Life is busy and your plate is full, but taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others. A colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test is a simple step that could make a big difference in your future. Direct Access Colonoscopy makes scheduling your procedure easier.

Colon Cancer is Preventable

In adults younger than 50, colorectal cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer death in men and the second in women.

The good news is CRC is both preventable and highly treatable when detected early. Experts recommend starting CRC screenings at age 45, if you are at average risk. If you have digestive symptoms, you should see your health care provider regardless of age.

A colonoscopy is the most efficient way to detect the disease early or even prevent cancer. If you choose other colon cancer screening methods and receive an abnormal result, you must follow up with a colonoscopy to determine the cause of the positive test.

What is Direct Access?

Career, family and the nonstop pace of life demands your full attention. Direct Access Colonoscopy is a simple and convenient way to schedule your colon cancer screening.

If you qualify, you don’t need to have a formal pre-procedure visit with a gastroenterologist or endoscopist. In fact, you do not meet the doctor until the day of the procedure.

Additionally, Direct Access Colonoscopy is covered by most health insurance plans.

How does Direct Access Work?

Prior to being scheduled for a colonoscopy, you will have a call with our center staff to review your medical history in detail.

If you have an uncomplicated medical history, are between 45 and 75 years old, and are in generally good health, you may be eligible for Direct Access.

Also, if you require a colonoscopy to evaluate a positive screening stool test, you may be eligible for Direct Access.

If certain health conditions are identified during the call with our center, an office visit will be required prior to the procedure.

Schedule Your Screening at Our ASC

For a colonoscopy, our Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) makes it easy to get the care you need:

• Timely, efficient outpatient care
• Less waiting, more one-on-one attention
• Often more affordable than hospital procedures
• A safe, welcoming space designed with your comfort in mind

Find out if you are eligible for a Direct Access Colonoscopy.

Early detection saves lives. If you’re due for a colonoscopy or need a follow-up, don’t wait. Protect your health and schedule your screening today.

We’re proud to highlight that Dr. Mark Epstein of Middlesex Digestive Health & Endoscopy Center was recently featured in Everyday Health’s article, “11 Best Natural Remedies for Upset Stomach Relief.”

In the article, Dr. Epstein shares expert insights on natural approaches to managing digestive discomfort, including the benefits of peppermint and the BRAT diet. His contribution reflects our center’s commitment to providing trusted, patient-centered care backed by clinical expertise.

This recognition reinforces the value of our team’s work in digestive health and our dedication to educating patients on safe, effective treatment options.

Read the full article here.

Acton, MA – Middlesex Endoscopy Center invites you to experience the exceptional care and inviting atmosphere of our entire facility. Known for excellence in healthcare, our center’s clean and welcoming environment underscores our dedication to patient comfort and care.

Take the Google 360 Tour

Discover the comprehensive care we offer through an immersive 360 virtual tour, meticulously captured by a certified Google 360 photographer. From the welcoming reception area to our state-of-the-art procedure rooms and tranquil recovery spaces, every detail is designed with your well-being in mind. Transparency is one of our core values, and we want you to see the quality-of-care patients receive every day. This virtual experience exemplifies our commitment to transparency, allowing you to explore our entire facility, reducing pre-visit anxiety and fostering trust.

Why Middlesex Endoscopy Center?

• Comprehensive and Inviting Facilities: Experience healthcare in an environment where cleanliness and comfort are paramount, from the lobby to the procedure rooms.
• Personalized Care: Our skilled professionals are dedicated to your unique health needs, ensuring a patient-centered approach throughout your visit.
• Informed Decisions: The virtual tour and detailed photography gallery offer insights into our center, promoting transparency and confidence in your healthcare choices.

At Middlesex Endoscopy Center, we blend unparalleled medical care with an environment that prioritizes your comfort and peace of mind. We invite you to discover the difference at our meticulously maintained facility.

Middlesex Digestive Health & Endoscopy Center is proud to announce seven of its physicians have been recognized by Boston Magazine in their annual Top Doctors List. The 2025 edition ranks 2,041 of the area’s most highly regarded physicians from more than 80 specialties.

The following physicians from our center made the 2025 list:

• Ann Marie Joyce, MD
• Benjamin J. Hyatt, MD
• Gail M. Herzig, MD
• Lauren M. Bleich, MD
• Mark P. Epstein, MD
• Michael L. Desimone, MD
• Peter E. Krims, MD

About Our Center

Middlesex Digestive Health & Endoscopy Center, an AMSURG-affiliated outpatient surgery center, proudly serves Middlesex and Worcester counties and South New Hampshire. Dedicated to creating a patient-centered environment that fosters wellness and comfort, our team is committed to providing excellent gastrointestinal care.

Our facility is not only licensed by the state but also undergoes voluntary accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), a national organization that accredits more than 6,000 ambulatory healthcare settings.

The Top Doctors List

Boston Magazine works alongside Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research firm, to collect feedback from physicians and medical leadership from the highest-rated hospitals to nominate esteemed physicians in the region. From there, Castle Connolly’s physician-led team sorts through the nominations to select those most highly regarded by their peers.

Request an Appointment

In addition to screening for colorectal cancer, our gastroenterologists can treat digestive conditions like diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Visit our physicians page today to make an appointment and take control of your digestive health.

Middlesex Endoscopy Center, a renowned provider of exceptional patient care, has integrated revolutionary AI technology that improves colon cancer screening efficiencies. This cutting-edge system underscores the center’s commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering superior care to patients.

By leveraging advanced AI technology, the endoscopy center enhances the precision and effectiveness of colonoscopies. The intelligent system collaborates with medical professionals, providing an additional layer of analysis during the procedure. It diligently analyzes real-time video feeds from the endoscope, assisting physicians in identifying potential abnormalities like polyps that can lead to colon cancer.

