Gastroenterology - Dignity Health Medical Group - Grass Valley, CA

A gastroenterology doctor specializes in caring for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or digestive system. This includes the stomach, esophagus, large and small intestines, liver and more. They diagnose and treat concerns such as acid reflux, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and liver disease. 

Learn more about gastroenterology

Your primary care provider (PCP) may refer you to a GI specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Difficulty swallowing

• Heartburn

• Jaundice

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach pain

You may also be referred to a GI practice if you have ongoing digestive symptoms, abnormal test results or a condition that needs expert care. A gastroenterologist can help you understand what’s causing your symptoms.

At Dignity Health Medical Group in Grass Valley, we also diagnose and treat these common conditions:

• Abdominal pain

• Acid reflux

• Acute and chronic pancreatitis

• Colon polyps

• Colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Esophageal disease, such as difficulty swallowing and Barrett’s esophagus

• Esophageal motility disorders

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Hepatitis B and hepatitis C

• Hepatobiliary diseases, such as gallbladder problems

• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Liver diseases

• Malnutrition

• Pancreatic and biliary tract tumors

• Pancreatic pseudocysts

• Peptic ulcers

• Rectal problems

• Ulcerative colitis

At Dignity Health Medical Group gastroenterologists in Grass Valley, we offer many tests to understand how your digestive system is working. Your gastroenterologist will suggest tests based on your symptoms and health history. These may include: 

• Blood tests

• Colonoscopy

• Endoscopic hemostatic therapy

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

• Endoscopic stenting and stone extraction

• Esophageal dilation

• Imaging scans

• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)

• Polypectomy

• Stool tests

• Ultrasound

• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

• Video capsule endoscopy

During a gastroenterology appointment, our Dignity Health Medical Group doctors review your symptoms, medical history and overall health. They may perform a gentle abdominal exam to check for tenderness, swelling or other symptoms. Your doctor will discuss possible tests or treatments, answer your questions or concerns and create a plan that supports your digestive well-being.

Our gastroenterologists look forward to welcoming you to our Dignity Health Medical Group clinic in Grass Valley. To avoid delays in care and save time, please bring the following to your appointment:

• Copayment (if applicable)

• Current medication list

• Insurance card

• Photo ID

Your gastroenterologist will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. For a clear view during the procedure, your colon must be completely empty. Typically, you will be asked to follow a liquid-only diet for 24 hours before your procedure. You will also drink a laxative solution prescribed by your doctor to help clear the bowels.

A referral is generally required to see a gastroenterologist at Dignity Health Medical Group in Grass Valley. Please check with your insurance plan and primary care provider to confirm if a referral is necessary for your specific situation.

At Dignity Health Medical Group – Sierra Nevada, we accept most major insurance plans. To ensure you have access to the care you need, we recommend confirming your insurance coverage, eligibility and benefits before your visit. If you have questions about the plans we accept, please call our office (530) 273-3377.