Barrett's Esophagus - Center For Digestive Health

Barrett’s Esophagus

Overview

Barrett’s esophagus is a health condition that develops when acid reflux damages the esophagus, which is the pink tube connecting the stomach to the mouth. This damage causes the lining of the esophagus to grow thicker and redden in color.

Barrett’s esophagus often develops because of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which involves symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation of food. Barrett’s esophagus is the result of GERD symptoms leading to changes in the cells that line the lower portion of the esophagus.

Men and people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus. Those who have GERD or who believe they may be at risk of this condition should consult with a doctor, as Barrett’s esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer in rare cases

Applicable Procedures

24 Hour Ph Probe
EGD
EUS
Radiofrequency Ablation (previously called Halo Barrx)
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Does Barrett’s Esophagus Mean I Will Develop Cancer?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Barrett’s esophagus does increase a person’s risk of cancer, but this does not mean that you will develop cancer with this condition. In fact, the risk of cancer is quite low, and most people with Barrett’s esophagus never develop cancer of the esophagus. That being said, it is still important to work with a doctor to monitor the condition, as precancerous cells can be treated to reduce your risk of developing esophageal cancer in the future.

Should I Be Screened For Barrett’s Esophagus?

Experts recommend a Barret’s esophagus screening for individuals with certain risk factors. For instance, men who have weekly GERD symptoms that do not improve with medications, or who have two or more risk factors, such as a family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer, being over age 50, having excess abdominal fat, or being a current or former smoker, should be screened for the condition. While women are less likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus, they should be screened for it if they that uncontrolled GERD symptoms.

How Is Barrett’s Esophagus Treated?

Treatment will depend upon the severity of Barrett’s esophagus. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have no precancerous changes to the cells of your esophagus, a doctor will monitor your condition and provide treatment to manage GERD symptoms. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases

Common Symptoms

I find that I suffer from heartburn most days, and sometimes I even feel as if I am regurgitating my food.
I sometimes have trouble swallowing food.
After living with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) for several years, I started to suffer from bouts of chest pain.

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What They Are Saying

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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6229 reviews

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kavitha K.

Very happy with the place . All the staff and Dr. Tocco were amazing. Getting appointment was easy and they scheduled the procedure within 4 days. Please visit this place for your edg or colonoscopy needs. They are just amazing. Thank you

Pam M.

Very kind and attentive staff, and Dr Baaken is so compassionate! Never a fun procedure to go through, but they all make you feel so comfortable and cared for every step of the way.

Jim S.

The Team, everyone at Digestive Health, is fantastic. I fully recommend them to everyone.

Jim F.

Very professional and made the process seamless 10 out of 10!

Jeff N.

I had a great experience at the Center for Digestive Health. They took very good care of me. The nurses, anesthesiologist, and Dr. Bologna were all wonderful. I highly recommend this office.

Veronica

Very pleased with my medical visit. Very professional and friendly.

Elaine C.

Very impressed with the staff throughout the whole procedure. The entire staff was very kind and professional, it was a positive experience.

sarab J.

Everyone from Dr. Willie to the nurses and staff are the best.

Osmanis M.

My experience at this place was excellent; the entire staff is very professional, and the way they care for patients is outstanding—you really feel you are in good hands. They are very understanding and professional. I don't know the name of the nurse who attended to me in my cubicle—she had dark, wavy, shoulder-length hair, light-colored eyes, and a somewhat husky voice. I don't know her name, but thank you so much; she was one of the best—very personable, professional, and understanding. This was on the morning of July 7, 2026. The anesthesiologist was a middle-aged woman with distinctive black glasses; she was very professional in everything she did, acting with great confidence. And the doctor and endoscopy specialist, Mr. Razvan C. Opreanu—thank you very much; he is one of the best in Lansing. I also don't want to forget the other nurse—the blonde one whose name I also don't know—who woke me up from anesthesia; she was very sweet and professional throughout the process. I do wish she had let me sleep for another five minutes, though—I was really enjoying it! Lol. Thank you to everyone.

Donna S.

Everyone was prompt, friendly and very helpful and professional.

Sheryl T.

Fast, efficient, friendly very professional service.

Jayne L.

This office is the absolute best. Always have a positive experience. Everyone is very professional and caring!

Susan D.

Great anesthesia. But my prep was too aggressive. I have heard of other Drs with a better prep. I will be switching to another dr for next colonoscopy

Cheri B.

Excellent place. All the people here are top notch , friendly efficient and professional.

annette E.

I recently had two procedures on June 26th, 2025. Upon arriving at the office, the staff was friendly and helpful. Check-in was seamless, and I barely waited before being called. The team efficiently gathered my information and assured me I’d be seen shortly. Within five minutes, I was in a room. The nurse and CRNA gathered more information and then the CRNA promptly wheeled me to the procedure room. Both the assistant and doctor were already there, ready and kind. The CRNA and assistant quickly got me all set up, and before I knew it, I was awake and ready to go. A kind staff member even escorted me to my car afterward. Overall, it was a 5-star experience!

Ferid A.

Check-in and orientation went smoothly and the examination was completed in “no” time (could be anesthesia time).

James T.

Good overall experience.

NICOLE L.

Dr. Qualich and his staff are truly amazing. My husband and I both see him after going to someone else who we didn’t care for due to the lack of compassion. This is definitely not the case here as every single person we have encountered shows they truly care about you and your health. I rarely do reviews but I highly recommend Dr. Qualich and am extremely grateful to have found him for my health needs.

Katrina S.

I absolutely loved the staff and how they took the time to explain everything to me

Michelle B.

Great team. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. Caring staff. Knowledgeable. Would highly recommend

Larry B.

Always a wonderful experience. Kind and considerate.

Suzanne S.

Very, very professional. Caring, attentive. Dr Wille is the best.

Rosalee O.

Dr. Nandi and his team are the best. They make you feel so comfortable. Really....I won't at my pictures, LOL!!!!

rick W.

Very good experience. Pre-procedure communication through post procedure could not have been better.

Sharon M.

Quick efficient friendly. If I have to have another will go back to this clinic.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6234 reviews

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David St G.

Fast and efficient patient service and professional staff

Richard R.

The nurses and the front desk are very pleasant that makes this procedure so much easier. Dr. Conat and has his team work well together, you can tell that they have great chemistry. Procedure is on time and your out before you know it. I was sent home with what to expect from the Procedure and other information.

Dorinda M.

Super nice staff! Very professional and everyone had a smile!

Kimmy K.

Very kind staff and knowledgeable doctor and anestisiologist. Waited about 30 minutes after my appointment time to be seen, but they were very busy. Other than that, everything we t well and I left with information related to the outcome of the test.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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