Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease, often called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition that occurs when there is excess fat in the liver’s cells. The term NAFLD is used to describe liver conditions that are present in people who do not abuse alcohol. This condition affects about one-fourth of people living in the United States, and it is the most prevalent type of chronic liver disease.

In some cases, NAFLD will progress to a condition called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a severe form of fatty liver disease that eventually progresses to cirrhosis and liver failure, resulting in damage similar to what is seen with alcohol abuse.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

Nancy N.
3 days ago
Scott was very nice and was very informative about my condition..I learned a great deal of info.thank you
Lori L.
5 days ago
Great visit i seen a different doctor and they fitted me into a new appointment due to me not being able to get out to Charlotte. I did not have to wait long in waiting room and set me a great time for my outpatient appointment in July. So i was very pleased by the service.
Carmen Q.
6 days ago
Very friendly and polite group of people. They made me feel comfortable with the procedure.
Randy E.
1 week ago
Very nice and good 👍 👍 😊 I'm in
Alleen C.
1 week ago
I was very very please with my visit. I thank you so very much your patience and listening to me and making sure you heard me. I felt very good talking to you and you listing to me. Thank you go very much.
Cheryl D.
2 weeks ago
I am a long time patient and I receive quality care. Staff and medical providers are top notch. I recommend DHI highly.
Joyce M.
2 weeks ago
Dr. Thelan was very couteous and informative. He also took next steps regarding my care. I appreciate him!
Kathy C.
3 weeks ago
Jonathon has been very informative and helpful. The staff always greets me with patience and curtesy. My visits have been good, despite the reason for being there.
Gustavo P.
4 weeks ago
It was a pleasant and informative visit.Scott is polite, knowledgeable and professional.
Steve S.
1 month ago
I was completely happy with my visit..

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, click their image or visit our providers page.

Scott Plaehn, DO, FACOI

Albert Ross, MD

Dorian Jones, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?
An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If an Digestive Health Institute physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.
How do I get test results?
We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. You may call 517-332-1200 and press “8″ and your call will be directed to the triage nurse.
What insurances do you accept?
Digestive Health Institute accepts payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 517-332-1200 #6.

What if I need to contact the doctor?
To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 517-332-1200. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours please call our answering service at 517-483-9124 and the doctor on call will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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