About
Dr. Beidi Cai is a dedicated Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of disorders affecting the digestive system in adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at a gastroenterology clinic or hospital department in Red Deer, AB, she is a key member of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Cai provides comprehensive care for a broad spectrum of digestive system disorders, including conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy techniques. Her approach is centered on delivering patient-focused digestive health care in a supportive environment, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention and treatment.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh) from Ireland and holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist. Dr. Cai has completed extensive postgraduate training in gastroenterology, acquiring the necessary certifications to practice in Alberta. Her training encompasses both clinical expertise and procedural proficiency, enabling her to offer a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for digestive health conditions.
Dr. Cai is committed to evidence-based digestive health care, emphasizing patient education on GI conditions and lifestyle modifications. She prioritizes early and accurate diagnosis through the use of advanced procedures, and develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, she strives to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations in Red Deer, ensuring they are well-informed and comfortable throughout their care journey.
Dr. Beidi Cai diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:
Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Acid Reflux / Heartburn: Chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and potential complications like esophagitis.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease (Gastric, Duodenal, H. pylori-related, NSAID-induced): Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), commonly caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Gastritis (Inflammation of Stomach Lining) & Duodenitis: Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or the first part of the small intestine/duodenum (duodenitis), which can be acute or chronic and caused by various factors including infection, irritants, or autoimmune processes.
Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Anorectal Disorders (e.g., Dyssynergic Defecation): Inability to correctly relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles to facilitate a normal bowel movement, often requiring specialized testing like anorectal manometry and biofeedback therapy.
- Functional Dyspepsia & Epigastric Pain Syndrome: Persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or specifically in the epigastric region, without an identifiable structural cause after investigation.
- Rumination Syndrome: A condition in which people repeatedly and unintentionally spit up (regurgitate) undigested or partially digested food from the stomach, rechew it, and then reswallow it or spit it out.
Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - All Subtypes (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, IBS-U): A common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or mixed).
- Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic & Collagenous Colitis): Inflammation of the colon that is only visible under a microscope when biopsies are examined, a common cause of chronic watery diarrhea, particularly in older adults.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Beidi Cai.
- Capsule Endoscopy (Small Bowel & Colon): Non-invasive procedure where the patient swallows a vitamin-pill sized camera that takes pictures of the small intestine (for obscure GI bleeding, Crohn's disease) or colon (as an alternative to colonoscopy in select cases).
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Biopsy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) using a flexible sigmoidoscope, often for evaluation of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or as part of some screening protocols.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) - Diagnostic & Therapeutic: Specialized procedure combining upper endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as gallstone removal from bile duct, stent placement for strictures or leaks, and sphincterotomy.
- Biofeedback Therapy Coordination for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Fecal Incontinence: Evaluation for defecatory disorders and fecal incontinence, with coordination of biofeedback therapy and other interventions to improve pelvic floor muscle function.
- Diagnosis & Management of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): Utilizing glucose or lactulose breath tests for diagnosis and providing targeted antibiotic/antimicrobial therapy, prokinetics, and dietary advice for SIBO and IMO.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with Fine Needle Aspiration/Biopsy (FNA/FNB): Procedure combining endoscopy with ultrasound to obtain high-resolution images and tissue samples (FNA/FNB) of the digestive tract wall, surrounding organs (pancreas, liver, adrenal glands, gallbladder), and lymph nodes for staging cancers or diagnosing lesions.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Testing & Eradication Therapy: Diagnosis of H. pylori infection using breath tests, stool tests, or endoscopic biopsies, and providing appropriate antibiotic regimens for eradication to treat ulcers and gastritis.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Cai for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Beidi Cai practices at a dedicated gastroenterology clinic within a hospital department located in the North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green) neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near Clearview Market Square and Major East-West Arterial, making it accessible by both private vehicle and public transit. Patients can reach the clinic via Red Deer Transit, with bus stops nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The practice is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all patients can receive timely and comprehensive digestive health care.
- Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Cai, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Cai, as well as most diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopies for investigating symptoms, biopsies for medical reasons) and treatments for provincially insured digestive conditions (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, screening colonoscopies as per provincial guidelines, liver disease management), are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Procedures considered purely for screening outside of guidelines, or for non-medical reasons, and some advanced technologies or specific drug therapies might have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment or procedure with Dr. Cai's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) beforehand.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Cai, a Gastroenterologist?
- Yes, in nearly all cases, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (such as an internist or surgeon) is required to schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Cai for services covered by the provincial health plan. Gastroenterological issues often require initial assessment and preliminary investigations by your primary care provider. The referral ensures that a specialist consultation is appropriate, helps with prioritizing appointments, and facilitates coordinated care, including the transfer of relevant medical information.
- What's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can Dr. Cai diagnose and treat both?
- Yes, a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Cai can diagnose and treat both IBS and IBD, but they are very different conditions. IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation and physical damage (like ulcers and strictures) to the digestive tract, visible during endoscopy and on biopsies. It's an autoimmune-related condition. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional gut disorder, meaning the GI tract doesn't work correctly, but there's no visible inflammation or damage on standard tests. IBS causes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. While IBS can significantly impact quality of life, it doesn't cause the destructive inflammation seen in IBD. Diagnosis involves different criteria and investigations for each.
- How does Dr. Cai approach treating functional GI disorders like IBS or functional dyspepsia?
- Treating functional GI disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia often involves a multi-faceted approach tailored by Dr. Cai to your specific symptoms and triggers. Since these conditions don't have a structural cause seen on tests, management focuses on symptom relief and improving quality of life. This may include dietary modifications (like identifying trigger foods or trying a low FODMAP diet for IBS), lifestyle adjustments (stress management, regular exercise), fiber supplements, over-the-counter remedies, and prescription medications. Medications can target specific symptoms like pain (antispasmodics), diarrhea (anti-diarrheals), constipation (laxatives), or abnormal gut-brain interaction (neuromodulators in low doses). She will work with you to find the most effective combination of strategies.
- What are some common procedures a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Cai typically performs?
- Gastroenterologists like Dr. Cai are highly skilled in performing a range of endoscopic procedures. The most common are upper endoscopy (also called EGD or gastroscopy) to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and colonoscopy to visualize the entire colon. During these procedures, She can take biopsies (small tissue samples for analysis), remove polyps (which can prevent colon cancer), dilate narrowed areas (strictures), control bleeding, and place feeding tubes. Other procedures may include flexible sigmoidoscopy (examining the lower colon), capsule endoscopy (swallowing a tiny camera to see the small intestine), and more specialized interventions like ERCP or EUS depending on their training and practice focus. Many also specialize in managing specific areas like hepatology (liver disease) or IBD.
- Are there significant risks associated with procedures like gastroscopy or colonoscopy?
- Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) and colonoscopy are generally very safe procedures, especially when performed by an experienced Gastroenterologist like Dr. Cai. Complications are uncommon. Potential risks can include bleeding, particularly if polyps are removed or biopsies are taken; perforation (a tear in the wall of the digestive tract); infection (rare); or adverse reactions to the sedative medication used. Before your procedure, Dr. Cai will thoroughly discuss the specific potential risks and benefits based on your individual health and the reason for the procedure, allowing you to make an informed decision.
268-5201 43 St
Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7
Phone: (403) 755-9270 | Fax: (403) 755-9272
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Cai is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Cai for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a9936c1d-926c-4cc7-bbbf-88d6fffa9aea&i=235