Digestive Health

We care for your digestive health with warmth and compassion, using the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to help manage symptoms like abdominal pain, reflux, and more.

At TidalHealth, we understand that digestive health is an essential part of your overall well-being. Our gastroenterology and hepatology team is here to offer compassionate care for a wide range of digestive concerns. We use the latest technology in diagnosis and treatment to help you feel your best. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort or ongoing symptoms, our approach is rooted in kindness and understanding, ensuring you have the support and answers you need. The specialists at TidalHealth are dedicated to providing care you can count on, with a focus on comfort, safety and real solutions for your digestive health.

The digestive health team at TidalHealth cares for a broad range of conditions affecting the digestive system, including concerns related to the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Our specialists address symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bloating, nausea and swallowing difficulties. We are committed to taking the time to listen to your concerns, answer questions and help you find relief with care that is both thorough and gentle.

Digestive Health Screenings

Screenings play an important role in keeping your digestive system healthy. At TidalHealth, colonoscopy screenings are recommended for adults age 45 and older. This is one of the most reliable ways to detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable. Our team uses these screenings to help find and address concerns before they become serious, supporting your long-term health and peace of mind.

These screenings are offered at four convenient locations on Delmarva. And, at TidalHealth Atlantic, you may be able to skip the office visit before getting your colonoscopy. 

Open access colonoscopy program

With TidalHealth Atlantic's open access program, individuals ages 45-75 years who are of low to average risk can get a colonoscopy without visiting with a gastroenterology specialist first. To find out if you qualify, call 410-641-9257 or fill out our secure online form. 

A member of our team will review your medical history to make sure you qualify. Then, you will receive a follow-up call to schedule your colonoscopy.

Alternatives to colonoscopy

We also offer colorectal cancer screening options that do not involve surgery or a hospital visit, such as Cologuard®. This test is easy to do at home. You receive a kit with simple instructions, collect a small stool sample, and send it to a lab using the prepaid box. The test checks for hidden blood and unusual DNA in your stool, which can be early signs of colorectal cancer. Our medical experts will then determine whether any additional testing is needed.

If you have questions about when to get screened or how to prepare, our caring staff is here to guide you every step of the way.

Diagnostic Tools for Digestive Health

At TidalHealth, we use advanced yet gentle approaches to help find answers when you’re experiencing digestive symptoms. A colonoscopy allows our team to look for problems in the large intestine, which is important for cancer screening and identifying sources of discomfort or other concerns.

Upper endoscopies can be performed to look at the esophagus (tube that connects your mouth with your stomach), the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine to help diagnose issues like acid reflux, stomach ulcers and celiac disease. 

For issues related to the small intestine, we also offer capsule endoscopy using the PillCam. This noninvasive technology helps us see areas that are difficult to reach with traditional methods, and it is done without sedation, making it a comfortable option for many people.

We are always working to ensure that the tools we use are as safe and easy for you as possible, helping us gather the information needed to guide your care.

How to Prepare for Digestive Health Procedures

Preparing for a digestive health test or treatment is important for your comfort and for the accuracy of the results. TidalHealth provides clear instructions to help you get ready for your visit. If you have questions or concerns about preparation, our team is here to support you and answer anything that’s unclear. Never hesitate to reach out to your practitioner’s office before your procedure if you need help.