Practice Updates, News and Articles
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates is happy to announce that Dr. Kevin Ho is now performing Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) at THR Alliance Hospital.
Endoscopic Ultrasound
MAY is Celiac Disease Awareness Month
As you can see, although Celiac Disease is a fairly prominent condition, it tends to be relatively under-diagnosed. Additionally, due to the potential health implications, it is a serious condition that warrants further attention. If you have any of the signs, symptoms or risk factors listed above, please feel free to schedule an appointment with us to discuss your concerns and schedule further testing. All of our physicians are board-certified in gastroenterology and perform upper endoscopies regularly. We look forward to seeing you!
Inclement Weather Policy
With the threat of severe weather arriving later this week, we wanted to take a moment to remind our patients of our “Inclement Weather Policy”. Many of our employees have young, school-aged children. As such, we typically follow the guidelines of the local school districts when severe weather arrives. If the schools decide to close, we typically follow suit. If they opt to remain open, we stay open, as well. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
NEW office is now OPEN
10900 Founders Way, Suite 204,
Fort Worth, TX 76244
Both office numbers will transfer to the new location.
817-380-7176
ONLINE APPOINTMENT REQUEST
Fax 817-284-1819
A Message To Our Patients: January 21st, 2022
As many of you are aware, we recently closed our clinic in North Richland Hills. All office operations and clinic visits are now taking place at our new Alliance location. Unfortunately, our move has created some confusion regarding the status of Digestive Health Center of North Richland Hills (a.k.a. North Richland Hills Endoscopy Center or NRHEC). NRHEC is a separate entity from our practice and is still open for business in its current location. To our knowledge, it has no plans to move or close and will continue to serve North Richland Hills and the surrounding communities as it has for the past several years. Likewise, our practice still plans on supporting the endoscopy center and will continue doing procedures there on a regular basis. We're sorry for any confusion that our move may have created for our patients in North Richland Hills and the surrounding communities. If you have any questions at all regarding this situation, please do not hesitate to contact our office. As always, we look forward to seeing and hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates
Are you currently due for a screening or surveillance colonoscopy, please call us today to make sure that we can meet your needs before the end of the year!
With 2021 winding down and 2022 looming, we’d like to remind everyone that insurance plans and deductibles typically reset themselves at the beginning of the new year. If you are currently due for a screening or surveillance colonoscopy, please call us today to make sure that we can meet your needs before the end of the year!
Fort Worth 817-380-7176
North Richland Hills 817-284-2693
Congratulations Dr. Mark Murray!
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates is proud to announce that Dr. Murray has once again been selected by his peers as one of the top gastroenterologists in Tarrant County! Please see this month's "Top Docs" edition of Fort Worth Magazine for more details!
Fort Worth Top Doctors
Diverticulitis
Posted January 29th, 2021
Diverticulitis is a complaint that gastroenterologists are frequently asked to evaluate patients for on both an inpatient (hospitalized) and outpatient (clinic visit) basis. To learn more about this condition, follow the link below
Diverticulitis
NOVEMBER IS PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Although rare, pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with a poor survival rate. To learn more about pancreatic cancer, click the link below.
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Kevin Ho to our medical staff
Dr. Ho is an established physician in this area, having been in practice at one of DHAT’s North Richland Hills locations for the past 3 years. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our growing practice and should fit in seamlessly with our group. His official start date with our practice will be Nov. 3, 2020. Schedule your appointment with him today!
PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS AND SECONDARY CANCERS
Posted August 26th, 2020
First, we would like to acknowledge that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. So, for all the men out there who are of appropriate age, get your prostate checked. Second, although prostate cancer isn’t a gastroenterology-related cancer, it does provide us the opportunity to discuss a very important issue: Secondary Cancers. Secondary cancers are new malignancies (cancers) that develop in individuals who have previously had cancer. An example of this would be a prostate cancer survivor who subsequently develops colon cancer.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL HEALTHY AGING MONTH
Posted August 26th, 2020
Although digestive problems can occur at any point in life, getting older poses its own set of challenges for the digestive system. From altered bowel habits to acid reflux to peptic ulcer disease, the list of potential problems seems endless. For a brief overview of some of the more common gastrointestinal conditions that arise as we age, as well as ways to help prevent them, please follow the link below:
August Is Gastroparesis Awareness Month
August 1st, 2020
Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder which results in inefficient or ineffective emptying of the stomach. Although relatively rare, it does create significant problems for those affected by this condition. To learn more about gastroparesis, please click the link below
RESUMPTION OF URGENT AND ELECTIVE PROCEDURES
April 27th, 2020
The recent Executive Order issued by Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, has allowed us to resume the process of scheduling and performing both urgent and elective cases. Despite the loosening of restrictions, we want to assure you that your well-being remains our number one priority. We will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by various health agencies in order to keep you safe throughout the procedure process.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to contact our office for more information.
COVID-19 Office Update: To our patients (present, future and potential),
The emergence of COVID-19 as a global pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our entire society, both personally and professionally. Our business is no exception. Although we have tried to maintain a sense of normalcy throughout COVID-19’s evolution, we are no longer able to continue the routine of “business as usual”. In keeping with the guidelines set forth by the CDC, the Surgeon General of the United States and our parent company (DHAT - Digestive Health Associates of Texas), our practice is implementing the following changes immediately:
- Our new office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. With the exception of patients scheduled for urgent/emergent procedures, we will be closed on Fridays.
- Clinic appointments will consist of urgent/emergent visits only. Routine office follow-ups (i.e. medication refills and yearly “check-ups”) will be handled by phone.
The above changes will remain in effect until we receive appropriate clearance to resume normal business operations. Until then, stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates
Congratulations Dr. Murray!
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates is proud to announce that Dr. Murray has been selected by TX Top Docs as one of the top gastroenterologists in Tarrant County. Please check our for more details!
BLOATING
Posted January 17th, 2020
Bloating is a relatively common problem that most of us have dealt with at one time or another. Although some causes of bloating can be indicative of a serious underlying medical condition, most causes are relatively harmless. Frequently, bloating can be easily rectified with dietary and lifestyle modification. Occasionally, input from a physician may also be needed. For more on this topic, please follow the link below:
THE HOLIDAYS AND YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Posted September 27th, 2019
We’ve all been there: indigestion, nausea, bloating, bowel irregularity... No, it’s not the ever-dreaded “stomach bug”. Instead, it’s that most wonderful time of the year: The Holiday Season! From sugary treats to rich foods to abundant cocktails, our days and nights are frequently filled with tantalizing food and drink choices. Unfortunately, all of these palate-pleasing menu options aren’t nearly as pleasing to our digestive tracts. To find out more about how the Holiday Season wreaks havoc with our digestive system, please follow the link below:
The holidays and your Digestive System?
AGING AND DIGESTIVE DISEASE
Posted August 27th, 2019
Although digestive problems can occur at any point in life, getting older poses its own set of challenges for the digestive system. From altered bowel habits to acid reflux to peptic ulcer disease, the list of potential problems seems endless. For a brief overview of some of the more common gastrointestinal conditions that arise as we age, as well as ways to help prevent them, please follow the link below:
PROBIOTICS
Posted July 10th, 2019
During a recent blog post, we addressed a common topic that our patient's frequently wish to discuss - Fiber. In this post, we'll tackle another common topic - Probiotics. Outside of vitamins and minerals, probiotics are one of the most frequently used supplements by the general public. Despite their popularity, however, many questions remain regarding their use. To learn more, click the link below.
What Is Fiber?
Posted June 5th, 2019
As gastroenterologists, a common topic of conversation with our patients is “fiber”. Questions range from “What is fiber?” to “Why is fiber important?” to “How much fiber do I need?”. In an effort to answer these questions, as well as a few others, please read on.
