J. Louis Hinshaw, M.D.
The opening of the University of Wisconsin Health Digestive Health Center will create the region’s finest multi-disciplinary outpatient clinic serving patients with diseases of the digestive tract, liver, and pancreas. Located on the corner of University Avenue and Whitney Way, the $24 million project is part of a $100 million, 14 acre campus development. The center is slated to open in early 2013, and will be the region’s premiere multidisciplinary outpatient clinic serving patients with diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, anorectum, liver, gallbladder/biliary tree, and pancreas.
The UW Digestive Health Center will continue to decrease the barriers between the multidisciplinary groups that care for patients with digestive issues, and represents a unique, unified approach that will result in an efficient, patient-centric, and comprehensive experience.
The lead physicians are Drs. Eugene Foley and Patrick Pfau from the Department of Surgery. Dr. Perry Pickhardt from the Department of Radiology’s Abdominal Imaging Section is in charge of developing the radiology program on site. The three story building will have 67,000 square feet of space (21 clinic exam rooms, four minor procedure rooms, 14 endoscopy rooms, 49 prep/recovery rooms), and will provide comprehensive radiology services.
The radiology services that will be provided will include a state of the art CT scanner, a GE E9 US machine with dedicated sonographer, a fluoroscopy suite, and radiography. The Division of Abdominal Imaging will have a full time radiologist stationed at the Digestive Health Center, who will not only be primarily responsible for covering the diagnostic imaging performed as part of the integrated care at the facility, but will also provide procedural care, including paracentesis, thoracentesis, US-guided biopsies, and other basic interventions.
In addition, the world renowned University of Wisconsin Virtual Colonoscopy Program will continue to expand its clinical and research excellence by providing both screening and diagnostic examinations at the facility.
“We have a national reputation for excellence in digestive health services, and this new facility will enhance the patient’s experience, and meet the increasing complexities of our patient population,” said Dr. Michael Lucey, chief of the Department of Surgery’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics is already ranked among the nation’s top 50 hospitals in the treatment of digestive disorders and this exceptional, world-class addition will help us provide even better patient care.