We are proud to share that MGA Gastrointestinal Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center was selected for Newsweek’s 2026 list of America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

The recognition is based on a nationwide review of more than 5,000 outpatient surgery centers. We were among 700 centers included in the list.

This honor reflects our dedication to providing safe, high-quality care in a comfortable setting. We stood out for our strong performance, patient outcomes and trusted reputation among medical professionals.

MGA Gastrointestinal Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center focuses on what matters most:

• Providing compassionate care and personalized experience for every patient
• Maintaining high standards for safety and cleanliness
• Delivering excellent results from a skilled and dedicated team

The sixth edition of this award was developed in partnership with Statista, a respected provider of healthcare data and rankings. We are proud of this achievement and thankful for the patients who trust us with their care every day.

MGA Gastrointestinal Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center – Metairie and MGA Gastrointestinal Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center have both been named one of the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. These ratings of outpatient surgical centers offer patients a data-informed resource when seeking outpatient surgical care. 

As AMSURG-affiliated surgery centers, we are at the forefront of gastroenterology. AMSURG is a leader in ambulatory surgery center services with 64 of its surgery centers being recognized by U.S. News. 

“Providing high-quality patient care is a core commitment at every AMSURG center,” said Jeff Snodgrass, President and CEO of AMSURG. “Having 64 of our centers recognized by U.S. News & World Report is a testament to the expertise and compassion of our teams across the country. This achievement directly reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence. Congratulations to all centers honored.” 

U.S. News and its partner CareJourney rated more than 4,000 surgery centers across the country on several criteria, including how successfully they avoided complications, ER visits, unplanned hospitalizations and other undesirable outcomes; patient outcomes; risk-adjustment and more. Ambulatory Surgery Centers were evaluated in four separate specialty areas: Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology and Urology. 

Click here for more information. For more on the U.S. News Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers ratings, explore Facebook and Instagram using #BestASCs. 

Recently, MGA Gastrointestinal Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center – Metairie was named as one of the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. The debut ratings of outpatient surgical centers offer patients a data-informed resource when seeking outpatient surgical care.

As an AMSURG affiliated surgery center, we are at the forefront of gastroenterology. AMSURG is a leader in ambulatory surgery center services with 57 of its surgery centers being recognized by U.S. News.

“Every day, AMSURG surgery centers provide worldclass care for patients, making us a leader in multiple outpatient surgery operations,” said Jeff Snodgrass, president and chief executive officer of AMSURG. “U.S. News’ recognizing 57 AMSURG Partners highlights the excellent work accomplished day in and out by our teams across the country. Congratulations to all those named to the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers list for 2024.”

U.S. News and its partner CareJourney rated nearly 5,000 surgery centers across the country on several criteria, including how successfully they avoided complications, ER visits, unplanned hospitalizations and other undesirable outcomes; patient outcomes; risk-adjustment and more. Ambulatory Surgery Centers were evaluated in four separate specialty areas, including Gastroenterology, Orthopedics and Ophthalmology.

Click here for more information, and for more on the U.S. News Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers ratings, explore Facebook and Instagram using #BestASCs.

You know you need fiber in your diet to keep things running smoothly…But what if you can’t stomach the idea of forcing down some bland bran muffins? Good news: You don’t have to eat bran muffins. Adding fiber to your diet is tasty and not boring — when you know how to sneak it in!

Fiber-fortified foods are a good way to get more fiber, but they aren’t the most ideal way to add fiber because your body wants the actual foods filled with fiber. And if you have IBD or other digestive concerns, fiber may affect you differently so talk to your doctor.)

Check out these simple and tasty ways to add in more fiber to your daily food intake:

Popcorn

You want a crunchy snack at night, or even midday while working. Instead of grabbing some chips, have some popcorn! It’s full of fiber and satisfying for your snack tooth. (Just refrain from dousing it with salt and butter to keep it healthy!)

Chia Seeds

You’ve heard of them, but not sure how to use them, right? They’re packed with fiber and go well adding them to your cereal or oatmeal, tossing in a smoothie, or in your muffins and cookies (they can even sometimes be substituted for eggs in those recipes!).

Apples

An apple a day does help keep the doctor away! Bored with snacking on an entire apple? Top your salad with them, or make a chicken and cheese quesadilla with slices of apples in it! Make your own baked cinnamon apple slices to snack on, or just cut them up to snack on while you’re making dinner. Bonus: Keep the skin on when you can for more nutrients!

Nuts

Sure, snacking on a handful or two of nuts throughout the day is simple and tasty — but try tossing some into a stir fry for dinner, or get in the habit of throwing them on your salad.

