Hepatology and Gastroenterology: What You Need to Know

Joel Lavine
3 min readDec 19, 2022

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You are not alone if you have hepatitis or gastrointestinal problems. More than half a million Americans have symptoms related to gastrointestinal or hepatitis. Some therapies can assist, which is excellent news. Unfortunately, not all therapies are equally successful, and your insurance may not cover those. It is important to go into your doctor’s appointment with a clear idea of what you want to accomplish and what to anticipate from your treatments.

A primary care doctor’s assistance in patient health decision-making is crucial. The doctor may offer continuity of treatment by advising patients on the best specialist to visit. As an additional service, they may recommend patients to other experts.

A patient’s choice of a primary care physician is crucial while dealing with chronic liver disease. A primary care physician (PCP) can aid patients in recognizing and tracking risk factors for hepatic disorders. A mental health professional may also assist people with drug abuse problems.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are trained to treat various medical conditions affecting the liver and digestive tract. They may also be able to assist their patients in cutting down on their alcohol use. The doctor may also recommend patients to additional treatments, including mental health care and drug addiction therapy, and help them stay on track with their treatment plan.

Liver cancer and other diseases are diagnosed via imaging testing. Diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs are among them. The symptoms and state of the patient are usually the deciding factors in the tests that may be performed. The results of the tests may be used to establish the best course of therapy, ascertain the severity of the condition, and decide whether a liver biopsy is necessary.

High-frequency sound waves are used in abdominal ultrasonography to provide pictures of the organs and blood flow. It may be used with CT scans to provide even more detail about the organ.

Imaging using radionuclides, such as cholescintigraphy, is also possible. Cholescintigraphy involves injecting radioactive material into the bile ducts after the liver has released it. Finally, an x-ray of the bile ducts is taken to check for blockage.

In addition to conventional MRI, gadoxetate-enhanced MRI (GA-MRI) may detect liver lesions. As a crucial part of GA-MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) must be included. This imaging method is often used to assess the liver’s composition and Brownian motion.

Regarding digestive illnesses, go no further than the ARC Journal of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, a scholarly publication that undergoes a rigorous peer review process. Article types included include primary research, systematic reviews, and case reports. The journal aims to facilitate communication between researchers and medical professionals.

Conditions as diverse as hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, and inflammatory bowel disease are discussed. Additionally, the most recent developments in diagnosis, treatment, and technological advancements will be discussed in this publication.

All articles in the magazine may be read online, downloaded in their entirety, and even printed at no cost to the reader. Both writers and readers benefit from this arrangement; authors may earn money by publishing their works, while readers can access a wealth of useful resources. The writers are also reminded that they must keep the necessary citations to the sources.

The holy trinity of medical progress is published in the ARC Journal of Hepatology and gastroenterology. Among them are intellectual analyses, reports on cutting-edge technology developments, and accounts of significant medical discoveries.

Your options are many if you’re looking for a gastroenterologist. It would help if you looked at other options before settling on one particular expert. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to locate the most suitable medical professional. You are finding out whether your insurance covers the doctor you’re considering. Your primary care doctor should be consulted before making any major life changes.

Doctors that treat digestive issues are called gastroenterologists. They specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the digestive tract, liver, and intestines. They may treat various conditions, including but not limited to: fatty liver disease; acid reflux; Crohn’s disease; ulcers; and gastritis. They often collaborate with other professionals to provide you with the finest care possible.

Although it is ultimately up to you to decide which gastroenterologist you’ll see, you should choose one with whom you feel at ease. If your doctor is impolite or doesn’t take your concerns seriously, you may want to look elsewhere.

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Joel Lavine
Joel Lavine

Written by Joel Lavine

Joel Lavine MD has had a lengthy career filled with several highlights that demonstrate his abilities and significance in his area.

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