with a family history of digestive diseases, particularly colon cancer, we recommend regular check-ups with our skilled gastroenterologists. They can help you understand your risk and suggest preventative measures, like a colonoscopy, to catch potential problems early.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with our expert gastroenterologists. Early detection and management can significantly improve outcomes and prevent long-term health problems. As we always say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Visiting a gastroenterologist can incur varying costs, which are dependent on several factors.

The initial consultation with a gastroenterologist can range anywhere from approximately $100 to $500 without insurance. This cost can fluctuate depending on the gastroenterologist’s expertise, years of experience, the complexity of your medical condition, and the location of the practice. Typically, initial consultations cost more than follow-up appointments.

Further tests and procedures performed by our gastroenterologists will add to the overall cost. Procedures like an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy can range between $1000 and $3000. This cost can vary widely based on the complexity of the procedure, the location of our healthcare facility, and whether or not it is performed in an outpatient setting or a hospital.

If a patient has health insurance, the costs can be significantly reduced. It’s essential to understand the specifics of one’s insurance coverage including deductible amounts, co-pays, and whether your gastroenterologist is within the insurance network. Some insurance plans may cover a significant portion of the costs, while others may only cover a small percentage, leaving the patient with a higher out-of-pocket responsibility.

In conclusion, while visiting a gastroenterologist can be potentially expensive depending on various factors, it’s crucial to prioritize one’s health and seek medical attention when needed. Early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal issues can lead to improved health outcomes and potentially prevent more expensive healthcare interventions in the future. Therefore, it’s always advisable to consult with our office and one’s insurance provider to understand the potential costs and financial obligations. We have convenient locations to serve you in Lake Success NY, Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, and BEYOND.