Veggies

Eating your vegetables doesn’t have to be boring: Grill high-fiber vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, artichokes and red potatoes and brush them with seasonings for a fun twist on getting your veggies in (and keep their skins on!).

Smoothies

Get your daily servings of fruit AND your fiber in by tossing a bunch of fruits (and chia seeds) into a morning smoothie to get you going — or at midday for a healthy boost.

Flaxseed

The next time you see flaxseed when you’re grocery shopping, grab some: And simply add some into your next sandwich spread or stir it into your yogurt for a fiber punch without bland flavor.

Whole Grain Foods

Whenever possible, swap out processed white flour foods for whole grain ones…like noodles, breads, and rice. Their fiber helps you feel full more quickly, and for longer. And the fiber helps your digestive system. (Find out 5 Easy Ways to Swap out Processed Foods for a Healthier Gut)

Talk to your GI Doctor

Always remember to talk to your doctor before changing your diet. Got questions? Contact Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. and we’ll help you with all your digestive health! (Check out these other ways to promote better digestive health besides eating more fiber.)

When you’re thinking of making New Year’s Resolutions, getting healthier is often on the list — and with these simple changes you can implement, you can get your digestive tract healthier and feeling better:

1. Drink more water.

Water is an easy way to help smooth the digestive process and get things flowing. Try marking a water bottle into increments, to have half of it gone by a certain time of day to provide visual evidence of meeting your goals (or these tips). Bored with plain water? Add lemon. Or cucumber, or other infused fruits.

2. Limit red meat and processed meats.

Processed meats have a lot of unhealthy additives to them (like sodium, fat, and nitrates) that don’t absorb well in your stomach…and may potentially increase your risk of colon cancer. In general, the fewer processed and packaged foods you eat, the better your gut will feel.

3. Find an outlet to relieve stress.

Your entire body works together – and if you’re stressed about something, your stomach feels that. Your body focuses on handling that stress, so some other areas of your body may be affected: Including your digestive tract, potentially leading to constipation, diarrhea, or other stomach upset.

4. Move.

We all know we need to exercise to be healthier, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. For your digestive health, moving around helps to keep things flowing smoothly. Light exercise — like a walk around the block, even – is a great way to start moving so that all the food you’re digesting doesn’t get “stuck” sitting too long while it’s going through your digestive system.

5. Visit a Gastrointestinal Doctor.

If you are avoiding going to a gastrointestinal doctor because you “know” your digestive issues stem from a less-than-ideal diet, you may be missing out on the bigger picture: Something may be able to help. Sure, you may think you eat too much fried food…but what if your discomfort is the result of IBD, Crohn’s, or some other stomach issue? Having a GI doctor in your phone contacts is a good idea to have on hand.

Call Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. for better digestive health!

We’re here to help diagnose and treat all your digestive concerns to get you on the path to feeling better. Call us today at (248) 273-9930 or visit us online to schedule your appointment!

It’s almost the end of the year and if you have met your deductible – or if you have FSA money – one of the best things you can do is invest in your health and schedule a colonoscopy.

If you are over the age of 45, this important, life-saving screening is the best way to screen for colon cancer.

Booking a colonoscopy is an action you can take that can save your life – and it’s fairly easy to do. A colonoscopy can not only look for colon cancer but it can also allow your doctor to look at the overall health of your colon – and check for and remove polyps.

While there no perfect time to have a colonoscopy, the end of the year might mean you’ve met your insurance deductible or you might have FSA money to spend. Afterall, those funds won’t roll over to 2023!

In addition, scheduling a colonoscopy means you can head confidently into 2023, knowing you’ve done something amazing for your health and family – you are taking care of your wellness!

Colonoscopies are a safe and relatively simple procedure done at a hospital, surgical center or doctor’s office. You will be sedated and comfortable during the procedure and your doctor will examine your colon through a scope with a camera placed in your rectum. It usually takes about a half hour and you will need someone to drive you.

Each year, more than 50,000 people die of colon cancer but if it is caught early, it is highly treatable.

Make this the year you stay on top of your health and wellbeing. Book your colonoscopy today!

Have questions? Our team of doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC in Troy, Michigan have the knowledge and experience finding and treating diseases in the gastrointestinal tract to ease your stomach issues. Give us a call at (248) 273-9930 or request an appointment today.

Are you aware that the five-year survival rate for individuals with colon cancer is 90% if the condition is found and treated early on in its development? In terms of catching colorectal cancer and additional colorectal concerns, colonoscopy has gained a reputation in the gastroenterology community as the most reliable, effective exam.

