Greater Boston GI Announces New In-office Services
Greater Boston GI is delighted to announce two new in-office services for the health and convenience of our patients
In-Office Ultrasound
Patients with liver problems, gallbladder problems, pancreas conditions, abdominal pain and pelvic discomfort can now have their diagnostic ultrasounds in the privacy and comfort of our Framingham office, without the added hassle of parking and registration at a hospital or other facility.
Ultrasound is also an important tool for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening in order to detect these serious blood vessel problems before they grow silently and rupture. AAA rupture is a life-threatening emergency. AAA screening is covered by Medicare and many other insurance companies.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should have a one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms using abdominal ultrasound. Men ages 60 and older with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms should consider regular screening for the condition. If your test is normal, additional screening is not necessary.
There isn’t enough evidence yet to determine whether women ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked cigarettes or have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms would benefit from abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, but some with additional risk factors like longstanding hypertension, atherosclerosis, prior abdomen trauma, or aneurysms elsewhere in the body should definitely be tested.
All of our ultrasounds will be interpreted by the same expert radiologists who are also on staff at our affiliated hospitals.
Please ask your Greater Boston GI doctor whether you should be screened or call (508) 620-9200 to ask for a screening test if you have one of the conditions above.
Ultrasound Bone Density Testing
Bone health is no longer just an issue for women entering menopause. It is an important and often ignored aspect of health in many men and women with GI and liver diseases. Patients on long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy for acid reflux or ulcer disease, as well as patients with celiac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease), liver disease, excess alcohol or tobacco exposure, poor nutrition, thin and small body frames, thyroid disease, and Vitamin D deficiency are also at increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture. The only effective test for bone density that does not involve radiation exposure is Ultrasound Bone Density testing.
Greater Boston GI now offers this quick, safe, painless and hassle-free technology at our Framingham location. Many patients can even be tested at the time of their office visits. Ultrasound bone density is covered by Medicare and many other plans.
If you have one of the conditions above, please discuss them with your Greater Boston GI doctor at your next scheduled office visit or call (508) 620-9200 to ask if your bone density should be tested.