Gastroenterology in Burlington, NC | Kernodle Clinic

Gastroenterology

Digestive Health Care at Kernodle Clinic

Gastroenterology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

At Kernodle Clinic, our Gastroenterology Department is dedicated to helping patients improve their digestive health through early detection, accurate diagnosis, and prompt treatment of digestive system diseases. Our board-certified gastroenterologists care for adults with a wide range of gastrointestinal and liver conditions, including colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcers, hepatitis, pancreatitis, celiac disease, and esophageal disorders.

Our gastroenterology physicians are supported by experienced physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and staff who work together to provide compassionate, coordinated care.

 

Conditions Treated

Digestive Conditions We Treat

Kernodle Clinic Gastroenterology evaluates and treats a wide range of digestive health concerns, including:

  • Acid reflux and GERD
  • Abdominal pain
  • Colon polyps
  • Colon cancer screening and prevention
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Celiac disease
  • Esophageal disorders
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Hepatitis and liver disease
  • Pancreatitis
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chronic constipation
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding

Digestive symptoms can have many causes. A gastroenterology evaluation can help identify the source of symptoms and guide the right care plan.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colonoscopy and Preventive Digestive Care

Colon cancer screening is one of the most important preventive services in gastroenterology. Screening can help detect colon polyps before they become cancerous and may help identify colon cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Patients may need a colonoscopy or other screening based on age, symptoms, personal medical history, family history, or provider recommendation.

You may benefit from a gastroenterology appointment if you have:

  • A family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
  • A change in bowel habits
  • Ongoing abdominal pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • A previous history of polyps
  • A referral for routine colon cancer screening

For questions about colon cancer screening or scheduling, call Kernodle Clinic Gastroenterology at 336-538-2355.

Diagnostic Services

Gastroenterology Testing and Evaluation

Gastroenterologists use a combination of medical history, physical examination, lab work, imaging, and specialized procedures to diagnose digestive conditions.

Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend:

  • Colonoscopy
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Lab testing
  • Imaging studies
  • Liver function evaluation
  • Biopsy when clinically appropriate
  • Ongoing monitoring for chronic digestive diseases

These evaluations help your care team better understand your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment & Care

Digestive Health Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the condition, severity of symptoms, test results, and each patient’s overall health. Gastroenterology care may include:

  • Medication management
  • Nutrition and lifestyle guidance
  • Colon cancer screening and surveillance
  • Monitoring of chronic digestive conditions
  • Management of inflammatory bowel disease
  • Evaluation and treatment of liver conditions
  • Coordination with primary care and other specialists

The goal is to help patients manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve digestive health over time.

When to See a Gastroenterologist

When Should You See a Digestive Health Specialist?

You may benefit from seeing a gastroenterologist if you experience:

  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea
  • Blood in the stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Ongoing nausea or vomiting
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • A personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer
  • Abnormal liver tests
  • Symptoms that do not improve with primary care treatment

Early evaluation can help identify digestive health issues before they become more serious.

Gastroenterology Providers at Kernodle Clinic

Kernodle Clinic’s Gastroenterology Department is led by board-certified gastroenterologists and supported by experienced physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and staff. The Gastroenterology department has served more than 45,000 adult patients since it began in 1992.

Kiran Anna, MD, MRCP (UK)

C. Trevor Locklear, MD, MPH

Steven M. Russo, DO

T. Keith Toledo, MD

Headshot of Dr. Rohini Vanga

Rohini Vanga, MD, MBBS

Debbie Blitch, MSN, BSN, FNP-C

G. Mason Croley, PA-C

Christiane London, RN, MSN, FNP-C

Janice Woodard, PA-C

Coordinated Specialty Care

Kernodle Clinic is a multi-specialty medical practice with providers across multiple areas of care. For patients who need additional evaluation or specialty support, the Gastroenterology team can coordinate with other Kernodle Clinic departments and providers as needed.

Gastroenterology Clinic Locations

Kernodle Clinic Gastroenterology sees patients at:

Burlington
1234 Huffman Mill Rd.
Burlington, NC 27215

Phone: 336-538-1234
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Mebane Oaks Village
1032 Mebane Oaks Road
Mebane, NC 27302

Phone: 336-538-2355
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Kernodle Clinic Gastroenterology is convenient to patients in Mebane, Burlington, Graham, Elon, Alamance County, and surrounding communities.


Frequently Asked Questions

You should consider seeing a gastroenterologist if you have persistent digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, chronic reflux, trouble swallowing, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that do not improve with primary care treatment.

Kernodle Clinic Gastroenterology provides digestive health care and colon cancer screening support. Patients should call 336-538-2355 to discuss screening needs, referrals, insurance requirements, and scheduling.

Some insurance plans may require a referral. Patients should contact Kernodle Clinic or their insurance provider to confirm coverage and referral requirements before scheduling.

A primary care doctor can evaluate many common digestive symptoms, but a gastroenterologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system. Patients may be referred to gastroenterology for persistent symptoms, abnormal test results, colon cancer screening, liver concerns, or complex digestive conditions.

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