The skilled practitioners at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates regularly conduct colonoscopy screenings for patients throughout our community. Keep reading as our New Orleans, LA digestive health team discusses the important role colonoscopies play in safeguarding gastrointestinal health.

Who is a good candidate for a colonoscopy?

Undergoing routine colonoscopies is recommended for adults 45 years of age or older. Younger patients might also be advised to have a cancer screening if meeting any of the following criteria:

• You have a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Your family medical history includes colon cancer or polyps
• You show signs or symptoms that could indicate colon or rectal cancer, including:
  • Blood in the stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Unintentional weight loss

Please note that the symptoms here are also seen with other gastrointestinal diseases, making it vital to set up a colonoscopy exam to assess your symptoms and digestive health. Contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to learn more information about other conditions that may be uncovered with a colonoscopy screening.

How long does a colonoscopy exam take?

For most individuals, the whole colonoscopy exam typically takes a few hours, from preparation to recovery. You should make plans to arrive at your colonoscopy doctor’s facility or endoscopy center in New Orleans, LA 1 – 1.5 hours before your scheduled exam time. This will provide you extra time to fill out any necessary patient forms and change into a medical gown. Once you are ready, you’ll be shown into the exam room, where the medical staff will administer a sedative to make you feel more relaxed and at ease throughout the colonoscopy exam.

Generally speaking, a colonoscopy exam takes 15 – 30 minutes. Your physician will carefully position the colonoscope (a flexible, probe-mounted video camera) into your rectum, gradually advancing it forward and watching the live video feed for any conditions. If colorectal polyps are detected during the screening, your GI doctor may remove them at this time.

After the colonoscopy, you will relax in a recovery area to allow the sedative effects to diminish. This might take up to an hour, depending on the quantity of sedation required and your reaction to it. It’s common to be drowsy for the rest of the day, so plan ahead to have someone escort you home. You should also avoid strenuous activity or completing important paperwork until you recover. You will be given a printed report outlining your procedure results and will likely be contacted by your GI doctor regarding any biopsy results typically within seven days.

Routine colonoscopies are a small investment in time for the diagnostic benefits and peace of mind they provide. To hear more about what to expect when undergoing a colonoscopy screening, connect with a Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates location near you to find a doctor who offers colonoscopies in New Orleans, LA.

Does a colonoscopy carry any risks I should consider?

When it comes to risks, there is a small possibility that some indications or conditions (including colorectal growths) might not be readily visible in your colonoscopy procedure. It’s crucial to reach out to your GI specialist and keep them informed of any persisting or new symptoms.

Additional possible risks affiliated with a colonoscopy screening include piercing of the large intestine, unfavorable response to the sedative medication, or bleeding (in the event any growths are excised). Keep in mind, however, that less than 1% of colonoscopies incur complications, most of which are minor. If you have any questions or concerns involving the risks associated with a colonoscopy, our Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates team will be pleased to go over those with you.

Find a colonoscopy doctor in New Orleans, LA

Given that colon and rectal cancer rates are trending upward in the younger adult population, the importance of having a colonoscopy to preserve your gastrointestinal health cannot be emphasized enough. If you are age 45 or older or have an elevated risk of developing colon or rectal cancer, contact the gastroenterologists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to learn more about a colonoscopy exam. Take charge of your GI health and get in touch with our New Orleans, LA team today.

Have you been experiencing abdominal pain or bowel conditions? An endoscopic procedure can offer a minimally invasive solution to pinpoint the gastrointestinal (GI) problems affecting your health. Our gastrointestinal doctors in New Orleans, LA utilize endoscopic services to examine the different areas of the GI tract. These options help lessen the need for more invasive procedures and long healing times.

An endoscopy is a commonly performed procedure that assists with the diagnosis of conditions found in the esophagus, throat, stomach, and the rest of the abdomen. Among the more well-known endoscopic assessments is a colonoscopy screening, which aids in identifying and reducing the development of colon and rectal cancer.

What are the differences between an endoscopy vs. a colonoscopy, and how might these endoscopic procedures improve your health? Continue reading to learn more about these exams offered at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our experienced team works to ensure patients in and around the New Orleans, LA area can get the treatment needed for digestive health.

What are the primary differences between an endoscopy and a colonoscopy?

Even though an endoscope (a long, thin, and bendable device containing a camera and light) is used to obtain high-resolution pictures for both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, there are a few primary distinctions between these two procedures.

In instances when the upper portion of the digestive tract must be viewed, an upper endoscopy is conducted. With this approach, the endoscope is positioned in your mouth. It then travels through the throat and into the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. Comparatively, a colonoscopy might be conducted if the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract needs to be examined. With a colonoscopy procedure, the endoscope is positioned in the rectum and advanced into the large intestine (colon).

