Terry Brooks started working 33 years ago at GIA in the transcription department when doctors would dictate everything on a recorder. She would transcribe their notes from patient visits and procedures, along with other correspondence. Now, Terry works in the pre-certification department, coordinating with insurance companies to get approval for patient procedures. Self-described as dedicated, this trait is evident in … Read More
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Help GIA end colon cancer!
When Gastrointestinal Associates started in 1971, the medical community was still learning how to best prevent and treat colon cancer. Many risk factors and contributing causes remained unknown with rudimentary diagnostic equipment available. The use of screenings as a means of prevention was just emerging in the field. Since then, gastroenterology has made major strides in the prevention and treatment … Read More
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!
March is a good time to spread awareness about this disease, a diagnoses that only recently has become a widespread topic of conversation. Last year, “Black Panther” actor Chadwick Boseman’s passing started many conversations regarding colorectal cancer, particularly around the shock of Boseman dying at the age of 43 from the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, although the … Read More
Employee Spotlight: Debbie Simerly, Operations Director
On March 1, 1982, Debbie Simerly joined GIA, and after 39 years with the company, she remains passionate about promoting the importance of colon screenings and gastrointestinal health. That commitment is fueled both by her love for her work and losing a younger family member to colon cancer. “I love helping patients,” Debbie said. “The field and the technology have … Read More
Diet: A breakdown of a polarizing word
For many people, the word diet is a four-letter word – one that is lumped with other unpleasant words and has negative connotations. However, diet is simply the food and drink that a person regularly consumes. Our culture offers a laundry list of quick fixes, vilification of certain food groups, emotional triggers and societal “norms” that are tied to diet … Read More
Enjoy your summer and prioritize eating well
Summer is a time for barbecues and outdoor family fun. While summer activities may look different this year during a pandemic, it does open the door for new experiences. It’s time to get creative, try some new things and prioritize eating well. Stress from upended work, school and social routines can lead to unhealthy habits that result in weight gain. … Read More
Make healthy choices in 2019 with these tips
Improving overall health is a hot topic as the new year begins. Over the course of the holiday season, we tend to consume more calories and exercise less, which can lead to unwanted pounds and digestive issues. Reversing our bad holiday habits isn’t always easy, but the solutions are simple. If you’ve made a commitment to stop overeating, we commend … Read More
How to survive and thrive during food holidays
Holidays that revolve around food, like Hanukkah and Christmas, are opportunities to reconnect with family and friends, but it’s also a time when we can get sidelined by sickness or stress. By intentionally focusing on digestive issues during the holidays, you also end up improving your overall health. You can fully savor the holidays while keeping your stomach happy and … Read More
Gastrointestinal Associates announces reaccreditation of The Endoscopy Centers
The Endoscopy Center, The Endoscopy Center North, and The Endoscopy Center West have each achieved reaccreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), according to Gastrointestinal Associates. The three centers are ambulatory surgical centers conveniently located adjacent to Gastrointestinal Associates clinics. During the accreditation process, the centers earned excellent reviews in every category of AAAHC’s independent, external evaluation … Read More
Barrett’s esophagus presents risks but treatments available
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where the cells lining the lower portion of the esophagus change from a sturdy and strong type, like our skin, to an acid-resistant type found commonly in the intestines, a shift called intestinal metaplasia. The condition is believed to be caused by an excess regurgitation of acid and stomach contents into the esophagus over a … Read More