H. Pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium and is a major cause of peptic ulcers. It damages the mucous coating that protects the stomach and duodenum. This damage allows powerful stomach acid to irritate the lining of the stomach, and together with the H. pylori, this can cause the ulcer.

While H. pylori causes more than half of all peptic ulcers, some people infected never develop ulcers, and may never have any symptoms. In fact, many people never get sick from H.pylori and therefore do not realize they have the infection. Some people may actually be resistant to damage from H.pylori.

Find a Location in Your Area

Request an Appointment

What Our Patients Are Saying

Digestive Health Institute | Gastroenterology
Excellent
4.7
Based on 2350 reviews
review us on
Leslie listened and asked questions so she could determine the next step to take. I can't tell you how many visits I have had with others at other offices that didn't take the time to do that!
Execellent from check-in to check-out. Johnathan was amazing!
Great visit with great advise for my health issues.
Very polite and thorough
Very professional, they take time with you and listen to all that you have to say. No rushing or time limit. Kind and concise.
Everyone at DHI was very friendly and professional during my visit.
Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The doctors really care about their patients.
5 star treatment.
There was no waiting,was in and out in a matter of 15 minutes, the doctor went over my meds,renewed a script and done.It was great.
Khadra, pays attention to detail and asks questions. Asking questions will lead to a accurate diagnosis and testing needed. Khadra's bedside manners are superb. Khadra, thank you for all that you do.
js_loader

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.

Dorian Jones, MD

Lucas Julien, MD

Razvan Opreanu, MD

Scott Plaehn, DO, FACOI

Albert Ross, MD

John Walling, Jr., DO, FACOI

Siaka Yusuf, MD

Our Locations

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.

Related Content

Is a bleeding rectum a sign of food intolerance?

Is a bleeding rectum a sign of food intolerance?

Food intolerance is a term for when your body has a tougher time digesting certain foods than others. Some reactions may be mild, while others may be very intense. Whether a food intolerance presents itself as a risk to a patient is for a gastrointestinal specialist...

What is Bloating?

What is Bloating?

Bloating is the feeling of having a full stomach, and it is accompanied by a distended abdomen or an increase in the stomach’s size. Bloating typically involves the accumulation of gas in the intestines, resulting in swelling of the stomach. What are the causes of...

3 questions to ask your gastro specialist during your first visit

3 questions to ask your gastro specialist during your first visit

A gastrointestinal specialist is someone with extensive medical knowledge of the gastrointestinal system. They are professionals who are great resources for a variety of digestive disorders and gastrointestinal conditions. People with these issues can get diagnoses of...

Sign Up for Our Newsletter