Dr. Edward Kim

Dr. Edward Kim diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

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.
• Colorectal Polyps (Adenomatous, Serrated) & Colorectal Cancer Prevention/Screening: Abnormal growths in the colon or rectum that can be precursors to colorectal cancer. Screening (e.g., colonoscopy, FIT) is vital for removal of polyps, prevention, and early detection of cancer.

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• Barrett's Esophagus & Dysplasia Monitoring: A precancerous condition in which the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced with tissue similar to the intestinal lining, often due to chronic GERD, requiring regular surveillance for dysplasia (abnormal cells).
• 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.
• Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) & Odynophagia (Painful Swallowing): Symptoms requiring investigation to determine underlying causes, which can range from structural abnormalities and motility disorders to inflammatory conditions or tumors.

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• Gastroparesis (Delayed Gastric Emptying): A condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach, preventing proper and timely emptying of stomach contents, leading to nausea, vomiting, and fullness.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Edward Kim.

• 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).
• Screening & Prevention Strategies for Gastrointestinal Cancers: Risk assessment and counseling on screening for colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer (in Barrett's esophagus), gastric cancer, and liver cancer (in cirrhosis), including FIT testing and colonoscopy recommendations.
• Colonoscopy (Screening, Diagnostic, Surveillance) & Polypectomy: Comprehensive examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a colonoscope to detect and remove precancerous polyps, screen for and diagnose colorectal cancer, evaluate symptoms, and diagnose other colonic conditions like colitis or diverticular disease.
• Comprehensive Gastroenterology Consultation & Digestive Health Assessment: In-depth assessment of digestive system disorders, including detailed review of medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, physical examination, symptom analysis, and development of a personalized diagnostic and treatment strategy.
• Endoscopic Dilation of Gastrointestinal Strictures (Esophageal, Pyloric, Colonic): Procedure to stretch narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus (e.g., due to reflux, EoE), stomach outlet (pylorus), small intestine, or colon using balloons or Savary-Gilliard dilators passed through an endoscope.
• Upper Endoscopy (EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) with Biopsy & Interventions: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedure to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible tube with a camera. Allows for targeted biopsies, polyp removal (polypectomy), dilation of strictures, control of bleeding (hemostasis), and foreign body removal.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Kim 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Kim practices in a well-equipped gastroenterology clinic located in the heart of Abbotsford's Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near the Abbotsford Centre (Entertainment & Sports) and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), making it accessible for patients from across the region. Public transit options are readily available through the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit), providing easy access for those using buses. The clinic is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, allowing for hassle-free visits.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Kim, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Kim, 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Kim's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Kim, 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. Kim 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 are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Kim?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Kim is common for various reasons, including: persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD); difficulty or pain when swallowing; unexplained abdominal pain or bloating; chronic nausea or vomiting; significant changes in bowel habits (e.g., chronic diarrhea, severe constipation); blood in the stool or rectal bleeding; iron deficiency anemia with no obvious cause; suspected or diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis); Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) not responding to initial management; celiac disease; abnormal liver function tests or suspected liver disease (like hepatitis or fatty liver); pancreatitis; or for screening and surveillance colonoscopies to prevent colorectal cancer, especially if there's a family history or personal history of polyps.

What is generally involved in preparing for a colonoscopy procedure?

Preparing for a colonoscopy is a critical step to ensure the procedure is effective and safe. Dr. Kim's office will provide very specific instructions, which must be followed closely. Typically, preparation involves dietary changes for a few days beforehand (e.g., low-residue diet), followed by a clear liquid diet for the 24 hours prior to the exam. The most important part is the bowel cleansing process, which involves drinking a prescribed laxative solution designed to completely empty and clean your colon. This usually starts the evening before and may continue the morning of the procedure. You'll also need to arrange for transportation home, as sedation is commonly used.

PO Box 11027 McCallum PO
Abbotsford, BC V2S 0E4

Phone: (604) 504-0110 | Fax: (604) 504-0394

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kim is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Kim for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/313106/Kim%2CEdward