Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the normal cell type that lines the lower part of the esophagus (squamous cells) is replaced by a different cell type (intestinal cells). This process usually results from repetitive damage to the esophageal lining. The most common cause of this is longstanding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which the esophagus is exposed to excessive amounts of stomach acid. Interestingly, the intestinal cells of Barrett’s esophagus are more resistant to acid than squamous cells, suggesting that they may be an adaptation to the chronic acid exposure. The problem with this adaptation is that the intestinal cells have a small potential to transform into cancer cells.
To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center
Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety measures we are taking to protect you and our staff from contracting the coronavirus. We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines to limit the spread of the virus by continuously disinfecting all rooms and equipment, using protective barriers, providing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing. We are testing staff and patients to make sure you are safe. Patients will be asked to provide information if they have been tested.
OFFICE HOURS:
We are currently seeing patients in our Hillsborough office from 8am-5pm Monday thru Friday. Please call our office at 908-218-9222 to schedule an appointment.
SAFTETY FIRST:
All patients must wear masks
We will screen patients for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to coming into the office by taking your temperature and asking basic screening questions.
Limited companions on visits – If you cannot come to your visit alone, only one person should accompany you.
TELEMEDICINE:
We are conducting office visits via telemedicine by using your cell phone. When you call for an appointment, you will be scheduled with a physician. The physician will call you on your appointment date and time. If you have an iPhone, the physician will call you at your appointed time using FaceTime. If you have an android phone, you will receive a text message at the time of your appointment. You can then click on the link and be connected with your physician for the video office visit. It’s that easy!
CENTRAL JERSEY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER:
Our surgery center is open to preform elective procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Please call to schedule an appointment at 908-218-9222. Patients coming in for procedures will be tested 3 days prior to their procedure.
PATIENT PORTAL:
To better serve you, all patients must register for our portal by providing us with your email address. We will then send you a portal invitation which will contain a pin number needed to register for our portal. This will be our main source of communication with you regarding getting timely test results, answer clinical questions, provide important updates etc.
The Physicians and Staff at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center wish everyone the best at this trying time. Stay healthy and safe.
