Gastroenterology care for Washington Heights residents

How we serve Washington Heights

We provide outpatient gastroenterology services to adults living in Washington Heights and nearby parts of Orange County. Our clinical focus includes diagnostic evaluation, screening procedures and medical management for conditions of the stomach, intestine and liver. As a board qualified gastroenterologist, we coordinate care that can include endoscopic procedures and liver evaluation, and we work with primary care providers when ongoing follow up is needed. Learn more about our role as a gastroenterologist and how we manage common GI concerns.

Many patients from Washington Heights come to our office for colonoscopy when screening or diagnostic procedures are recommended. We perform colonoscopy and related services, and we guide patients through preparation, the procedure and recovery. See our details on colonoscopy and patient resources on colon cancer screening.

Typical needs we address in this neighborhood

• Colon cancer screening and polyp surveillance, including colonoscopy.
• Acid reflux symptoms, heartburn and evaluation for gastroesophageal reflux disease. See our overview of acid reflux and treatment options.
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation and related diagnostic testing.
• Liver concerns such as abnormal liver tests, fatty liver disease and hepatitis management. We provide hepatology consultation, learn more on our hepatologist page.
• Stomach pain, dyspepsia and testing for H Pylori infection when indicated.

What to expect when you travel from Washington Heights

1. Initial contact and records. We review your history and prior tests sent by your primary care provider before the visit so the appointment time is focused on evaluation and planning.
2. Office visit. During the visit we take a focused history, perform a physical exam when appropriate and discuss diagnostic options such as blood tests, imaging or endoscopy.
3. Scheduling procedures. If a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy is recommended we explain the procedure, preparation steps and safety considerations. We coordinate the timing to fit your schedule and travel needs from Washington Heights.
4. Follow up and coordination. After tests or procedures we discuss results and next steps, and we send a summary to your primary care provider when you want ongoing local care.

Local factors that affect care

Washington Heights patients often value clear directions about parking, arrival times and what to expect on the day of a procedure. We provide written instructions and checklists to make the visit straightforward. If you rely on public transit, allow extra time and check connections in advance.

How we tailor care for this community

We know that people who live in Washington Heights come from diverse backgrounds with varied health needs. We listen to each person to adapt diagnostic choices and treatment plans to their clinical history, cultural context and preferences. When multidisciplinary care is needed we coordinate with local primary care providers and specialists in Orange County.

Common misconceptions

Many people delay evaluation for abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits because they think symptoms are normal. While not every symptom is serious, timely evaluation can avoid complications and identify treatable conditions. We explain when watchful waiting is reasonable and when diagnostic testing is appropriate.