Health & Wellness | Special Advertising Section |
Wilmington Gastroenterology Ass ociates
5115 Oleander Drive • Wilmington, NC 28403 • www.wilmingtongi.com • 910-362-1011
Left to right, back row: D. Spencer Carney, MD; William King, MD; Robert Henihan, MD; Steven Klein, MD. Front row: Joseph Kittinger III, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF; Mary Sauer, MD;
Clinton Meyer, MD.
In 2004, Wilmington Gastroenterology opened a state-of-the-art,
nationally accredited Endoscopy Center that offers gastroenterological
procedures expertly and cost effectively, with exceptional continuity
of care. Unlike many clinical settings, the facility provides highly specialized
equipment in a soothing, comfortable atmosphere that includes ambient
music and smiling faces.
Focused on Preventing Colon Cancer and Other Digestive Diseases
As part of its commitment to Wilmington’s digestive health, the
group is focused on increasing local awareness of colon cancer and its
preventability through screening. Its key message is: colonoscopy can
help prevent colon cancer. The physicians at Wilmington Gastroenterology
recommend colonoscopy screening for everyone 50 years of age or older
— and beginning at age 40 if there is a family history of polyps or colon
cancer.
The second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US, colon
cancer is associated with lifestyle factors, including smoking, obesity and
diets high in meat and low in fiber. The majority of colon cancer is genetically
related and arises from small growths in the large intestine called
polyps. Polyps are very common, appearing in about 25 percent of people
by age 50.
Fortunately, colon cancer is largely preventable and has an excellent
prognosis if diagnosed early. Endorsed by The American Cancer Society
and covered by most insurance, colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon
cancer screening. The procedure involves a thin, flexible tube with a digital
camera through which the physician can view the entire colon. Compared
to other screening methods, colonoscopy allows for a comprehensive
examination and removal of polyps, which is key to prevention.
Even for those who understand its importance, colonoscopy can
be a daunting prospect. To ensure patient comfort, Wilmington
Gastroenterology strives to ensure that screening is as worry-free and
accessible as possible:
• Medicare-accredited Colonoscopy and other procedures are offered
at its state-of-the-art, Medicare-accredited Endoscopy Center. This offers
patients cost savings, a more soothing environment and continuity of
care. The office is conveniently located on Oleander Drive with plenty of
free parking.
• Sleep soundly with sedation The most advanced sedation available
for colonoscopy is now offered, allowing patients to sleep soundly
through their procedure and enjoy rapid recovery time afterward. Patients
confirm with relief that it was truly a painless colonoscopy.
• No referrals necessary, call directly With 15 providers, appointments
can be scheduled with ease. A physician referral is not necessary; patients
may call directly for questions or scheduling.
• Female gastroenterologist on staff Some patients feel most at ease
with a female physician. If this is preferred, the expert staff includes the
only female gastroenterologist in the area.
With rising healthcare costs and increasingly higher deductibles on
many insurance plans, Wilmington Gastroenterology prioritizes delivering
the highest quality health care at the lowest cost to its patients. In the area,
multiple facilities provide colonoscopy services. As procedure costs may
vary, Wilmington Gastroenterology encourages the public to investigate
costs prior to selecting a facility. The practice will gladly work with patients
to confirm costs and insurance coverage in advance. Most major insurance
is accepted, including Medicare, Medicaid and Tri-Care, all of which cover
colonoscopy for colon cancer screening.
Beyond colon cancer screening, Wilmington Gastroenterology offers
other procedures including upper endoscopy and hemorrhoid banding.
Wilmington Gastroenterology also helps many patients who suffer from
troubling digestive issues like heartburn, chronic indigestion, abdominal
pain and abnormal bowel function. The team of providers specializes in
diagnosing the underlying causes of these symptoms and providing treatment
for digestive disorders including gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS), and liver disease including hepatitis C.
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WBM january 2013