Ulcers

What is an ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach (a gastric ulcer) or duodenum (a duodenal ulcer).

How do you treat an ulcer?

Peptic ulcers can be cured. First, you should avoid alcohol and quit smoking, since smoking and alcohol can make ulcers worse or slow the healing process. Your doctor may also prescribe medications, depending on what caused the ulcers.

Possible medications include proton pump inhibitors or histamine receptor blockers to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining. One or more antibiotics may be prescribed to kill an H. pylori infection. Other medicines such as Pepto-Bismol may be used to coat the ulcer and protect it from stomach acid.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

Patti C.
1 day ago
Everyone was super nice! Dr. Dimagno is an excellent doctor...he made me feel comfortable discussing my "tummy issues". Actually looking forward to treatment options!
PATRICK G.
2 days ago
My new and recent experience with the Digestive Health Institute was fantastic, the staff was warm and friendly, the doctor was awesome. Looking forward to my next visit.
Tariq A.
6 days ago
They are friendly and courteous. I have never been asked before if I had time to wait to schedule a procedure. In fact, I felt they were so protective of my time there and wanted to make sure I don’t spend any unnecessary time there. That was unbelievable!!!
Ned C.
1 week ago
Andes Koener has been a great source of care for over a year now. She already resolved a digestive issue and has ordered new tests for a follow up issue. I highly recommend Andrea and TGI! A+
Gary Z.
1 week ago
I was a patient back in 2022 due to a perforated ulcer. I had a full recovery without surgery. At present I was directed to the office again by my primary physician, as he felt I would get an appointment faster than the Sparrow providers. It did take about 2 months to get an appointment for a consult. I was seen by the same physician I had 4 years ago. This was for a consult involving Gerd issuers. The physician reviewed my files and did remember my previous visit. I was worried that I would a scope. The doctor and I had a very detailed discussion and he listened and reviewed additional documents and test results that I brought to the visit. From his reviewed we developed a plan to help address my condition that would avoid a scope. His plan was sound and made total sense, that I was having acid build up from using a GLP1 treatment and that I needed to discontinue that medication as it was not working as I had hoped. He made Additional suggestions and took the time to guide me in improving my reflux condition. I was very impressed and thankful for his caring approach that he provided. Thanks, Gary
Kathy L.
1 week ago
Dr explained to me very Cleary and switch to other dr. Thumb up!!
Jackie E.
2 weeks ago
Very happy
Terry S.
2 weeks ago
Very satisfied
victor B.
2 weeks ago
Very positive experience. Don is always patient and explains everything very well and answered all of my questions. Only concern is that Dr Ross doesn’t have office hours.
Linda S.
2 weeks ago
Professional staff, did not wait long, listened and provided the help I needed.

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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