Choose the Best Doctor for Your Colonoscopy
Is it time for you to have a colonoscopy? Beverly Hills is home to many medical providers who perform this important colon cancer screening test. However, you probably know that not all doctors can offer the same quality of care when it comes to highly specialized procedures such as a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy (EGD).
Here are ten reasons why Dr. Peyton Berookim, MD, FACG is the most qualified Los Angeles gastroenterologist available to perform your colonoscopy.
#1 In-Depth Specialization in Colon Health
Gastroenterologists undergo the most extensive training in performing colonoscopies and are considered experts in this field. They have a higher detection rate for polyp detection and lower complication rates than any other type of physician (including surgeons). Dr. Berookim is a physician who specializes in gastroenterology with a particular focus on colon cancer prevention.
#2 Board Certification that Signifies Excellence
Board certification ensures that gastroenterologists meet the highest standards for knowledge, training, experience, and ethics. Dr. Berookim is board-certified by the American Board of Gastroenterology.
#3 High-Quality Training at Leading Teaching Hospitals
The nation’s best teaching hospitals prepare doctors to provide superior healthcare to patients. Dr. Berookim completed his three-year subspecialty fellowship in Digestive Diseases at the world-renowned UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (one of the most highly ranked hospitals in the US). The opportunity to learn and train at a top medical research facility has given Dr. Berookim a head start as a physician and in adopting the newest technology to improve outcomes for colon cancer prevention.
#4 Fellowship Standing and Professional Organization Membership
The “FACG” title after Dr. Berookim’s name stands for Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology. This status is bestowed on the nation’s top GI doctors in recognition of expertise and accomplishments in the field of gastroenterology. He is an active member of several professional organizations including the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
#5 Affiliation with Top Hospital and Outpatient Facilities
It is important to know where your procedure will be done and where your physician and gastroenterologist has hospital privileges. Dr. Berookim performs outpatient procedures at the fully equipped, state-of-the-art LaPeer Surgery Center in Beverly Hills. Dr. Berookim also performs procedures and treats patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he maintains privileges. Cedars-Sinai ranks #3 in the US for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. (US News and World Report’s 2019 Best Hospital Rankings).
#6 Extra Time Spent on Inspection
During the withdrawal phase of a colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist checks for lesions (abnormal tissue) and polyps (precancerous growths). Medical research shows that a withdrawal time of six minutes or more increases the rate of detection for lesions (6 minute withdrawal time is the current recommendation). Dr. Berookim routinely spends 12-15 minutes on the withdrawal phase of the procedure, taking the time to carefully inspect the entire colon. Spending more time translates to a higher rate of polyp detection, decreasing the risk of a missed lesion leading to cancer.
#7 Greater Ability to Detect Adenomas
Adenomas (precancerous polyps) are a common finding in healthy patients over the age of 50 and detection rates can vary among gastroenterologists. In healthy patients, gastroenterologists should detect adenomas in at least 25% of men and 15% of women. Dr. Berookim routinely identifies polyps in a greater percentage of patients, helping prevent more cases of colon cancer with early detection.
#8 Near-Perfect Colonoscopy Completion Rate
A complete colonoscopy involves inspecting the entire colon all the way up to the beginning of the large intestine called the cecum. A well-trained GI doctor can typically achieve full cecal intubation in 90-95% of cases. Dr. Berookim is considered an expert in doing colonoscopies and achieves cecal intubation for almost 100% of patients, ensuring they receive a comprehensive examination.
#9 Low Incidence of Complication
Serious complications from a colonoscopy are rare. On average, less than one patient out of every thousand experience a puncture during an exam. Dr. Berookim’s complication rate is well below the national average. His track record for safe colonoscopies is exceptional.
#10 Recognition from Peers and Patients
When a physician goes above and beyond in caring for patients, recognition naturally follows. Dr. Berookim is the recipient of many honors including Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, America’s Top Gastroenterologist, America’s Top Physicians, Patients’ Choice Award, and the UCLA Chancellor’s Humanitarian Award.
Of course, the most trusted sources of information about any doctor are other patients like you. Here is just one example of what patients say about Dr. Berookim:
“I recently underwent my first colonoscopy under Dr. Berookim’s care. He is professional, down-to-earth, and congenial and everything he told me about the procedure was fact. His follow-up was timely and thorough. He is a young, energetic and highly skilled doctor who I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.” – Dennis M.
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