Dr. Biju Kuriakose Alex, MD is a gastroenterologist in Columbia, MD specializing in gastroenterology (digestive system). He graduated from University of Virginia School of Medicine in 2006 and has 19 years of experience. Dr. Biju Kuriakose Alex, MD is affiliated with Ascension, Gastro Health, Digestive Disease Associates, DIGESTIVE DISEASE ASSOCIATES LLC and Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital.
10710 Charter Drive Medical Pavilion at Howard County Suite 110 Gastro Health
Columbia, MD 21044
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the use of a special tool called a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. The tube is typically inserted anally, and it allows the physician to examine the large intestine from the inside. It may be done at any time to diagnose bowel problems, but routine colonoscopies are advised after the age of 50 to screen for colon cancer.
A colonoscopy may be performed to diagnose:
Patients may be asked to drink only liquids in the days before a colonoscopy, or they may be given an enema to remove residual fecal matter. Before the exam, patients are given medication to help them relax, and then lay on their side on a table. The scope is inserted into the anus and gently moved all the way through the large intestine. Air may be pumped into the intestine to improve the view for the physician. Any polyps that are found will be removed. Then the colonoscope will be withdrawn. A colonoscopy is not usually painful, but patients may feel some bloating or have some cramps right afterward. If patients have polyps removed, they might experience a small amount of bleeding. Any side effects should go away within a few hours.
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.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Biju Kuriakose Alex, MD for Medicare patients.
The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Biju Kuriakose Alex, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Columbia, MD were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, diagnostic procedures and removal of lesion (e.g. growth).
| 13 | |
| 68 | |
| 68 | |
| 203 | |
| 394 | |
| 13 | |
| 228 | |
| 83 | |
| 35 | |
| 83 | |
| 35 | |
| 239 | |
| 23 | |
| 203 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Biju Kuriakose Alex, MD.
| 158 | |
| 90 |
| 58 | |
| 10 | |
| 170 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 |
| 35 | |
| 82 | |
| 25 | |
| 115 |
The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Biju Kuriakose Alex, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.
| 58 | |
| 52 | |
| 6 | |
| 34 | |
| 19 | |
| 28 | |
| 10 | |
| 6 | |
| 17 | |
| 14 | |
| 29 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 10 |
Dr. Biju Kuriakose Alex, MD graduated from University of Virginia School of Medicine in 2006. He completed residency at Georgetown University Hospital. He is certified by the The American Board of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology and has a state license in Maryland.
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine (2006)
Residency: Georgetown University Hospital
Board Certification: The American Board of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology
Licensed In: Maryland
Dr. Biju Kuriakose Alex, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Biju Kuriakose Alex, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$2,011
XIFAXAN $1,575 |
Trulance $225 |
Relistor $97 |
Uceris $94 |
APRISO $19 |
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$1,662
ENTYVIO $1,267 |
AMITIZA $118 |
GATTEX $105 |
MOTEGRITY $75 |
$98 |
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$1,489
Humira $451 |
Skyrizi $401 |
Creon $247 |
Rinvoq $206 |
LINZESS $174 |
Other $11 |
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$1,157
Creon $391 |
Humira $337 |
Lupron $120 |
Technivie $16 |
Viekira $15 |
Other $278 |
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$938
STELARA $483 |
SIMPONI $357 |
OLYSIO $81 |
Access $17 |
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$6,773
ZEPOSIA $689 |
SUCRAID $599 |
ZENPEP $503 |
DUPIXENT $473 |
LINZESS $312 |
Other $4,198 |
| $13,981 | |
| $49 |
Dr. Biju Alex is a medical specialist in gastroenterology (digestive system). His areas of expertise include the following: indigestion, polyps, and crohn's disease. Dr. Alex is professionally affiliated with Ascension and Gastro Health. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine and the University of Virginia School of Medicine and then went on to complete his residency at Georgetown University Hospital.