Further differences involve the preparation process for colonoscopies vs. endoscopies. When preparing for a colonoscopy procedure, you’ll likely only consume clear liquids for 24 hours prior to your appointment. Instructions on how to clear your bowel of stool will be given and might involve the use of laxatives or cleansing solutions. This permits easy assessment of the rectum and large intestine.

Prepping for an upper endoscopy is simpler. You should fast from drinks or food for around six hours before the procedure and cease taking certain blood thinners as recommended by your doctor. If you’d like to learn more about the variations between an endoscopy vs. a colonoscopy, request an appointment with our Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates team to have your questions answered.

How are endoscopies performed?

During the course of an endoscopy exam, a slender, flexible device (endoscope) is positioned into your mouth and carefully advanced beyond the throat and eventually into the small intestine. If necessary, special equipment can be attached to the endoscope to help provide solutions for a variety of concerns. These tools can be utilized to collect tissue for biopsies, remove food that’s stuck in the upper GI tract, or open a narrowed area (stricture).

Reasons for needing an endoscopy procedure vary. If you notice symptoms that affect your health, our endoscopy specialists in New Orleans, LA may recommend scheduling this type of exam. An endoscopy can allow our team to identify the ideal treatment option for your ailment. In many instances, an endoscopy can be a helpful approach if you experience the following:

• Bloody stool
• Persistent bowel changes (such as diarrhea or constipation)
• Unexplained abdominal discomfort
• Chronic heartburn or chest pain

How do colonoscopies work?

During a colonoscopy exam, an endoscope is gently positioned in the rectum and colon. The device sends real-time video images to a monitor so your physician can assess the large intestine. During this time, tissue biopsies can be taken to learn if cancer cells are present, and precancerous polyps (growths) can be excised.

It’s crucial to have a colonoscopy procedure if you have a family history of colon cancer or when you turn 45. Colonoscopies can also be performed if you notice the following signs or symptoms more consistently:

• Feeling bloated
• Ongoing fatigue
• Thin or narrow stools
• Unintended weight loss
• Abdominal cramping
• Change in bowel movements
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Bloody stools

Find relief from GI problems with endoscopic options

An endoscopic approach can allow your healthcare practitioner to find and treat GI conditions like intestinal blockages, growths, unexplained abdominal discomfort, and other problems. When you schedule a consultation at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, compassionate care for your digestive issues is close at hand. We look forward to helping you get relief from your GI symptoms and bowel disorders. Get in touch with our gastroenterology specialists in New Orleans, LA now to arrange for a treatment consultation.

Many Americans likely know at least one person who has or who has experienced some form of cancer. You may even be affected by this condition. While many can identify the signs of breast cancer, or other common types of cancer, stomach cancer is one form that can come about quietly and quickly, and commonly isn’t diagnosed until it’s in the later stages. In an effort to draw attention to this frequently silent disease, November is designated as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.

Read on to explore important information to know about stomach cancer so you may have a heightened awareness of this disease and know what to do should you ever find yourself dealing with this health concern. In the event you or a member of your family has stomach cancer or is at an increased risk, get in touch with Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to request a visit. Our group of experienced gastroenterologists in New Orleans, LA can help you receive the advanced treatment you need.

What, exactly, is stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is diagnosed in around 30,000 people across the United States annually. It develops when the cells located in the stomach start to grow uncontrollably. Gastric cancer commonly develops over several years and starts with premalignant growths within the stomach lining. These developments commonly go unnoticed given that they don’t generally present any associated symptoms.

Given that evaluating for gastric cancer is not as common as colon cancer, it might often go undetected until the condition has spread or grown quite large. When this stage occurs, individuals will most likely begin to have signs or symptoms.

Are there common signs of stomach cancer?

As the condition progresses, several common gastric cancer symptoms may occur, including:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Heartburn symptoms/abdominal discomfort
• Feeling full even after having a small meal
• Blood in the stool

If you notice any of these stomach cancer symptoms, our skilled New Orleans, LA gastroenterologists can help. Please contact our team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to visit a skilled provider.

Who is at risk of gastric cancer?

As indicated by the American Cancer Society®, the average age of a person diagnosed with stomach cancer is 68. Furthermore, approximately 60% of those with a stomach cancer diagnosis are over 65.

