Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD is a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA specializing in pediatric gastroenterology. She graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1991 and has 35 years of experience. Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD is affiliated with Pediatric Specialists of Virginia and INOVA HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
Gastrointestinal Problems (Digestive Disorders)
The gastrointestinal system, or GI tract, is the name given to a collection of organs that work together to digest food. These organs fit together in a long tube, running from the mouth to the anus, and include the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, among others. With so many parts working together, complicated by today's busy lifestyles and diets, digestive problems are common. As many as 1 in 3 Americans have a digestive or GI disorder. There are a huge variety of digestive problems, but the most common are IBS, constipation, GERD, hemorrhoids, and ulcers.
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, happens when the muscles surrounding the colon contract too easily or frequently. The result is abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating. IBS attacks can often be brought on by specific triggers, so a key part of treatment is learning which foods trigger IBS attacks and avoiding them. Treatment also includes exercise, avoiding stress, and medications if needed.
Constipation, or large, hard, or infrequent stools, happens to everyone at some point. It can be caused by a disruption in routine or food, or by eating a diet without many fresh fruits and vegetables. Although it is uncomfortable, constipation is common and usually not serious, but it can sometimes become chronic. Adding fiber to the diet, exercising, and taking medications may help.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a severe form of chronic heartburn where stomach acid spills back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, the acid may even eat away at the esophagus and cause serious damage. Treatment includes changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, losing weight if needed, medications, or even surgery.
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels around the rectum that become irritated, swollen or torn while straining during a bowel movement. They are most often caused by constipation, but can also be caused by pregnancy, diarrhea, or simply a genetic predisposition towards hemorrhoids. Treatment involves first treating any constipation issues, then keeping the area clean and soothed until it has healed. If these measures are ineffective, surgery is sometimes used.
Peptic ulcers are sores or spots of inflammation in the lining of the stomach or close to the stomach in the small intestine. Usually this area is coated with a protective lining that shields the tissue from the strong stomach acid, but a break in the lining can let acid in, causing the sores. It used to be thought that stress caused ulcers, but now it is known that is not the case. Most often, they are caused by an infection by H. pylori bacteria, but ulcers can also be caused by alcohol abuse or overuse of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDS. The symptoms of an ulcer are pain, hunger, nausea, and fatigue.
Gastrointestinal problems, perhaps more than any other area, are markedly affected by lifestyle. Many disorders can be prevented or treated at least in part by eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and limiting alcohol intake. Still, the frequency of digestive disorders means that even the healthiest person can be affected by them. Anyone who notices blood in their stool, experiences abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or any significant change in bowel movements should see a doctor.
The top procedures that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated as a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA during 2015 were gastrointestinal procedures.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD for Medicare patients.
| gastrointestinal procedures | 14 |
|---|
The top procedures that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated as a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA during 2016 were gastrointestinal procedures and manometry.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD for Medicare patients.
| gastrointestinal procedures | 34 |
|---|---|
| manometry | 18 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD.
| From 65 to 74 | |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | |
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 |
The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated during 2016 were high cholesterol, asthma, hypertension and ischemic heart disease.
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
The top procedures that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated as a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA during 2017 were gastrointestinal procedures and manometry.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD for Medicare patients.
| gastrointestinal procedures | 47 |
|---|---|
| manometry | 27 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD.
| Non-Hispanic White | |
|---|---|
| Black | |
| Hispanic | |
| Asian | |
| Other | |
| Native American |
| From 65 to 74 | |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | |
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 |
The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated during 2017 were hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
The top procedures that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated as a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA during 2018 were gastrointestinal procedures and manometry.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD for Medicare patients.
| gastrointestinal procedures | 88 |
|---|---|
| manometry | 42 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD.
| Male | |
|---|---|
| Female |
| Non-Hispanic White | |
|---|---|
| Black | |
| Hispanic | |
| Asian | |
| Other | |
| Native American |
| From 65 to 74 | |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | |
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 |
The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated during 2018 were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
The top procedures that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated as a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA during 2019 were gastrointestinal procedures and manometry.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD for Medicare patients.
| gastrointestinal procedures | 83 |
|---|---|
| manometry | 39 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD.
| Male | |
|---|---|
| Female |
| Non-Hispanic White | |
|---|---|
| Black | |
| Hispanic | |
| Asian | |
| Other | |
| Native American |
| From 65 to 74 | |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | |
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 |
The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated during 2019 were high cholesterol, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
The top procedures that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated as a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA during 2020 were gastrointestinal procedures and manometry.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD for Medicare patients.
| gastrointestinal procedures | 26 |
|---|---|
| manometry | 13 |
The top procedures that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated as a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA during 2021 were gastrointestinal procedures and manometry.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD for Medicare patients.
| gastrointestinal procedures | 47 |
|---|---|
| manometry | 24 |
The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated during 2021 were hypertension and high cholesterol.
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
The top procedures that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated as a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA during 2022 were gastrointestinal procedures and manometry.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD for Medicare patients.
| gastrointestinal procedures | 38 |
|---|---|
| manometry | 19 |
The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated during 2022 were high cholesterol and hypertension.
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoperosis | |
| Atrial Fibrilation | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Dementia | |
| Cancer |
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD for Medicare patients.
The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated as a pediatric gastroenterologist in Fairfax, VA were gastrointestinal procedures and manometry.
| gastrointestinal procedures | 47 |
|---|---|
| manometry | 26 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD.
| Male | |
|---|---|
| Female |
| Black / African American | |
|---|---|
| Asian / Pacific Islander | |
| Non-Hispanic White | |
| Native American / Alaskan Native | |
| Hispanic | |
| Other |
| 75 to 84 | |
|---|---|
| 85 and over | |
| Less than 65 | |
| 65 to 74 |
The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
| Hypertension | |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | |
| Stroke | |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | |
| Depression | |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | |
| Asthma | |
| Osteoporosis | |
| Heart Failure | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | |
| Diabetes | |
| Atrial Fibrillation | |
| Cancer | |
| Dementia |
Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1991. She completed residency at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Gastroenterology and has a state license in Virginia.
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1991)
Residency: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Affiliated Hospitals (1994)
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatric Gastroenterology
Licensed In: Virginia
Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$397
Humira $187 |
$209 |
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$134
DUPIXENT $134 |
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$117
REMICADE $117 |
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|
$87
XELJANZ $71 |
INFLECTRA $16 |
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$64
DUPIXENT $64 |
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$201
AcipHex Sprinkle $62 |
(820) Cholbam $27 |
QUDEXY XR Topiramate Extended Release Capsules $18 |
ENTYVIO $14 |
$80 |
| $994 | |
| $6 |
Dr. Catherine S. Chao, MD has received 10 research payments totaling $36,362.
Dr. Catherine Chao's specialty is pediatric gastroenterology. Dr. Chao graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and then she performed her residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In her practice, she is particularly interested in gastrointestinal problems (digestive disorders) and liver disease. She is professionally affiliated with Pediatric Specialists of Virginia.
