Expert digestive health and gastrointestinal care in Minnesota and western Wisconsin

If you have digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) problems that aren’t going away, our award-winning gastroenterologists can help you get relief from your symptoms. And if you’re due for a colon cancer screening, we’ll make your colonoscopy as comfortable as possible.

Many digestive conditions share similar symptoms, so it’s important to get an expert diagnosis. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, blood in your stool or indigestion, our gastrointestinal doctors can help.

At your visit, we’ll take time to understand your symptoms and use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your symptoms. Tests we use include:

• Stool tests that look for hidden blood and abnormal bacteria.
• Imaging tests (like CT scans, ultrasounds and MRIs) which take diagnostic pictures of your organs.
• Endoscopic procedures that allow us to examine the digestive tract. These are usually performed using an endoscope, a tube with a small light and camera on the end. We also perform capsule endoscopy, a procedure where you swallow a tiny camera in a capsule that takes pictures of your digestive tract as it moves through your system.
• Colonoscopy procedures that allow us to look at the lining of your rectum and colon through a thin, flexible tool called a colonoscope. Colonoscopies are most commonly used to screen for colorectal cancer, but we also use them to diagnose GI conditions if you have symptoms.

We’ll personalize your treatment based on your individual needs. When appropriate, your gastroenterologist will work closely with other specialists such as nutritionists and colorectal surgeons to ensure you get the very best possible care.

Some digestive conditions can improve with changes to your diet and nutrition. Your doctor may recommend eating a balanced diet and increasing physical activity to help keep your digestive system on track. They may also advise avoiding certain foods that cause irritation, like spices and dairy. Digestive health specialists also commonly suggest taking a vitamin supplement or a probiotic to provide your system with the nutrients and healthy bacteria it needs.

Many GI disorders can be managed with medications. Antimicrobials are an effective treatment for some bacterial and parasitic infections, while acid blockers are recommended for heartburn and acid reflux. For nausea and diarrhea, there are several options to manage your symptoms. And for autoimmune related conditions, anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppression medications are commonly used.

Another treatment option is biologic therapy, a form of immunosuppression. Biologic therapy is an effective treatment for certain digestive conditions, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

A gastrointestinal procedure or surgery may be the best option in some situations, such as gallbladder disease, severe acid reflux and certain colorectal conditions.

We’ll recommend the least invasive, most effective approach based on your diagnosis. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques, including endoscopic procedures (performed without incisions) or laparoscopic surgery, which uses small incisions and typically allows for faster recovery.

If you’re experiencing uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, we can help. Our expert gastroenterologists are ready to provide personalized care and support.

At HealthPartners, you don’t need a referral to see a gastroenterologist, or to schedule a screening colonoscopy if you’re over 40 and due for one. This helps you get expert care more quickly, without extra appointments or added costs. Just check with your insurance provider to confirm whether a referral is required to see a specialist.