Dietary fiber, frequently referred to as roughage, is essentially indigestible plant material. Unlike proteins, carbohydrates and fats, which are broken down and absorbed by your body, fiber passes through the GI tract undigested. Although fiber isn’t digested and absorbed, it does play a key role in keeping your digestive system functioning properly.
Top Gastroenterology Groups in Tarrant County by Society Life Magazine 2019
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates is proud to announce that we have once again been selected as one of the top gastroenterology groups in Tarrant County by Society Life Magazine. Schedule your appointment with us today. We look forward to seeing you!
Tops In Tarrant by Society Life Magazine
Congratulations Dr. Mark Murray
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates is proud to announce that Dr. Murray has once again been selected by his peers as on of the top gastroenterologists in Tarrant County! Please see this month's "Top Docs" edition of Fort Worth Magazine for more details!
APRIL IS ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Your esophagus is the hollow, muscular tube which connects your throat to your stomach. It is roughly 20 cm long and allows swallowed food, liquids and pills to pass from your mouth into your stomach. Esophageal cancer develops when some of the cells lining the esophagus turn malignant/cancerous. It is estimated that approximately 17,000 people will develop esophageal cancer this year and that there will be approximately 15,000 esophageal cancer-related deaths. The lifetime risk of developing esophageal cancer is ~ 1 in 130 men and ~ 1 in 450 women.
Learn More about Esophageal Cancer
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates is happy to announce that beginning on Friday, April 12, 2019, Dr. Murray will begin providing endoscopy services at THR Azle on Friday afternoons
If you are in need of a screening colonoscopy or other endoscopic service, please book an appointment today. Also, please feel free to look into our “Direct Access Colonoscopy” service. This program allows select healthy individuals to skip their pre-procedure office visit and proceed directly to their colonoscopy. We look forward to seeing you soon!
PANCREATIC CANCER
Posted March 8th, 2019
We were all somewhat shocked and saddened earlier this week when Alex Trebek announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. In an effort to help shed some light on this devastating disease, please follow the link to our blog post.
Pancreatic Cancer - What You Need To Know
COLON POLYPS
Posted February 20th, 2019
Here at Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates, one of the most common topics that we discuss with our patients is the issue of colon polyps. Questions typically range from “What is a polyp?” to “Why are they important?’ to “How do you get rid of them?”. So, to help answer some of these questions, as well as to help make everyone aware of why screening colonoscopies are so important, here is a brief synopsis:
NOVEMBER IS STOMACH CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, refers to a group of tumors that develop in the lining of the stomach. Although there are several different types of stomach cancer, Gastric Adenocarcinoma is by far the most common. Gastric Adenocarcinoma is a slow-growing tumor which begins its development in the inner-most lining of the stomach. It accounts for approximately 90-95% of all diagnosed stomach cancers. Although the exact mechanism by which Gastric Adenocarcinoma develops is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified. Some of these include:
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND SECONDARY CANCERS
First, we would like to acknowledge that October is breast cancer awareness month. So, for all the women out there who are of screening age, get your mammograms done. Second, although breast cancer isn’t a gastroenterology-related cancer, it does provide us the opportunity to discuss a very important issue: secondary cancers. Secondary cancers are new malignancies (cancers) that develop in individuals who have previously had cancer. An example of this would be a breast cancer survivor who subsequently develops colon cancer.
Full Blog Breast Cancer and Secondary Cancers
2018 Winding Down and 2019 Looming!
Mom diagnosed with colon cancer urges others to get screened early
A 32-year-old mother’s video message urging others to listen to their bodies and get their symptoms checked has gone viral after she shared that she was diagnosed with colon cancer just days prior. Jennifer Waller, a nurse in New Jersey, said she had been suffering from weight loss and abdominal discomfort that could have been dismissed as symptoms of living a busy life.
Cologuard: Is it Really Worth It?
