Patients Skip Colon Cancer Screenings Because of Obesity Stigma
People who are overweight or obese may skip life-saving cancer screenings because they fear their doctor’s judgment.
The Premier Gastrointestinal Group of Southeastern Massachusetts
Gastrointestinal Specialists was co-founded by Dr. Jerry Stern and Dr. Mark Finklestein in 1994. Since its inception the practice has grown to eight physicians (Dr. Finklestein, Dr. Salomons, Dr. Slye, Dr. Stone, Dr. Sreenivasan, Dr. Bhalala, Dr. Belkin and Dr. Khan.), one nurse practitioner, Alison Verdone, CNP, and two physician assistants, Teresa Fatemi, PA-C and Sara LaFreniere, PA-C, four offices and an ambulatory endoscopy center, Commonwealth Endoscopy Center.
Our practice was created to provide state of the art medical care in a warm and caring environment for our patients.
For Your Visit
Gastrointestinal Specialists is committed to ensuring that your experience with us is relaxed and worry-free, from consultation through recovery. To assist us, we ask that you read and comply with all guidelines.
We’re pleased to partner with StopColonCancerNow to help boost colon cancer screenings and prevention for residents in Plymouth and Bristol County.
Patient Forms
At Gastrointestinal Specialists your time is as valuable to us as it is to you. That’s why we provide online access to a variety of forms that you may complete before your visit. Please take a moment to download and print the appropriate form(s).
Insurance and Billing
Gastrointestinal Specialists accepts most major insurance. We will bill your insurance carrier for you; however, we cannot tell you what your policy will cover. Since your insurance policy and coverage are between you and your carrier, we urge you to contact them prior to your procedure.
Important COVID-19 Information
We are pleased to provide our patients with the option of telemedicine. This will enable our providers to perform telemedicine/virtual office visits, in lieu of an actual office visit so we can continue to provide you with uninterrupted care. You will be able to have face-to-face video and audio contact with your provider.
20 Reviews
Jun 23, 2022
May 5, 2022
Just want to say what Amazing and outstanding care I received from each and everyone at Commonwealth Endoscopy Center. Starting from the receptionist to all of the nurses Ana, Koleen very caring,patient,respectful and super friendly. The anesthesiologist Dr.Kumar he was also caring ,kind and funny too.I can't forget my life saver Dr Mark Finklestein.He went above and beyond on a number of occasions to make sure I was well taking care of. I'm want to say it was a great experience.Thank you all!!
Dec 11, 2021
My mother recently had a colonoscopy here. Everyone was professional and courteous and the procedure itself was a breeze. Highly recommend.
Nov 23, 2021
Secretary in front is very condescending. My husband was still in the waiting room when she called me telling me they would not do the procedure until I brought in atleast $100.00. He did not bring his wallet with him. She told me to get a credit card out and to pay it now. I explained that we didn't have a credit card to do that she told me "well then we cannot do the procedure". My deductible has been met through my insurance already, they cannot just bill us?? I get they need to get paid but the way she spoke to me was so condescending that I almost told her fine just send him back out, we won't be doing any procedures here. The sad part is....my daughter comes once a year for a colonoscopy and is on our insurance. Not once has she been asked to pay up front. This girl was just plain rude.
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Got an endoscopy today, which was my first procedure of any kind. I checked in for my 11:00 appointment at 10:45 and I was ready to go home at 11:55. I felt zero pain or discomfort before, during, or after, and the entire staff was friendly, professional, and caring. It all went better than I could have ever imagined.