Digestive health issues can significantly impact quality of life, causing discomfort and preventing you from enjoying everyday activities. Finding the right care is crucial, and getting a precise diagnosis for complex symptoms like abdominal pain or indigestion can be challenging. This is where specialized expertise becomes vital. At Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, the team providing Overlake Gastroenterology services offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. They are dedicated to getting to the root cause of your symptoms and crafting a personalized treatment plan designed to help you regain your health and live life to the fullest.
Overlake Gastroenterology team graphic illustrating comprehensive digestive health care services
Our team understands that digestive health is deeply personal. Symptoms can be varied and often require a detailed investigation to uncover the underlying condition. Because symptoms like persistent stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, and changes in bowel habits are associated with a wide range of potential causes, many individuals face a frustrating journey trying to identify what’s wrong. Overlake aims to simplify this process by offering accessible, expert care.
You don’t need to travel far to access leading specialists. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics provides advanced digestive health care conveniently located for families throughout Bellevue, Kirkland, and the surrounding Eastside communities in Washington. This means you have access to a multidisciplinary team right in your neighborhood. These specialists include gastroenterologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and oncologists, all collaborating closely to ensure you receive seamless and integrated care.
Why Choose Overlake Gastroenterology Services?
Choosing where to seek care for digestive issues is an important decision. Overlake Gastroenterology stands out due to its commitment to expert, patient-centered treatment delivered by a highly specialized team. We believe that effective care begins with truly understanding the individual patient – their symptoms, their history, their lifestyle, and their personal health goals.
The specialists at Overlake are leaders in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of experience and the latest knowledge in diagnosing and treating a wide array of digestive conditions. This depth of expertise is crucial for managing both common ailments and more complex or rare diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. Our collaborative model ensures that multiple perspectives are considered, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment strategies.
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Patient-centered care is at the core of the Overlake Gastroenterology philosophy. This means you are an active participant in your health journey. The care team takes the time to listen to your concerns, explain your condition and treatment options clearly, and involve you in every medical decision. Your personalized care plan is developed based on your specific needs and preferences, designed to support your unique digestive health goals.
Comprehensive Digestive Health Services Offered
The scope of services available through Overlake Gastroenterology is extensive, covering the full spectrum of digestive diseases. Whether you are experiencing common issues like acid reflux or require management for complex conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Overlake offers the diagnostic tools and therapeutic expertise needed.
We provide advanced evaluation and management for conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. This includes but is not limited to: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Peptic Ulcer Disease, Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (IBD), Diverticular Disease, Gallstone Disease, Pancreatitis, Liver diseases (such as hepatitis and cirrhosis), and Colorectal Cancer.
Our diagnostic capabilities are state-of-the-art, allowing for precise identification of digestive issues. These procedures include upper endoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and specialized imaging techniques. Accurate diagnosis is the essential first step towards developing an effective treatment plan, and Overlake is equipped with the technology and expertise to provide it.
Advanced Surgical Expertise at Overlake
For digestive conditions requiring surgical intervention, Overlake Medical Center provides access to highly experienced surgeons specializing in gastrointestinal procedures. The surgical team works in close coordination with the gastroenterologists to ensure continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery.
A notable area of expertise is hepatobiliary surgery, which focuses on complex procedures involving the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. Overlake is home to the only hepatobiliary surgeon on the Eastside of Lake Washington, bringing specialized skill to the region. This includes extensive experience performing the Whipple procedure, a challenging surgery often used for pancreatic cancers and other disorders.
Overlake also utilizes advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery with the DaVinci robot. This technology allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision through smaller incisions. Benefits for patients typically include less post-operative pain, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
Leading-Edge Reflux Management and Cancer Care
Managing chronic reflux (GERD) can be complex. Overlake Gastroenterology and its surgical team offer innovative, leading-edge procedures for complex reflux management when lifestyle changes and medications are not sufficient. These include robotic anti-reflux surgery, endoscopic fundoplication (TIF procedure), and the LINX® Reflux Management System. These options provide alternatives to traditional surgery for patients suffering from persistent GERD symptoms.
Furthermore, Overlake provides radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where the lining of the esophagus changes due to chronic acid reflux. RFA helps to reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer in patients with this condition by removing the abnormal tissue.
Cancer screening and treatment are critical components of digestive health. The team offers comprehensive screenings for common gastrointestinal cancers, most notably extensive colon cancer screening programs. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, and routine colonoscopies are a cornerstone of this effort.
For individuals with a higher risk of developing colon cancer due to family history or genetic factors, Overlake offers genetic counseling services. This helps identify those who may benefit from more frequent or specialized surveillance.
High-Risk Cancer Program and Fred Hutch Partnership
Overlake is committed to proactive cancer prevention and management through its High-Risk Cancer Program. This program, in partnership with Fred Hutch Cancer Center, offers specialized assessment and ongoing management for individuals identified as being at increased risk for various cancers, including gastrointestinal cancers, based on genetics, family history, or personal history.
For patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer, the journey can be daunting. The Overlake Gastroenterology team and oncology specialists provide compassionate support and expert care every step of the way. A unique aspect of the cancer care program is the regular meeting of the gastrointestinal cancer committee. This multidisciplinary tumor board reviews each patient’s case individually, bringing together the expertise of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to create a truly comprehensive, personalized treatment plan.
Through the strong partnership with Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Overlake patients benefit from access to the highest quality care and the latest clinical trials without needing to leave the Eastside community. This collaboration ensures that patients receive cutting-edge treatment options and benefit from ongoing research directly in their local community.
Choosing Overlake Gastroenterology means choosing a dedicated team that is equipped to handle a wide range of digestive health needs, from routine screenings and management of common conditions to complex surgical procedures and advanced cancer care. Their focus on collaboration, advanced technology, and patient-centered care provides a high level of support for your digestive health journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Overlake Gastroenterology
Here are some common questions about services offered by the team at Overlake Medical Center & Clinics:
What conditions does Overlake Gastroenterology treat?
The team treats a wide spectrum of digestive conditions including GERD, IBS, IBD (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis), Celiac Disease, liver diseases, pancreatic disorders, gallstones, and provides care for colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can contact Overlake Medical Center & Clinics directly or visit their website to find information on scheduling an appointment with a gastroenterologist or digestive health specialist. Referrals may be required depending on your insurance plan.
What types of procedures are performed?
Procedures include diagnostic tests like colonoscopy and endoscopy, as well as advanced surgical procedures such as robotic-assisted surgery, Whipple procedure, TIF, LINX band, and radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus.
Is genetic counseling available for cancer risk?
Yes, Overlake offers genetic counseling services, particularly for individuals with a family history or genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer.
How does the partnership with Fred Hutch benefit patients?
This partnership provides Overlake patients with access to advanced cancer care, clinical trials, and collaborative treatment planning with leading cancer experts right on the Eastside.
If you are experiencing digestive issues or are due for cancer screening, seeking evaluation from a specialized team is a proactive step towards better health. The Overlake Gastroenterology experts are ready to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care you need.