Posted August 30th, 2018
Recently, we have had many our patients inquire into the possibility of having a Cologuard test performed instead of undergoing standard screening colonoscopy. For those of you reading this post and wondering to yourself “What is Cologuard?”, It’s a noninvasive, at-home test that uses a patient’s stool to screen them for colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps.
BlueCross BlueShield of Texas’ recent decision to start denying coverage of certain ER visits that it deems unnecessary
Posted August 14th, 2018
We here at Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates are well-aware of the alarm created by BlueCross BlueShield of Texas’ recent decision to start denying coverage of certain ER visits that it deems unnecessary. We would like all of our current and future patients to know that while we share their concerns, we have absolutely no influence with BCBS in regard to whether your visit will be deemed necessary or not. Our recommendation is to be judicious with your ER visits and to consider using urgent care facilities (i.e. CareNow) when routine clinic visits aren’t an option.
What is Dysphagia?
Posted July 27th, 2018
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a condition where food and/or liquids have difficulty passing from the mouth to the stomach. There are numerous causes for dysphagia and, in general, there are 3 recognized types of dysphagia:
- Oral dysphagia (the problem is in the mouth)
- Pharyngeal dysphagia (the problem is in the throat)
- Esophageal dysphagia (the problem is in the esophagus)
Sepsis Awareness
Although Sepsis Awareness Month is still a few weeks away, Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates would like to invite all of our Facebook friends and followers to a Sepsis Alliance fundraiser at one of Keller’s favorite hangouts: What’s On Tap.
On Tuesday, July 17 from 6:00-9:00 PM, What’s On Tap will donate a portion of all sales to Sepsis Alliance. So, come out, relax for awhile, enjoy a cold beverage and know that a part of the proceeds are going to further sepsis awareness.
Sepsis Awareness Month
Although it's not necessarily a primary GI issue, it's still a cause that Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology is proud to support and help sponsor. Kick off Sepsis Awareneness Month at the INAUGURAL Dallas - Fort Worth Sepsis Challenge 5K run/walk on September 1st!
Colon cancer screening should start at 45, Cancer Society says
People should start getting screened for colon cancer at age 45 instead of at 50, the American Cancer Society said Wednesday.
CYCLIC VOMITING SYNDROME
Posted May 17th, 2018
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome is a functional disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of intractable nausea, vomiting and fatigue which often appear to have no identifiable trigger. Once thought of as a childhood phenomenon, it is being increasingly identified in adult patients. Please click the link below to find out more
Do you have uncontrollable reflux and heartburn?
Have you failed various forms of medical therapy? If so, Bravo and Manometry Studies may be needed to determine the true source of your problems. Schedule an appointment today to discuss whether these tests are right for you.
Congratulations "Top Docs" and "Doctors Worth Knowing" in the April 2018 issue of Fort Worth Magazine
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates is proud to announce that Dr. Murray, and Dr. Hill have all been selected as "Top Docs" and "Doctors Worth Knowing" in the April 2018 issue of Fort Worth Magazine.
April is Autism Awareness Month
Post April 2nd, 2018
Although Autism Spectrum Disorder is not a primary gastrointestinal disease, many individuals on the spectrum do experience significant GI issues.
Click the link below to find out more
What is Barrett's Esophagus?
Post March 30th, 2018
As you can see, although Barrett's Esophagus is a relatively uncommon condition, it is nonetheless a very serious one. If you have any concerns that you may be at risk for Barrett's Esophagus, please feel free to schedule an appointment with us to discuss your concerns and schedule further testing. All of our physicians are board-certified in gastroenterology and perform upper endoscopies regularly. We look forward to seeing you!
APRIL IS ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Post March 23rd, 2018
Your esophagus is the hollow, muscular tube which connects to your throat to your stomach. It is roughly 20 cm long and allows swallowed food, liquids and pills to pass from your mouth into your stomach. Esophageal cancer develops when some of the cells lining the esophagus turn malignant/cancerous.
MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Post February 23, 2018
As gastroenterologists, we here at Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates have come to understand that we are not the most popular guys in the world. We understand that most of you would rather be anywhere else on earth than sitting in the same room with us. We see your sideways looks, arched eyebrows and defensive postures when we attempt to discuss the benefits of screening colonoscopy with you. We hear the apprehension and hesitation in your voice as you reluctantly answer our questions. The truth of the matter, however, is that we’re not here to hurt you. We’re actually here to help you.
Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates is proud to announce that we have been selected as one of the top healthcare groups in the area
We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all of those who voted for us. Please check out this month’s issue of Society Life Magazine for more details.
From the bottom of our hearts, Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology Associates wishes you a very Happy Valentine’s Day
February is Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month
Posted February 8th, 2018
Although both of these cancers are relatively rare, they frequently have devastating consequences. Click on the links from the American Cancer Society to learn more
Direct Access Colonoscopy at Northeast Tarrant Gastroenterology
WHAT IS DIRECT ACCESS COLONOSCOPY?
Direct Access Colonoscopy is a simplified program which allows healthy patients to directly schedule routine screening and surveillance colonoscopies without the need for a pre-procedure office visit.
Feel the Burn: Gender Differences in Reflux Disease
Distinct physiologic and psychosocial factors influence when and how GERD symptoms present in each sex.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) isn’t just about esophageal acid exposure anymore. Researchers in Korea published a review of data on GERD and the different ways it presents among men and women. Their final analysis included 96 original studies on GERD—in animals and humans—compiled using PubMed with key words including “gender,” “epidemiology,” “pathophysiology,” “estrogen,” and “treatment.” Their investigation revealed distinct physiologic and psychosocial factors that influence when and how GERD symptoms present within each sex.
How to Make (and Keep) a New Year's Resolution
Are you making a resolution for 2018? Warning: More than half of all resolutions fail, but this year, they don’t have to be yours. Here’s how to identify the right resolution to improve your life, create a plan on how to reach it, and become part of the small group of people that successfully achieve their goal.
Northeast Tarrant GI Annual Christmas Party
Special thanks to Pickles BBQ & Icehouse for hosting us and to Becky Bragg with Cruising Canvases for providing an entertaining wine glass painting session.
Coffee Brings More Health Than Harm: Study
The new study, from the University of Southampton, was an umbrella review, meaning that it looked back over studies that were meta-analyses themselves, providing a deep look into the existing literature on coffee and health.
Nearly Half of Cancer Cases Are Within Your Control, Researchers Say
Diseases as complicated as cancer are often caused by genetic factors that are out of your control and risk factors that you can change. Now, researchers have calculated just how much of that risk is within a person’s control.
World Aids Day 2017
Today is World AIDS Day. Although the number of new HIV infections in the United States has declined since 2010 and the number of worldwide deaths from AIDS has gone down by 50 percent since 2005, there are more than 36 million people around the world who are living with AIDS, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
About 90% of Americans Don't Eat Enough Fruits and Vegetables
The most recent edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults consume 1.5 to two cups of fruit per day, and two to three cups of vegetables per day. According to the CDC’s data, however, just 12.2% of American adults are meeting the standard for fruit, and 9.3% are meeting the standard for vegetables. On average, the report adds, Americans are eating fruit once per day and vegetables 1.7 times per day.
Low FODMAP Diet Improves Symptoms in Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Endometriosis
Women with concurrent irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and endometriosis experience significant improvement in bowel symptoms with a low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet, a recent study suggests.
Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Screening, and Prevention Tips
What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer, more commonly known to the public as colon cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States among cancers that affect both genders. It doesn’t have to be — nine out of 10 people who are diagnosed early and received early prompt treatment are still alive after five years.
Knowing this, why are so many people not receiving proper cancer screenings and ignoring the warning signs of colon cancer? Read the Full Article
Meet Dr. Mark Murray
Meet Dr. Eric M. Hill