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Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD

(Dr. Sandra Michel El-Hachem, MD)

(No ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Gastroenterology

Professional interests include: ulcers, diarrhea, gastrointestinal cancer, and more.

1307 Federal Street Allegheny Center for Digestive Health Federal North Medical Office ...
Pittsburgh, PA

(412) 359-8900

Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD is a gastroenterologist in Pittsburgh, PA specializing in adult gastroenterology. Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network and ALLEGHENY CLINIC.

Office Locations

Unable to locate address.

Address:

1307 Federal Street Allegheny Center for Digestive Health Federal North Medical Office ...
Pittsburgh, PA

Address:

1307 Federal Street Suite B100
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Address:

500 Blazier Drive Suite 200
Wexford, PA

Some issues Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD can help you with:

Anemia

Anemia is the most common blood disorder. It occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. Blood loss, insufficient red blood cell production, and red blood cell destruction are the three main causes of anemia. These issues may arise from such conditions as iron deficiency, heavy periods, ulcers, kidney disease, as well as some forms of cancer.

An individual with anemia will have the following symptoms: shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, cold hands or feet, paleness, and irritability. Anemia is diagnosed when blood tests show low counts for hemoglobin, which is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen to different tissues throughout the body.

Treatments for anemia are dependent on the kind of anemia an individual has. For example, iron supplementation may correct iron deficiency anemia. For anemia caused by chronic kidney failure, chemotherapy treatments, and HIV/AIDS, a group of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be prescribed.

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:

Intestinal ulcers
Polyps
Bowel cancer
An unidentified source of pain or bleeding in the intestine

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.

In The News

“Because some of them also get embarrassed, having to go multiple times in the bathroom," Dr. Sandra El-Hachem, of Allegheny General Hospital Gastroenterology, said.”—"Back-To-School Time Can Be Trying For Students With Inflammatory Bowel Disease", CBS San Francisco, August 2016

diagnostic procedures	13
doctor visit	10
gastrointestinal procedures	12
minimally invasive procedures	12
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	13

**Gender**
Male	19
Female	47

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	53
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	20
From 75 to 84	13
85 and over	13
Less than 65	20

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	41
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	20
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	26
Diabetes	36
Dementia	0
Cancer	17

diagnostic procedures	43
doctor visit	47
gastrointestinal procedures	42
hospital care	77
inpatient care	77
minimally invasive procedures	42
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	43

**Gender**
Male	48
Female	82

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	109
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	48
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	45

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	45
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	25
Diabetes	35
Dementia	10
Cancer	17

diagnostic procedures	46
doctor visit	52
gastrointestinal procedures	45
hospital care	64
inpatient care	64
minimally invasive procedures	45
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	46

**Gender**
Male	112
Female	158

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	232
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	118
From 75 to 84	50
85 and over	22
Less than 65	80

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	19
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	26
Diabetes	33
Dementia	11
Cancer	19

diagnostic procedures	51
doctor visit	54
gastrointestinal procedures	50
hospital care	110
inpatient care	110
minimally invasive procedures	50
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	51

**Gender**
Male	62
Female	104

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	144
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	75
From 75 to 84	27
85 and over	15
Less than 65	49

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	21
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	39
Dementia	13
Cancer	14

diagnostic procedures	50
doctor visit	42
gastrointestinal procedures	49
hospital care	122
inpatient care	122
minimally invasive procedures	49
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	50

**Gender**
Male	68
Female	96

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	144
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	69
From 75 to 84	47
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	40
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	28
Diabetes	33
Dementia	16
Cancer	18

diagnostic procedures	75
doctor visit	71
gastrointestinal procedures	74
hospital care	142
inpatient care	142
minimally invasive procedures	74
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	75

**Gender**
Male	90
Female	116

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	179
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	108
From 75 to 84	36
85 and over	13
Less than 65	49

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	50
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	20
Heart Failure	32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	30
Diabetes	40
Dementia	15
Cancer	15

diagnostic procedures	83
doctor visit	115
gastrointestinal procedures	95
hospital care	65
inpatient care	65
minimally invasive procedures	95
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	83

**Gender**
Male	58
Female	126

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	161
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	104
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	40

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	31
Dementia	10
Cancer	15

diagnostic procedures	72
doctor visit	69
gastrointestinal procedures	71
hospital care	107
inpatient care	107
minimally invasive procedures	71
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	72

**Gender**
Male	67
Female	116

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	161
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	112
From 75 to 84	24
85 and over	13
Less than 65	34

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	27
Dementia	7
Cancer	8

diagnostic procedures	174
doctor visit	116
gastrointestinal procedures	173
hospital care	176
inpatient care	176
minimally invasive procedures	173
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	174

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Pittsburgh, PA were hospital care, inpatient care, minimally invasive procedures and gastrointestinal procedures.

diagnostic procedures	67
doctor visit	65
gastrointestinal procedures	69
hospital care	107
inpatient care	107
minimally invasive procedures	69
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	67

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD.

**Gender**
Male	52
Female	84

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	118
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	7
75 to 84	19
Less than 65	31
65 to 74	65

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	9
Osteoporosis	7
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	27
Atrial Fibrillation	13
Dementia	8
Cancer	12

Education & Training

She completed residency at Cleveland Clinic. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Med-Gastroenterology and has a state license in Pennsylvania.

Residency: Cleveland Clinic

Board Certification: American Board of Internal Med-Gastroenterology

Licensed In: Pennsylvania

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Allegheny Health Network

ALLEGHENY CLINIC

Ratings & Reviews

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
AbbVie, Inc.	$92,315 Humira $43,518	Lupron $13,236	$35,561
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.	$78,434 ENTYVIO $72,176	$6,258
Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC	$73,715 STELARA $51,223	REMICADE $22,492
AbbVie Inc.	$44,388 Rinvoq $20,603	Skyrizi $18,482	Humira $32	Mavyret $30	Creon $22	Other $5,218
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.	$32,184 ZEPOSIA $31,584	$600
Other	$46,708 ENTYVIO $12,044	XELJANZ $8,445	STELARA $7,270	Cimzia $5,372	Uceris $2,000	Other $11,577

**Types of Payments**
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$313,144
Travel and Lodging	$27,579
Consulting Fee	$14,825
Food and Beverage	$12,100
Education	$95

Research Payments

Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD has received 22 research payments totaling $71,868.

Biography

Dr. Sandra El-Hachem's medical specialty is adult gastroenterology. Dr. El-Hachem's areas of expertise include ulcers, anemia, and crohn's disease. She trained at Cleveland Clinic for her residency. Dr. El-Hachem (or staff) speaks Arabic and French. She is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network.

Select Year:

Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD

Office Locations

Some issues Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD can help you with:

In The News

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD in 2018

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD in 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD in 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Sandra M. El-Hachem, MD From 2013 - 2021

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Research Payments

Biography

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