Referring physicians and patients throughout the St. Louis region put their trust in Washington University IBD specialists at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. We are the leading IBD center in the region treating all aspects of Crohn’s disease and colitis — including refractory disease.
Whether you’re seeking a second opinion or wish to refer a patient for ongoing care, we welcome your inquiry. We frequently see new patients within a few business days. And we provide detailed correspondence to referring physicians, so it’s easier for us to collaborate on your patient’s care.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Care: Why Choose Us?
Our team includes fellowship-trained gastroenterologists who specialize in IBD. In addition to patient care, we are advancing IBD treatment through research and medical education. These efforts mean we are up-to-date on the latest IBD therapies, giving patients with refractory Crohn’s and colitis more care options. Find an IBD specialist.
We provide:
- Latest treatments: Our doctors deliver treatments that keep pace with the rapid evolution of IBD care. We are often among the first centers in the St. Louis region offering newly approved medications. And our participation in clinical trials gives patients early access to novel treatment options.
- Advanced testing: Our endoscopists have years of experience performing diagnostic tests and endoscopic surveillance for IBD. We also offer imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance enterography, that are not widely available. These capabilities enable us to deliver precise treatment that meets each patient’s unique needs.
- Excellent surgical care: We do everything possible to help patients maintain remission without surgery. When surgery is necessary, patients receive care from colorectal surgeons who treat a high volume of IBD cases. We deliver a broad range of surgical treatments, including bowel-sparing techniques. Read more about colorectal surgery.
- Leadership: Our doctors lead investigator-initiated research and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. We also lead a fellowship program where we are training the next generation of IBD experts. Learn more about advanced IBD fellowships.
Refer a Patient to Barnes-Jewish for Crohn’s and Colitis Care
We provide testing techniques and IBD medications that are not widely available. And our expertise draws patients from across the country.
We recognize that patients who are sick may not be able to wait for an appointment, which is why we often expedite access to our IBD team. And we coordinate same-day hospital admissions when medically necessary.
Team Approach to IBD
We use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize care for patients with refractory disease. We also work with patients with comorbid conditions, including celiac disease and other digestive health problems. We meet regularly to collaborate on complex cases so patients can benefit from the recommendations of multiple IBD experts.
Meet our IBD team, which includes specialists in:
- Abdominal radiology
- Colorectal surgery
- Gastroenterology (GI)
- GI pathology
- GI psychology
- IBD nutrition
- Interventional radiology
Specialized Care for Women and Children With IBD
Our doctors have experience meeting the unique needs of women and children with IBD.
We provide:
- IBD treatment for women: Certain IBD medications can make it difficult to get pregnant or are not safe to take while pregnant. We work with obstetricians to coordinate medical therapy changes that increase a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant. And we treat symptom flare-ups with medications that are safe to take during pregnancy.
- Transition from pediatric to adult IBD care: We help young adults make a smooth transition from their pediatric provider to our adult care. We take time to build rapport with patients and educate them about treatments. These efforts build trusting doctor-patient relationships that help young adults feel confident about their care.
IBD Care With a Focus on Prevention
We work with patients to provide relief from IBD symptoms while lowering their risk for complications and comorbidities.
Our efforts include:
- Minimizing long-term steroid use: Only a small number of our patients are on steroids. Our physicians closely monitor patients who do need steroids to make sure they are receiving the appropriate dose.
- Ensuring patients receive preventive care: Most of our patients receive recommended health maintenance services, including vaccines.
- Colorectal cancer screening: We encourage our patients to receive appropriate colon cancer screening tests.
Contact Us
To refer a patient to a Washington University IBD specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 855.925.0631.