Crohn's and Colitis Center

To diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, we conduct a thorough assessment that includes: 

• A look at your medical history
• Physical exam
• Laboratory testing
• Radiology
• Endoscopic evaluation

Our diagnostic methods include advanced techniques like:

• Standard endoscopy and colonoscopy
• Ileoscopy and pouchoscopy
• Video capsule endoscopy
• Chromoendoscopy
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
• Point-of-care intestinal ultrasound during your visit 

Our diagnostic radiology team specializes in gastrointestinal imaging and is nationally recognized for their expertise in all forms of sophisticated imaging, including CT scans, PET scans, MRI scans, and interventional GI radiology procedures. Our gastrointestinal pathologists are experts in diagnosing conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and related complications like pre-cancerous changes (dysplasia) and colon cancer. They work closely with our gastroenterologists and surgeons to provide consultations and second opinions on biopsies.

We provide cutting-edge medical therapies and treatment strategies for IBD. Our physicians personalize treatment plans based on disease progression and your preferences and specialize in relieving persistent, difficult-to-manage symptoms. They have contributed to developing national and international treatment guidelines for these complex diseases. In addition to medical management, they provide endoscopic treatment of strictures and pre-cancerous lesions.

Our colorectal surgeons perform some of the highest volumes of colorectal surgery and laparoscopic colorectal surgery in New England. They provide advanced surgical options for IBD, including bowel conserving surgery and advanced fistula management, aimed at achieving the best results for each patient. They are members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery and hold leadership roles in leading surgical organizations.

Our physicians lead pioneering research in inflammatory bowel disease treatment, actively participating in clinical trials and research for new medications, biological agents, and interventions. Our center typically has 8-10 ongoing clinical trials. All our gastroenterologists are members of the prestigious organizations like the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America and American Gastroenterological Association. They frequently lecture at various institutions and major conferences, sharing their expertise in managing inflammatory bowel diseases at regional, national, and international levels.

Learn more about our Crohn's and Colitis Center research

We understand the importance of nutrition in managing IBD. We offer all patients the opportunity to consult with an IBD registered dietitian to discuss personalized nutrition. Patients are encouraged to work with an IBD dietitian to:

• Improve nutritional status and overall well-being
• Identify and correct any nutritional deficiencies
• Explore how dietary changes can help manage IBD symptoms

Living alongside an IBD diagnosis can come with a myriad of challenges impacting patients’ daily lives and their mental wellness. Numerous studies have shown that patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are more vulnerable to experiencing symptoms of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, and medical trauma among others. The mental well-being of IBD patients is especially important to address as stress and mood can have an impact on disease course through potentially triggering disease flares or contributing to behaviors that are barriers to overall wellness. At the Crohn’s and Colitis Center, we offer both single and ongoing consultations with a dedicated inflammatory bowel disease psychologist to address these concerns .

What to Expect When Meeting With the IBD Psychologist

The first session with the IBD psychologist involves completing an assessment during which the psychologist will ask questions about the patient’s experience with IBD, their mood, and other aspects of their life and wellness to get a full picture of the patient’s needs and their unique circumstances. The psychologist then collaborates with the patient on their goals to create a plan for individual therapy. The psychologist offers evidenced-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction strategies, and gut-directed clinical hypnosis.

Patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis often need input from various medical specialists like dermatologists, rheumatologists, hepatologists, and infectious disease experts. We work closely with physicians in these specialties to ensure early referral, prompt evaluation, and a comprehensive treatment plan.

We also collaborate closely with high-risk obstetrics/maternal-fetal-medicine (MFM) specialists to co-manage all aspects of pregnancy in patients with IBD. This includes pre-conception counseling, monitoring during pregnancy, and development of care plan for childbirth and postnatal care.

Our clinical pharmacist, specializing in IBD, is an integral part of the Crohn’s and Colitis Center, working closely with all providers and team members. They provide patients with a wide variety of medication-related support, including:

• One-on-one medication counseling sessions
• High-risk drug monitoring lab review
• Vaccination review
• Pregnancy and lactation questions
• Drug-drug interactions review
• Medication access concerns

We offer infusion services at our main Crohn’s and Colitis locations in Boston, Waltham, and Danvers, for patients needing fluids or medications delivered directly into their bloodstream. Our infusion services are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

• Ileoanal Pouch: Patients who undergo an ileoanal pouch procedure, commonly known as a “J pouch,” may experience issues such as pouch inflammation, poor function, strictures, and Crohn’s disease of the pouch. Our team of gastroenterologists, surgeons, and radiologists work closely to accurately diagnose pouch-related symptoms and develop the right treatment plan.
• Older Adults with IBD: Treating older adults with IBD can be complex and involve specific risks, especially when managing multiple conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Our team of doctors specializing in geriatric IBD understand these unique challenges and focus on safe, effective treatment to help patients regain their strength and independence.
• PSC and IBD: Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are at a higher risk of certain diseases like colorectal and biliary cancer. Our team of IBD gastroenterologists, hepatologists, radiologists, and interventional endoscopists work together to meet every patient’s unique needs. This collaboration also helps patients with other liver diseases related to IBD.
• Inpatient Care: We provide specialized inpatient care for patients with IBD, ensuring that each patient is overseen by one of our expert gastroenterologists. We also offer transfer opportunities for patients hospitalized at other institutions who require advanced care due to complex needs.
• Women’s Reproductive Health: In collaboration with the Mass General Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, our center offers a multidisciplinary approach to high-risk obstetrical care for women with IBD. We provide pre-conception counseling, close monitoring during pregnancy, help with childbirth planning, and postpartum care. Our surgeons are trained in minimally invasive gynecological surgery and have expertise in managing complex issues like rectovaginal fistulas and urogynecological complications related to IBD.
• Telehealth Services: Our physicians offer telehealth consultations through video platforms, subject to insurance approval. These consultations are available for one-time second opinions or ongoing care. 

• Aminosalicylates (PDF)
• Thiopurines (PDF)
• Methotrexate (PDF)
• Infliximab (Remicade®, Inflectra®) (PDF)
• Adalimumab (Humira, Amjevita™, Hadlima™, Hadlima™ CF, Cyltezo®, Yusimry™, Hulio™, Hyrimoz™, and Idacio®) (PDF)
• Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia ®) (PDF)
• Golimumab (Simponi®) (PDF)
• Vedolizumab (Entyvio®) (PDF)
• Ustekinumab (Stelara®) (PDF)
• Risankizumab (Skyrizi ®) (PDF)
• Tofacitinib (Xeljanz®) (PDF)
• Upadacitinib (Rinvoq ®) (PDF)
• Ozanimod (Zeposia ®) (PDF)
• Etrasimod (Velsipity®) (PDF)
• Mirikizumab (Omvoh™) (PDF)

Many patients are referred to the Crohn's and Colitis Center for a second opinion consultation from one of our world-class physicians. For achieving the most benefit from a second opinion, our nurses and coordinators will work with you to ensure all the relevant records are available prior to your appointment and our physicians can discuss the full set of treatment options for you.

Contact our access center and send a referral 

If you are a referring physician and believe your patient may benefit from consultation with multiple specialists in addition to our gastroenterologists, please contact us so we can assistant in setting up the relevant appointment with other specialists.

All our physicians provide telehealth consultations (pending approval by your insurance) through video platforms for one-time second opinions as well as continued care.