Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, and
Huntingdon Counties.
in-office procedure that effectively treats
hemorrhoids in a private, discreet environment.
Insurance & Payment
We accept most major health insurances, and accept payment in the form of cash, checks, money orders, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read Frequently Asked Questions
from patients of
Blair Gastroenterology Associates.
Procedure Preparation
Review information about a procedure and how to properly prepare in advance for a hassle free and relaxed visit.
Blair Gastroenterology Associates
Diagnosing & Treating Digestive Organ Disease
At Blair Gastroenterology Associates we specialize in educating, preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the digestive organs. The digestive organs include the esophagus, stomach, small Intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. We are conveniently located in Altoona, Pennsylvania and offer a full range of services from office visits to specialty services. Our on-site ambulatory surgical facility permits patients to have procedures completed in-house without needing to travel to the hospital. We are the premier Gastroenterology facility between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg and are proud to offer our region exceptional, personalized, compassionate care.
Understanding The gastrointestinal System
Please click on the organ of your choice for more information.
The Stomach
The stomach is a J shaped expanded bag, located just left of the midline between the esophagus and small intestine. It is divided into four main regions and has two borders called the greater and lesser curvatures. The stomach is where digestion of protein begins.
Common Diseases
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal Pain
- Acid Reflux
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Recurring Hiccups
The Esophagus
The esophagus, commonly known as the food pipe or gullet, is a muscular tube through which food and saliva pass from the mouth to the stomach. There are many problems that can occur in the esophagus, so if you feel you are experiencing any of these disorders or diseases, it is extremely important to seek immediate treatment.
Common Diseases
Common Symptoms
- Acid Reflux
- Chest Discomfort
- Chest Pain
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Frequent Heartburn
The Liver
The liver is a large glandular organ located on the right side of the abdomen. The liver’s main functions include processing nutrients from food, producing bile to aid in digestion, and filtering toxins and waste from the bloodstream. There are many problems that can occur with the liver, so if you feel you are experiencing any of these diseases or disorders, it is extremely important to seek medical treatment.
Common Diseases
- Anemia
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Hemochromatosis
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
- Primary biliary cholangitis
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal Discomfort
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
The Pancreas
The pancreas is a glandular organ, about six inches in length that sits behind the stomach across the back of the abdomen. It is a gland producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide. The pancreas is also a digestive organ that secretes enzymes that assist digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.
Common Diseases
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal Discomfort or Tenderness
- Diarrhea
The Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small organ where bile (a fluid produced by the liver) is stored and concentrated before it is released into the small intestine. There are many problems that can occur with the gallbladder, so if you feel you are experiencing any of these disorders or diseases, it is extremely important to seek medical treatment. Contact the experts at Blair Gastroenterology Associates today to schedule an appointment.
Common Diseases
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Indigestion
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Stool changes
- Urine changes
- Vomiting
The Colon
Colon or large intestine is a long tube that runs from the stomach to the anus and is the last part of the gastrointestinal tract and of the digestive system. The purpose of the colon is to convert digested food into feces after the nutrients have been removed.
Common Diseases
- Anal fissure
- Anemia
- Colon cancer
- Colon polyps Colon polyps / Rectal polyps
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diverticular Disease
- Fecal incontinence
- Hemorrhoids
- Ulcerative colitis
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal Pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Involuntary Bowel Movements
- Rectal Bleeding
- Rectal Discomfort
- Rectal Pain
The Small Intestine
The small intestine or small bowel is a winding tube that connects the stomach to the large intestine and is where most of the end absorption of food takes place.
Common Diseases
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal Distention
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
Meet Our Board Certified Gastroenterologists
Blair Gastroenterology Associates employs 9 board certified doctors who not only excel in their field of study, but are caring and compassionate and strive to help each and every patient by offering personalized care and support, and by educating patients about lifestyle changes and prevention as well as treatment options.
Allegheny Regional Endoscopy State of the Art Surgical Facility
Allegheny Regional Endoscopy, accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, is a state of the art facility licensed in the State of Pennsylvania as an Ambulatory Surgical Facility specializing in endoscopic procedures (EGD and Colonoscopy).
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Upper endoscopy enables the gastroenterologist to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Upper endoscopy is also called an EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The procedure can be performed to determine the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain or chest pain.
+ More Infocolonoscopy (COLO)
A colonoscopy allows the gastroenterologist to look inside the entire colon. The procedure enables the gastroenterologist to see things such as inflamed tissue, abnormal growths and ulcers. It also permits the physician to biopsy tissue and to remove polyps. It is most often used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and to evaluate symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and weight loss.
+ More InfoBlair Gastroenterology Clinics
Blair Gastro offers premier service and specializes in treating some of the most complicated gastrointestinal diseases. With 9 in house physicians, Blair Gastro’s board certified gasteroenterologists offer experience and expertise when diagnosing and treating disease. Trust your health to the best doctors in the area and contact Blair Gastro today to schedule an appointment.
Providing Outstanding Gastroenterology Services to the Community
Blair Gastro is conveniently located in Central Pennsylvania and serves patients throughout multiple counties.
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Latest News & Events
9th Annual Golf Outing- Guts and Glory Foundation
9th Annual Golf Outing With nearly one in every 200 Americans living with Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis, chances are you have a friend, family member, or co-worker connected to these diseases. Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. The Guts and Glory Foundation is dedicated to sponsoring college scholarships for patients and funding research for treatments and cures. This year our Guts & Glory Foundation will be hosting our 9th annual golf outing to benefit Crohns & Colitis patients. The event will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Iron Masters Country Club. The outing is presented by: Stuckey Automotive, UPMC Altoona & Blair Gastroenterology This will be a four person “scramble” event, registration begins at 11:00 am, and lunch will be provided by Island BBQ at 11:45 with a shotgun start at 1:00 pm. The cost is $80.00 per person. Participants will have a chance to win a NEW 2023 vehicle from Stuckey Automotive. Deadline for entry is May 6th. Entry forms can be picked up at Blair Gastroenterology or downloaded from the link below. For more information, please contact Mark A. Scalice, (814) 207-4320. https://blairgastro.com/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/2023_Guts_and_Glory_Golf_Outing_Registration_Form_65.pdf ...
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Please Note:
All inquiries of a medical nature should be made by calling the office
phone number (814-946-5469) during normal business hours.