There are an array of additional things that increase a person’s chance of having stomach cancer outside of their age, including:

• Previous stomach problems (such as Menetrier disease, polyps, acid reflux, or stomach ulcers)
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Ethnicity (more prevalent in Asian/Pacific, Native American, African American, and Hispanic individuals)
• Gender (more common among males)
• Location (more prevalent among those from South American, Central America, Eastern Europe, and East Asia)
• Diet (more common in those who eat a high-sodium diet or a large amount of processed foods)
• Family history of gastric cancer
• Weight (more prevalent in overweight or obese persons)
• Occupation (more prevalent in people who work in the coal, rubber, or metal industries)

How is gastric cancer treated?

In the event you or a family member has been diagnosed with gastric cancer, our New Orleans, LA gastrointestinal (GI) doctors can determine a dynamic gastric cancer treatment plan depending on the type, stage, and progression of the disease.

Forms of treatment protocols our team might consider involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or other services. We will also take your age, overall health, and additional information into account when devising a treatment plan.

Is there a way to prevent gastric cancer?

Although there is no absolute method to prevent the occurrence of gastric cancer, there are a few things you can do to lower the risks, such as:

• Consuming a balanced diet containing plenty of fresh fruits (particularly citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges) and veggies, limited processed or red meats, and whole grains
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding tobacco use

Elevating awareness is the first step in preventing stomach cancer

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we strive to help all patients live happy, healthy lives. Even though our team is devoted to addressing your GI needs, we are passionate about providing the information required to potentially prevent certain gastrointestinal conditions and issues. Since Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is in effect, now is the ideal time to take action. Schedule a consultation with our New Orleans, LA digestive health specialists to learn your risk of gastric cancer and how you might take steps to protect your GI health.

As we head into the fall and winter months, now is an ideal reminder to take stock of the state of your health and your wellness goals for 2023. One way to help make sure you stay on top of your goals might be to schedule your regular colorectal health screening with an expert GI specialist.

Although other testing methods are available, in the world of colon cancer screening, colonoscopy remains one of the most efficient and reliable of all screenings available. The specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates regularly conduct colonoscopy screenings to help patients identify indicators of colorectal cancer early on and to provide care for any concerns concerning the colon. Keep reading to hear more related to colonoscopies with our New Orleans, LA gastroenterology doctors.

Why is colonoscopy the preferred screening when checking for colon cancer?

Not only does it assist in helping evaluate for markers of colorectal cancer, having a colonoscopy also allows your GI specialist to ascertain the general health of your colon and also take out any polyps discovered in the course of the exam.

Colonoscopy may be recommended for individuals who are at least 45 years of age or for those who:

• Are from specific ethnicities (African Americans are at a higher risk of getting colon cancer than people of other groups, though no ethnicity is immune.)
• Have a history of bowel cancer in their family
• Consume a diet that is low in fiber but high in calories and fat
• Have specific inflammatory bowel diseases (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) that have been known to increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer

It’s imperative to consult with a digestive health specialist to understand your risk regarding cancer and when to schedule a colonoscopy.

When is the optimal time for me to go in for a colonoscopy?

In the big scheme of things, there is no “right” or “wrong” time to be proactive regarding the care of your health. However, deductibles are due to reset for the majority of health insurance plans, on Jan. 1, so if you have already met your plan’s deductible, now might be the optimal time to get in a colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA and to take advantage of your deductible having already been met. If you’re enrolled in a plan that has a flexible savings account (FSA), the end of the year is your last opportunity to use up any money that won’t carry over into the next year.

Additionally, performing any needed health screenings now will set you up to enter into the new year with the knowledge that you’re prioritizing your health needs.

How does a colonoscopy screening work?

Colonoscopies are a frequently performed exam that takes place in a private room at your doctor’s practice location or a local endoscopy center. Upon your arrival at the exam site, preparations will be made, and you will be asked to lie on your side, and a member of our team will administer intravenous (IV) sedation in measured and controlled amounts to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. After sedation is administered, your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates gastroenterology doctor will start the colonoscopy exam by carefully inserting a scope via your rectum and up through the colon, ascertaining your bowel health by way of the camera affixed inside the end of the scope. Depending on the results of the colorectal screening, the test usually takes about 15 – 30 minutes.

Reserve a time for your colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA

Colorectal cancer is the cause of over 50,000 deaths annually in the United States alone, but the odds of survival increase exponentially if the cancer is recognized and treated in the early stage of its development. This is the reason it’s imperative to enlist the help of an expert colonoscopy doctor who can recognize the warning signs of cancer and work with you if additional treatments are called for. With the knowledge and resources of our physician-led group of gastrointestinal providers available, the providers at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates are here to assist you in ringing in a new year in which caring proactively for your health is a top priority. For additional information regarding colon cancer screenings or to visit with a provider specializing in colonoscopies in New Orleans, LA, please reach out to our GI office today.