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

Zoey
2 days ago
I visited Lansing urgent care on September 15, 2026, and they placed a generic referral for GI issues due to my GJ tube use. Today, September 16, I called to follow up and was put on hold for 10 minutes before being transferred and scheduling an appointment for tomorrow, September 17, 2026, at 2 pm. This place has awesome communication skills
the PA was kind thorough, knowledgeable.
Dana G.
5 days ago
The staff was very efficient. And Dr plaehn was very professional and helpful.
Carolyn B.
1 week ago
I really was impressed. Best office visit in a few years. This office gives top of the line service. They are excellent from check-in to check-out. I'd refer this office to anyone.
Robert S.
2 weeks ago
Fast, knowledgeable, professional, and courteous service from the front desk and from everyone throughout the process! I highly recommend!
Diane M.
2 weeks ago
I saw Andrea for the first time and she was great, she explained everything completely so I know what I can do to take better care of my liver
Jamie S.
3 weeks ago
They literally changed my life. I cannot say enough good things about this office and staff, especially Dr Ross and Jonathan Thelen.
Ruth E.
3 weeks ago
I have been attending Digestive Health Institute for over a year, & have been completely satisfied with the treatment I have received from this practice. The staff PA that treated me was very thorough in diagnosing my problems, suggesting treatments & following up on my condition. I would highly recommend this practice for any digestive problems & concerns.
Karen S.
4 weeks ago
My wait time was reasonable and my healthcare provider was friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. I felt my concerns were heard and was satisfied with diagnosis and medication recommendation.
L D.
1 month ago
Dr. Dorian Jones was great, very personable, would recommend for anyone looking for care.

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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