One of the significant benefits of this breakthrough AI technology is its ability to facilitate early detection of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. Detecting polyps at their nascent stages empowers patients to receive timely interventions, leading to more successful treatment outcomes and improved long-term survival rates. Additionally, the AI-assisted approach allows for the removal of precancerous polyps during the same procedure, reducing the risk of cancer development and minimizing the need for subsequent invasive interventions.

How Patients Benefit from AI

The integration of AI technology into colon cancer screenings at the endoscopy center offers several advantages to patients. By enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure, the technology reduces examination time, minimizing patient discomfort and promoting a more comfortable experience. Furthermore, the AI system acts as a second set of eyes, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the colon, which contributes to improved detection rates and more effective preventive measures.

Alongside the integration of AI technology, the endoscopy center is dedicated to delivering compassionate care and exceptional support to patients throughout the screening process. The experienced staff strives to create a supportive environment, addressing patient concerns, and ensuring a positive experience at every step.

Through the utilization of this groundbreaking AI technology, the endoscopy center establishes itself as a leader in revolutionizing colon cancer screenings. By embracing innovative approaches and advancements in medical technology, the center remains at the forefront of the fight against colorectal cancer, emphasizing its commitment to patient well-being and improved health outcomes.

Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening

Individuals aged 45 and above are strongly encouraged to schedule a colon cancer screening at the endoscopy center. By taking this proactive step, patients can benefit from the precision, efficiency, and enhanced detection capabilities provided by AI technology.

Beginning January 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) will no longer cover the use of deep sleep anesthesia for certain gastrointestinal patients undergoing endoscopic, bronchoscopic, or interventional pain procedures. This applies to all colonoscopies, including those done for colorectal cancer screening.

Read More

Boston Magazine has recognized Dr. Raj Devarajan, Dr. Mark Epstein, Dr. Gail Herzig, Dr. Benjamin Hyatt and Dr. Peter Krims as “Top Doctors” on their 2021 list. All five physicians were designated in both 2020 and 2021! Congratulations! Click here for the full article.

Here at Middlesex Endoscopy Center, we are taking every COVID-19 precaution to ensure that patient safety is our top priority. We have implemented social distancing and are only allowing a certain number of people in the building at any given time. We have also spaced out the chairs in the waiting area so they are at least 6-feet apart. Our staff both, medical and business, will wear masks during all interactions. Medical staff will also be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) that will be changed after every patient.

Our Patients Journey During COVID-19

To ensure that we are keeping everyone safe, we have implemented new extensive precautions, which can impact your wait time. Please be aware that you could be here for up to 3 ½ hours.

• You will receive a call from Emerson COVID-19 scheduling as we are requiring all patients to have COVID-19 testing 72 hours prior to your procedure. You will ONLY receive a call with your results if you are positive.
• Please wear a mask if you have one. If you do not, we will supply you with one once you get to our facility.
• Once you arrive for your appointment please come through the double doors, and someone will be there to greet you. That is when we will perform a final health screening before entering the building.

How We Disinfect Our Facility

All procedure rooms will have a deep cleaning after every procedure, we also have Beyond Guardian Air, air purifiers in every procedure room. This air purifier captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.1 micron, it has a five-stage filter and uses ActivePure Technology, which is used on the International Space Station. We are also spraying the entire building weekly with an Electrostatic Sprayer, which is effective against SARS-CoV2, staph, E coli and Salmonella enterica.

Unfortunately, no rides are allowed into the building. Your ride will receive a call from a nurse when you are almost ready to go.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 978-429-2000.

Middlesex Digestive is moving into the future with an online check in kiosk, which will help patients check in for their appointment from their mobile or tablet device.

This new system, Clearwave, will not only help our efforts with limiting person-to-person contact in our center during the COVID-19 pandemic but will also save patients time.

How it Works:

• Step 1: Patient receives a text or email reminder in advance of their appointment, or a real-time text message if scheduled the same day.
• Step 2: Patient completes the pre-check process and is informed about the virtual waiting room option.
• Step 3: Our staff verifies patient information, reviews COVID-19 screening process and flags.
• Step 4: Upon arrival to our parking lot, the patient calls or texts provided number to alert us or their arrival.
• Step 5: Our staff checks the patient into Clearwave, which automatically checks patient in to the system. Staff updates the patient status when the doctor is ready.
• Step 6: Real-time text is sent to the patient alerting them that it is time to come inside, and the appointment occurs.

We are confident our new check-in system will delight our patients.  To read more about Clearwave, please visit clearwaveinc.com.  If you have any questions, please call us at (978) 226-1351.

In an effort to provide the cleanest air amid COVID-19, our center is utilizing Beyond by Aerus to remove 99.97 percent of particles in our facility.

The Energy Star certified Beyond Guardian Air provides better-than-HEPA filtration and proprietary ActivePure® Technology which is based on technology originally developed by NASA researchers for use on the International Space Station. It is recognized exclusively, worldwide, as Certified Space Technology.

About Beyond by Aerus

 

• The only air purifier on the market that uses an exclusive combination of technologies, including ion generation, a better-than-HEPA filter, Photocatalytic Oxidation and a proprietary ActivePure® Technology.
• ActivePure® Technology has been university tested and proven effective on bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi in the air and on surfaces
• Eliminates common triggers of allergies, asthma, and irritants to those with sensitive immune systems
• Uses ActivePure® Technology to create pristine air quality and attack contaminants
• on surfaces
• Ten unique features include technologies to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.01 micron
• Whisper-silent operation and purifies up to 2,000 sq. ft.
• Destroys VOCs, smoke and odors without ozone
• ActivePure is the only air purification technology in the world granted the Certified Space Technology seal by the Space Foundation

Click here for more information on how we are providing the best air quality for our patients.