Digestive Disease Center

The Digestive Disease Center (DDC), is one of the most sophisticated gastroenterology facilities in the country and is located adjacent to the UT Professional Building. UT-Houston physicians provide office consultations, diagnostic testing and specialized treatments all in one center.

Texas Liver Center

The Texas Liver Center, located in the UT Professional building, is the home of a unique team of UT-Houston gastroenterologists, hepatologists, transplant surgeons, general surgeons and nutritioinists. These doctors are skilled in caring for patients with severe liver disease, including those who may need or who have received a liver transplant.

The Center for Swallowing Disorders

Swallowing is a bodily function normally taken for granted; however, impairment of this function can produce symptoms that are both troublesome and, at times, frightening. Severe difficulty with swallowing can lead to weight loss, malnutrition and even, on occasion, pneumonia. Because of the complicated nature of swallowing disorders, a multi-disciplinary effort is often required to effect proper diagnosis and management.

The primary purpose of The Center for Swallowing Disorders is to optimize the care of these
patients as they proceed through the diagnostic and therapeutic pathways, and also to provide a forum for research and both professional and lay education. Diagnostic Services:

Specialty Diagnostic and Treatment Services

• Nasopharyngoscopy
• Esophagastroduodenoscopy
• Esophageal motility
• Ambulatory pH monitoring
• Modified and routine barium swallow
• Video fluoroscopy
• Speech - Language Pathology

Problems we treat:

• Swallowing problems post stroke
• Difficulties following head and neck surgery, radiation therapy, cancer and other problems
• Acid Reflux problems (heartburn, regurgitation and esophogeal inflammation)
• Disorders affecting the muscles of the esophagus
• Obstructive problems due to cancer and severe inflammation
• Any other problem that causes difficulty in swallowing

Team Approach to Care

Case Discussions are held at a multidisciplinary conference where team members review the problem and the treatment approach that is best for the patient. Ongoing teaching and research
takes place involving swallowing difficulties. An emphasis is placed on continued communications with the referring physician.
Patient
Triage
Radiology
Referring M.D.
Gastroenterology
Otolaryngology
Neurology
Thoracic Surgery
Speech Pathology
Nutrition

Because of the complicated nature of swallowing disorders, the comprehensive approach used by the center offers the best opportunity for a successful outcome.

For additional information or consultations with a member of The Center for Swallowing
Disorders’ staff, please call (713) 704-5030. The Center for Swallowing Disorders is located in the Digestive Disease Center, on the ground floor of the UT Parking Garage adjacent to the UT Professional Building.

Memorial Hermann Hospital

The Center for Swallowing Disorders
6414 Fannin
UT Professional Building, G-125
Houston, Texas 77030
(713)704-5030
Fax:(713)704-5939

University Care Plus (UCP) Provider Information

University Care Plus is a multi-specialty independent physician association, group practice,
organized as a 501 (a) corporation under the Texas Medical Practice Act. UCP offers operational and contracting flexibility for the physicians of the University of Texas - Houston, Medical School. UCP has developed and will continue to operationalize patient care centers in the greater Houston communities. UCP entertains case rate and carve out pricing with forward movement to global, specialty and primary care capitation through direct contracting with payor entities. Through the flexibility for the selection of smaller panels within the UCP Network, UCP is able to satisfy the needs of the managed care market.

Managed Care Plans

If you wish to search for a University of Texas Physician participating in your managed care plan, please use Option 2 on the UCP Provider page or call 1-888-488-3627.

Public Health Information

Important information regarding many diseases related to the digestive system (e.g., Hepatitis A, B, & C and Crohn’s Disease) can be found at the National Institutes of Health - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website.

 

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