Gastroenterology & Digestive Care
Every day, Pentucket Medical’s Digestive Care Team provides life-saving interventions to prevent colon and esophageal cancer. We also diagnose and treat ulcers, heartburn, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and enable individuals who have difficulty swallowing to eat and drink normally.
Care of the digestive system – the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines – has been a specialized focus at Pentucket Medical for more than 40 years. Our team of seven board certified gastroenterologists is the most qualified digestive health resource in the Merrimack Valley. Pentucket Medical is particularly pleased to have a female gastroenterologist, Albena Halpert, MD, on our team. Some GI and pelvic issues are gender specific, and we understand that women may prefer to be treated by a female specialist.
But we know that it takes more than our expertise to ensure that you get the kind of attention that you need and deserve. Going to the doctor, especially when you need to see a specialist can make you feel anxious. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible, which is why we take the time to listen and work to empower you with information.
We also recognize the vital role of your Primary Care Physician with whom you have an on-going relationship and who has an overall picture of your health. At Pentucket Medical, our integrated system of care makes it easy for your Gastroenterologist to keep your Primary Care Physician fully informed. Our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) ensures that everyone on your team has ready access to your current health information. All of this allows you to receive rapid and responsive treatment.
One of the most vital ways we affect your health is through prevention. This is why we recommend screening for colorectal cancer to our patients over fifty. Potentially life-saving procedures like colonoscopies are performed at Merrimack Valley Endoscopy Center, located in our Haverhill offices at One Parkway. Our endoscopy suite is the region’s most thoroughly equipped and staffed facility of its kind, offering comfort, convenience and the latest, proven technologies. We have full time anesthetists providing anesthesia for pain-free procedures.
Generally, endoscopy and gastroenterological services are coordinated through your Primary Care Physician, who will request an appointment for you. If you do not have a PCP and would like to schedule a procedure, please call Merrimack Valley Endoscopy Center at 978 521 3235.
We offer:
- Colonoscopy: This is used to detect and remove colon polyps that often develop into cancer and to diagnose diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, infections and other disorders.
- Gastroscopy/Upper Endoscopy: This is used to diagnosis such disorders as reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease and Barrett’s esophagus.
- Esophageal Dilation: This is performed to stretch a narrowed esophagus, restoring the ability to eat and drink normally.
- Esophageal Manometry: This tests the motor action of the esophagus to diagnose swallowing problems.
- Small Bowel Enteroscopy: This is done to diagnose and treat previously undetectable small bowel lesions.
 Play Video: Pillcam ESO
Click here for a video demonstration of the Pillcam, one of the latest technologies being used by Pentucket Medical to non-invasively evaluate the esophagus or the small bowel.
Pentucket Medical offers Gastroenterology care in the following locations:
- Haverhill, MA: (978) 521-3270
- RiverWalk in Lawrence, MA: (978) 557-8900
- Newburyport, MA: (978) 499-7400
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