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Dr. Ian Wesley Folkert, MD is a surgical oncologist in Houston, TX specializing in surgical oncology (cancer surgery). He graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Ian Wesley Folkert, MD is affiliated with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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.
Dr. Ian Wesley Folkert, MD graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed residency at University of Pennsylvania Affiliated Hospitals. He has a state license in Texas.
Medical School: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pennsylvania Affiliated Hospitals
Licensed In: Texas
Dr. Ian Wesley Folkert, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Ian Wesley Folkert, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Group Health Plan (GHP), First Health PPO, Aetna POS, Community Care Network (CCN), TRICARE, Coventry, Aetna HMO, Aetna Signature Administrators, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA POS, CIGNA HMO, Aetna Savings Plus, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Gold, AmeriHealth, AARP, Medicare Advantage, First Health POS, First Health HMO, Geisinger Health Plan, US Family Health Plan, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Oxford HMO, Oxford PPO, First Health, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Qualcare PPO, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Platinum HMO POS, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Workers Comp, Highmark Blue Shield First Priority Life (FPLIC) - AffordaBlue PPO, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Prime, Aetna Advantra Credit Value, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Flex Plus PPO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Keystone HMO, Clover Health Classic HMO, Highmark Blue Shield Freedom Blue PPO, Devoted Health Core Pennsylvania (HMO), Clover Health Choice, PA Health & Wellness Ambetter, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Giveback, Qualcare POS, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Complete, Oscar Health Plan of Pennsylvania HMO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Personal Choice EPO, Qualcare Workers Comp, Provider Partners Health Plan Community Plan HMO SNP, UPMC Health Plan Community HealthChoices, Keystone Health Plan East Keystone65 (Essential, Basic, Select, Liberty) HMO, Claim Watcher (Homestead/ INDECs) Open Access, Aetna Advantra Value, Aetna Advantra Eagle POS, Imagine Health (Imagine Health 360) EPO, Highmark Blue Shield My Blue Access PPO, PA Health & Wellness Allwell - HMO, Highmark Blue Shield My Direct Blue EPO, Highmark Wholecare (fka Gateway Health) Assured Ruby HMO SNP, UPMC Health Plan - UPMC for You (PA HealthChoices), Aetna Advantra Premier Plus PPO, Highmark Blue Shield BlueCare Custom PPO, BS of New Jersey Advantage - EPO, Aetna Premier, Devoted Health Choice Plus Pennsylvania (PPO), Keystone Health Plan East POS, Highmark Wholecare (fka Gateway Health) Assured Diamond HMO SNP, Devoted Health Choice Pennsylvania (PPO), PA Health & Wellness Community HealthChoices, Highmark Blue Shield Complete Blue PPO Premier, Keystone Autism Services, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Special, Aetna Flexible Five, Devoted Health Giveback Pennsylvania (HMO), Highmark Blue Shield PPO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) HMO, Highmark Wholecare (fka Gateway Health) Payor Access Agreement, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners (PA HealthChoices; includes CHIP), Centivo EPO, PA Health & Wellness Allwell - PPO, Preferred Health Care/Eliance PPO, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Dual Pearl SNP, Oxford Health Plan POS, Aetna Advantra Cares D-SNP, Highmark Blue Shield Complete Blue PPO Choice Deluxe, Aetna APCN Plus (Multi-Tier), Aetna Premier Plus, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Proactive HMO, Medicare - Pennsylvania, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Personal Choice 65 (Prime, Saver, Elite) PPO, Aetna Philly Prime, Clover Health Choice Value PPO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Behavioral Health, Aetna Upfront Advantage, Devoted Health Dual Plus Pennsylvania (HMO D-SNP), Aetna Freedom Core, Qualcare HMO, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Flex, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) PPO, PA Health & Wellness Allwell - SNP, Aetna Advantra Eagle HMO, Provider Partners Health Plan Advantage Plan HMO SNP, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Personal Choice PPO, Rail Road Medicare/Palmetto GBA, Aetna Advantra Value Plus, Preferred Health Care/Eliance EPO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) POS, Clover Health Value, Aetna Student Health Plan PPO, Aetna PPO APCN, Devoted Health Choice Giveback Pennsylvania (PPO), Global Medical Management, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Silver and Keystone Health Plan East HMO.
According to our sources, Dr. Ian Wesley Folkert, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Ian Wesley Folkert, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$132
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Dr. Ian Folkert is a specialist in surgery. He is affiliated with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
