The M Health Fairview Diverticulitis team includes medical and surgical experts who specialize in the diagnosis and management of all forms of diverticulitis. In addition to providing the highest quality of care, our multidisciplinary team of physicians are actively involved in clinical research for people with diverticulitis. Our goal is to provide optimal individual treatment, improve quality of life and provide superior care for people with diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis is often found in the tests listed below:

•  Barium Enema – This is an x-ray study that uses barium in an enema to view the outline of the lower intestinal tract. This is an older test and has been largely replaced by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) scan.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – This is an examination of the inside of the sigmoid colon with a thin, flexible tube that contains a camera.
• Colonoscopy – This is an examination of the inside of the entire colon.
• CT or MR scan – A CT or MR scan is often used to diagnose diverticulitis and its complications. If diverticulitis (not just diverticulosis) is suspected, the above three tests should not be used because of the risk of perforation.

Scheduling a visit: What should I do before my visit?

Before your visit, obtain reports of any prior procedures (colonoscopies, endoscopies, or surgeries) and imaging reports (CT or MR scans). If you have been seen by a gastroenterologist, obtain a report of that visit and send us those medical records.

Our team aims to make patient education a priority. Please write down your visit expectations and any questions you may have. It is important to us that we meet your expectations and answer all of your questions. Our goal is to develop a personalized treatment plan to get your disease into remission the safest way possible.

What to expect on your first visit:

On your first visit you will meet with the office staff to review your medications, allergies and history. If you sent your records ahead of time your physician may have reviewed them prior to your visit. Your physician will sit down with you to take a detailed history of your previous medical and surgical therapies, with review of information from your records.

To assess your current disease activity, your physician will order the necessary blood tests and diagnostic procedures including possible endoscopy, if you have not had any. With all of this information, your physician will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to get your disease under control.