In order to meet this goal, we are constantly reviewing new technologies and treatments. We have been recognized throughout the country for pioneering the use of photodynamic therapy, radiofrequency ablation and mucosal resection for the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus. In many cases, these therapies can eliminate the need for surgical removal of the esophagus.

We have also been among the first to test the Given capsule, a swallowable “pill” providing video pictures of the small intestine to help visualize and detect disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Leading the way in gastrointestinal research and development is not new to GIA. We have long been on the cutting-edge of developing ways to improve patient care. Our work in outpatient endoscopy led to the development of the first licensed and certified endoscopic ambulatory surgery center in the U.S.

In order to help advance the body of knowledge in gastroenterology throughout our industry, we constantly share our techniques and results with our fellow GI practices. We publish our findings in peer-reviewed journal articles. And we have been one of the co-founders of GI Roundtable, a national two-day conference bringing together more than 250 of the nation’s top gastroenterologists and practice managers to share information on improving health care and strengthening quality measures.

Measuring performance to advance quality care is gaining national attention and again we are setting the standard. Our quality assurance programs provide measurable outcomes that allow us to continually track our performance quality to ensure we are providing the best patient care possible. We consistently rate excellent and our performance measures far exceed the national average.

You can rest assured you will be well cared for by nationally recognized team and caring staff. Through research, technology and quality patient care we are setting the standard in gastrointestinal health care at Gastrointestinal Associates.

About the author:

Dr. Bergein “Gene” Overholt, co-founder and president of Gastrointestinal Associates, is a nationally recognized gastroenterologist who developed the flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscope and colonoscope. Overholt’s work on the fiberoptic sigmoidoscope earned him the prestigious Schindler Award from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

As medical practitioners, we were able to share new methods and technologies that make our practices run more smoothly and improve patient experiences. We discussed everything from practice integration and data exchange to the use of blogging and websites to keep patients informed.

We were also pleased to have former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Sr., MD, as our keynote speaker. He brought us his perspective on health care reform as well as information from the federal government’s point of view. There are many new initiatives which are affecting the practice of medicine, from electronic medical records and new rate structures to breakthrough technologies and medicines.

But the most important take-away for patients from this great forum was the universal emphasis on patient outcomes and quality of care. Through new and better methods of communication, streamlining procedures and information, and more patient involvement in follow-up care, new processes are aimed at better patient care.

It was exciting to have leaders in gastrointestinal medicine here in Knoxville for this event. I appreciate all the information we shared and the opportunity to discuss the newest and best ways to operate an effective practice.

Our health care industry is continually changing. As long as we keep our focus on our patients, we will be headed in the right direction.

The best way to control rising health care costs is through prevention. If we can catch something early, before it requires surgery or becomes life-threatening, we can generally avoid large medical bills down the road.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but it can also be the most preventable, treatable and beatable disease. The best defense is to find it early, often before you even notice any symptoms. A screening colonoscopy is the absolute best way to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

During this painless procedure, a physician can find and remove colon polyps, or abnormal tissue growths in the colon. Most polyps are benign, meaning non-cancerous, but can develop into cancer over time. Nearly all colorectal cancers begin in polyps. By removing these growths before they become malignant, we can actually prevent cancer from developing.

Our gastroenterologists recommend everyone be screened at the age of 50, earlier if there is a family or personal history of cancer, and at regular intervals after that. For African-Americans, screening should begin at age 45.

By removing the co-pay and deductible, this important procedure becomes more affordable for Medicare patients. The Medicare Preventive Services program will make a variety of other tests available to Medicare enrollees without a co-pay or deductible as well. So check with your healthcare provider to see how you can stay healthy and save money in the New Year.

The absolute best way to prevent and detect colorectal cancer is with a screening colonoscopy. We recommend that everyone be screened at the age of 50, earlier if there is a family or personal history of cancer, and at regular intervals after that. For African-Americans, screenings should begin at age 45.

While there are other tests being developed to detect colorectal cancers, only a screening colonoscopy can help you prevent cancer before it happens. Most colon cancers begin in benign colon polyps, or abnormal tissue growths. A benign polyp usually takes several years to become cancerous. During that time, there is a “window of opportunity” to find it and remove it before it turns cancerous. Any polyps found during a screening colonoscopy are removed and tested.

With removal of polyps, we can prevent colorectal cancers. When a cancer that is found early over ninety percent of cases can be treated and cured. We look forward to the day when colorectal cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease because individuals are taking steps toward prevention.

There is a pre-screening cleansing procedure to follow, but the actual screening procedure takes only about 15-30 minutes. With minor sedation, the procedure is actually painless.

Let’s work together to win the fight against colorectal cancer. Schedule your screening colonoscopy today.

In addition to the finest medical care, we know that cost and convenience also play a part in the quality of service you expect. We have that covered as well. Our ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) allow us to provide personalized care in a convenient, cost-effective way. All our ASCs are state licensed, Medicare-certified and accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

Ambulatory care refers to medical care provided for patients who are not admitted overnight to a hospital. The popularity of ambulatory care has grown rapidly since the early 1980s, mainly because advances in technology have made many tests, procedures and surgeries formerly done in hospitals safe to do on an outpatient basis.

One of the major benefits to the patient is cost savings. A surgery or procedure performed in an ambulatory surgery center can cost an estimated 30 to 60 percent less than the same procedure performed in a hospital. In our state-of-the-art facilities, our board certified and specially trained physicians perform endoscopies, dilations, colonoscopies, removal of colon polyps, treatments for Barrett’s esophagus and many other endoscopic procedures.

If a procedure is needed that must be performed in a hospital, we have physicians on staff at local hospitals.

Convenience is another reason to choose an ambulatory care facility. Our three offices and ASCs are conveniently located to better serve our patients, are easy to get in and out of, and have plenty of parking. Additionally, our outpatient treatments offer the convenience of returning home after a surgery or procedure which makes the process easier on the whole family.

At Gastrointestinal Associates, our ambulatory surgery centers help us bring you the very best in health care. We provide medical excellence, convenience and cost-savings, getting you in and out and home again quickly.

We have also posted some news highlights on YouTube.

I am finding new media is opening up incredible ways to provide information that can help keep people well – and for others to share that information with people who need it.

When a symptom appears or when medical questions arise, many people now are checking the Internet first to see if the situation warrants a physician visit. The Internet can be a useful tool in helping to point you in the right direction and a little more comfortable than asking health-related questions over the phone.

However, keep in mind that anyone can put information on the Internet. The key is to make sure the information you are getting is from a reliable source.

Before you believe what you read online, check out the source. For information on gastrointestinal health – including colonoscopies, irritable bowels, gallbladder pain, reflux and so on – you can trust what the experts at Gastrointestinal Associates have to say.

Our Facebook page is filled with information about our doctors and from our doctors, so you can read about an issue and decide if it is time to make an appointment to see us in person. We also have a lot of great information to help you prevent gastrointestinal health issues.

As the main source of nutrition for your body, your gastrointestinal tract plays a vital role in your overall health and wellness. The physicians at GIA are experts in gastrointestinal health, with the knowledge and helpful information you need to keep feeling your best. For example, did you know a fiber deficiency is a leading cause of constipation which can lead to diverticulosis? Adding a little flavorless bran to your favorite foods can help you add fiber to your diet and prevent gastrointestinal problems.

For the latest, most reliable information on gastrointestinal health, turn to Gastrointestinal Associates. Check out our Facebook page or see our recent videos on YouTube with patient testimonials and news worthy information. It’s the best place to find health information from experts who know and care.