Gallstones

Gallstones are pebble-like substances that form in the gallbladder, ranging in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. A gallbladder can develop one stone, or hundreds of tiny stones.

Gallstones can block the flow of a digestive fluid called bile through the hepatic ducts, the cystic duct, or the common bile duct. Trapped bile can cause inflammation or infection in the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.

Some people with gallstones have no symptoms. Symptoms of blocked bile might include pain in the right abdomen, pain in the back between the shoulder blades, or pain under the right shoulder. These are often called a gallbladder attack.

Find a Location in Your Area

Request an Appointment

What Our Patients Are Saying

William E.
6 hours ago
The PA was thorough and seemed genuinely concerned about my health issues. He followed through by ordering some lab tests.
Robert U.
1 day ago
The nurse who did an initial exam was systematic and thoughtful. Dr. Ross listened attentively and walked me through his thinking. He made adjustments to my medication and added a new one that I used many years ago and was highly effective.
Estella S.
2 days ago
Very informative & friendly! The whole process was very professional. I would go back again if I have a problem.
Kim E.
3 days ago
Wait time was very little. Maybe it was because I had an early appointment. Callie adressed any of my concerns. Things are going well for me so that's always good. Her assistant was great as well.
Jerry B.
4 days ago
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.
Aliyah C.
1 week ago
The visit was very great. The team is super polite, understanding and patient and everything went smooth and in a timely manner. Definitely one of the best experiences I've ever had in a specialty office would definitely recommend if you need to be seen for anything gastro related.
victor B.
2 weeks ago
Very positive experience. Don is always patient and explains everything very well and answered all of my questions.
Darla E.
2 weeks ago
Everyone was awesome very friendly & super sweet!
Dennis E.
2 weeks ago
I've been overwhelmed with my condition but the Dr's here are doing everything they can to slow progression down and they listen to what I say instead of shutting me down and believing only their opinions matter this place rocks
Andrew H.
3 weeks ago
I felt like they had time for me. They really addressed the situation that I had for a professional, and I felt like I was gaining some ground somewhere in my treatment, easy and easy out pleasant atmosphere.

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.

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