Why Choose MNGI?
It’s easy to assume that all physicians and health care facilities deliver the same high quality medical services. In fact, many people select a doctor simply by using their insurance directories to identify a covered medical practice in a convenient location.
But how do you know where you can receive the best gastrointestinal care?
At Minnesota Gastroenterology, you can be confident you will receive premier medical care for digestive system dieseases and conditions.
We specialize in gastroenterology.
All MNGI physicians are board-certified or board-eligible gastroenterologists.
Gastroenterologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. They complete two to three years of GI training in addition to an internal medicine residency.
Gastroenterologists also receive specialized training in endoscopy: the use of a narrow, flexible, lighted tube with a built-in video camera that is used to examine the inside of the digestive and intestinal tract.
Studies have shown that gastroenterologists perform higher quality colonoscopy screenings and other consultative services when compared to other types of physicians. According to the American College of Gastroenterology web site, non-gastroenterologists are five times more likely to miss colorectal cancer during colonoscopy than gastroenterologists (Gastroenterology 1997; 112:17-23).
Experience counts.
The amount of experience your doctor has treating certain conditions is a good indicator of results. In other words, the more experience, the better the results.
In 2005, MNGI physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants provided routine and emergency care to more than 100,000 patients with digestive disorders and conditions, including hepatitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, abdominal pain, celiac disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
More is better.
Again, the more experience your doctor has performing specific procedures, the better the results. In 2005, MNGI gastroenterologists performed 74,000 endoscopy procedures, more than any other group of physicians in Minnesota. Over half of these were colonoscopies, a procedure used to screen for colon polyps and cancer.
According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, a physician should perform at least 100 colonoscopies annually. Every MNGI physician performs at least 250 colonoscopies each year; some of our physicians complete more than 1,000 annually.