Gastroenterology
The gastroenterologists of Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, located in Rutherford County, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of adult disorders of the digestive system. We offer comprehensive, advanced diagnostic and treatment services for the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver and pancreas.
Our Gastroenterology physicians have extensive experience treating gastro issues ranging from acid reflux to Crohn’s disease and Ulcers to colon polyps.
Our goal is to provide high quality preventive care to our patients and to treat their acute and chronic illnesses. We evaluate new problems, care for chronic diseases, and advise you on preventive care such as screening tests.
As your physicians, you entrust us with your greatest asset – your health. We strive for the highest standards of care for our patients and continually monitor ourselves against the best practices in our specialty. We are committed to creating long-term patient relationships by providing comprehensive, well-coordinated and compassionate care. To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterology specialist please call 615-867-8070.
Physicians
Advanced Practice Providers
Conditions We Treat
- Trouble with swallowing
- Heartburn
- Chest pain not due to heart disease
- Ulcers
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Crohn’s Disease
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Gastroparesis diet
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Pancreatitis
- Hepatitis C
- Bacterial overgrowth
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Celiac Disease
- Problems with digestion and elimination
- Symptoms occurring after surgery
Liver Ultrasound Elastography Technology
We’re excited to introduce our new liver ultrasound elastography machine, now available in our Gastroenterology department. This non-invasive, radiation-free imaging allows us to detect and monitor liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis with greater accuracy and comfort for our patients. Learn more about how this advanced tool can support your liver health by watching Dr. Dotherow’s video here.
Colonoscopies
In addition, we encourage screening for colon cancer and are committed to colon cancer prevention. Beginning at age 45, the American Cancer Society recommends that men and women receive a colonoscopy every 10 years for average risk individuals.
Colonoscopy (Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests)
Although there are many screenings that can help find colorectal cancer, none is better than a colonoscopy. Early stages of colorectal cancer usually present with no symptoms. A colonoscopy is the only test to prevent colorectal cancer, with the unique ability to remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
Screening is recommended for the following:
- Persons that are age 45 or older.
- Individuals that have a history of polyps or colorectal cancer.
- Persons with a relative (Mother, Father, Sister, Brother or Child) with polyps or colorectal cancer.
- Individuals that have been diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis or large bowel Crohns disease for several years.
Colonoscopies are very safe and effective. Preparations have improved, and are generally easier to tolerate than in the past. The procedure is performed with the patient sedated, and generally there is no pain during or after the procedure. Most patients will feel well upon leaving the SurgiCenter, get back to a regular diet that day and resume regular activities, such as work, the day after. Because of its effectiveness at finding precancerous polyps, a colonoscopy is the only test recommended at 10-year intervals.
If you are age 45 or older, it’s your turn. Request an appointment online or call 615-867-8070 to schedule your colonoscopy with MMC Gastroenterology.
45 Is the New 50
For many years, age 50 was the recommended age to begin routine colorectal cancer screenings. However, recent studies have revealed an increase in incidence of colorectal cancer amongst people younger than age 50, which has led to updated screening recommendations.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that adults begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. Because of this new guideline, both private insurers and Medicare will soon be required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to cover the costs of your colorectal cancer screening when performed by an in-network provider starting at age 45. In fact, most already are! Just be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm specific benefits before scheduling a procedure.
Endoscopy Center
All colonoscopies are now performed at the Endoscopy Center of Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, located at our Westlawn location on Shores Road near Veterans Parkway and Interstate 840. The Endoscopy Center is a state-of-the art facility, accredited by the Joint Commission, dedicated to outpatient surgery and located in the same building as our office offering both convenience and cost savings.
Colonoscopy Preparation
Proper preparation for your colonoscopy is crucial for ensuring a safe and high-quality procedure. Visit our Colonoscopy Preps page to watch videos detailing the different types of preparation methods. Paten Pruitt, MSN, APRN, FNP-C will walk you through everything you need to know. These instructions are specifically designed to thoroughly clean your colon, allowing your doctor to clearly identify any growths, lesions, signs of colorectal cancer, or other abnormalities.
Colonoscopy Preps
Proper preparation for your colonoscopy is crucial for ensuring a safe and high-quality procedure. Please watch the following videos about who needs a colonoscopy and the different types of preparation methods. Paten Pruitt, MSN, APRN, FNP-C will walk you through everything you need to know. These instructions are specifically designed to thoroughly clean your colon, allowing your doctor to clearly identify any growths, lesions, signs of colorectal cancer, or other abnormalities.
Who Needs a Colonoscopy?
What to Expect for a Colonoscopy:
Colonoscopy Prep - MiraLAX & Gatorade
Proper preparation for your colonoscopy is crucial for ensuring a safe and high-quality procedure. The following video is
specifically for those following the MiraLAX & Gatorade Prep.
These instructions are specifically designed to thoroughly clean your colon, allowing your doctor to clearly identify any growths, lesions, signs of colorectal cancer, or other abnormalities.
Colonoscopy Prep - SUPREP
Proper preparation for your colonoscopy is crucial for ensuring a safe and high-quality procedure. The following video is
specifically for those following the SUPREP prep. These instructions are specifically designed to thoroughly clean your colon, allowing your doctor to clearly identify any growths, lesions, signs of colorectal cancer, or other abnormalities.
Colonoscopy Prep - PEG 3350 (generic)
Proper preparation for your colonoscopy is crucial for ensuring a safe and high-quality procedure. The following video is specifically for those following the PEG 3350 (generic) Prep. These instructions are specifically designed to thoroughly clean your colon, allowing your doctor to clearly identify any growths, lesions, signs of colorectal cancer, or other abnormalities.