Dr. Erin Ross

Dr. Erin Ross 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).
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Obscure & Overt): Bleeding anywhere along the digestive tract, which can be visible (overt) or hidden (occult/obscure), requiring investigation to identify and treat the source.

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• Cirrhosis & Management of Its Complications (Ascites, Varices, Encephalopathy): Advanced stage of liver scarring (fibrosis) impairing liver function, leading to complications such as fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), enlarged veins that can bleed (varices), and brain dysfunction (hepatic encephalopathy).
• Autoimmune Liver Diseases (Autoimmune Hepatitis, PBC, PSC): Conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells (Autoimmune Hepatitis), bile ducts within the liver (Primary Biliary Cholangitis), or larger bile ducts inside and outside the liver (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis).

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Interpretation & Correlation of Advanced Digestive Health Diagnostic Tests: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of results from endoscopies, biopsies, imaging studies (CT, MRI, MRCP, ultrasound), breath tests (e.g., for H. pylori, SIBO, lactose intolerance), stool tests (e.g., calprotectin, FIT), motility studies, and genetic testing for GI conditions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Enteroscopy (e.g., Double-Balloon, Single-Balloon, Spiral Enteroscopy): Advanced endoscopic techniques allowing deep visualization, biopsy, and therapy within the small intestine, beyond the reach of standard endoscopes, for conditions like obscure bleeding or small bowel tumors.
• 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.
• 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.
• Management of Functional Dyspepsia & Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome: Diagnosis and management of chronic upper abdominal pain or discomfort (dyspepsia) or generalized abdominal pain without an identifiable structural cause, often involving lifestyle, dietary, and neuromodulator therapies.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Ross 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.

Located in a vibrant neighborhood of Calgary's NE: Tuxedo Park, Highland Park, Greenview area, the gastroenterology clinic is situated within a modern hospital department or specialty centre that offers convenient access for patients. The facility is situated near WinSport Canada Olympic Park, known for its ski jumps and bobsleigh track, making it easily identifiable. Public transit options including Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT) provide accessible routes to the location. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, offering ease of access for those arriving by car. The setting provides a comfortable environment dedicated to high-quality digestive health care.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Ross, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ross, 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. Ross'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. Ross, 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. Ross 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. Ross?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ross 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's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can Dr. Ross diagnose and treat both?

Yes, a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ross 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.

What exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Ross specialize in?

A Gastroenterologist, often called a GI specialist, is a medical doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training beyond medical school and internal medicine residency to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the entire digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum, anus, as well as associated organs like the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. She is a Gastroenterologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and procedural management of digestive system disorders. Dr. Ross is skilled in performing endoscopic procedures (like gastroscopy and colonoscopy) for both diagnosis and treatment, interpreting complex diagnostic tests, and developing comprehensive management plans for a wide variety of acute and chronic digestive health issues.

1031 RUSSET RD NE
Calgary, AB T2E 5L2

Phone: (403) 277-7321 | Fax: (403) 277-7327

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ross 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. Ross 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=893bc777-e7a2-4d7f-9d1a-b0c1d37c41a5&i=1246