Allied Digestive Health

11/26/2025

Proud to close out the year with exciting progress from our endobariatrics program, 4ward Wellness in Albany, NY. Since launching in 2024, we have completed nearly 20 ESG procedures and 15 TORe procedures, contributing to 600+ pounds of total weight loss for our patients. The growing momentum behind ESG reflects a broader shift—patients are recognizing and pursuing safe, effective, minimally invasive weight-loss solutions.

A major milestone this year: Cigna officially added ESG to its coverage policy for patients with a BMI of 30–50. This is a significant step forward for access, and with a formal CPT code anticipated in January 2026, we expect more insurers to follow.

We are also proud to share that the physicians of Albany Gastroenterology Consultants and leaders of 4ward Wellness—Dr. Bora Gumustop, Dr. Joseph Choma, and Dr. Rohit Dhingra, alongside Dr. A***n Jain of Albany Medical Center—recently published a manuscript in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology on building an endobariatrics program within a large private practice. This work reflects the strong foundation we have established and the exciting opportunities ahead as we continue reducing barriers to care for our patients.

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition that involves the interdimensional relationship between genetic, environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioral factors.1 While lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery remain key tools, each carries limitations related to...

11/14/2025

Last week, our COO, Sap Sinha, took the stage at the Athena Thrive Conference to highlight the powerful intersection of technology, talent, and services in optimizing healthcare operations. Sap shared how Allied Digestive Health is leveraging these elements to enhance performance across our organization—streamlining processes, reducing administrative burden, and empowering our teams to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality, compassionate GI care. As healthcare continues to evolve, conversations like these play a vital role in shaping sustainable, scalable solutions that support both clinicians and the communities they serve.

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to express our deepest gratitude to those who have served and those who continue to serve. We are grateful for the veterans on our team and across our communities who continue to lead with integrity, strength, and service. Thank you to all veterans — past, present, and future.

10/22/2025

During National Healthcare Quality Week, we are proud to celebrate our overarching achievements in clinical quality care and exceptional patient satisfaction. As a recognized leader in gastroenterology care, we remain focused on expanding access to care, enhancing the patient experience, and consistently delivering the highest quality of care.

10/21/2025

The Allied Digestive Health team is looking forward to attending the American College of Gastroenterology's Annual Meeting from October 26-28. Stop by booth #1048 to meet the Allied Digestive Health executive team, explore career opportunities, and learn how we are driving innovation in digestive health. As the leading gastroenterology organization in the Northeast, we are proud to set the standard in patient care, clinical excellence, and physician-led growth.

09/25/2025

Happy National APP Week! We are proud to recognize the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) — nurse practitioners and physician assistants who provide high-quality, patient-centered care alongside our physicians.

We would also like to welcome our newest APPs to ADH! Their commitment strengthens our mission of advancing digestive health and supporting the communities we serve. Thank you to all our APPs, new and established, for the exceptional care they provide every day.

09/17/2025

At Allied Digestive Health, our commitment goes beyond patient care — it’s about fostering community, empowerment, and providing unwavering support. During Women in Medicine Month, we’re proud to highlight our female providers for their exceptional activism in women’s GI health. From health expos to creating spaces for collaboration and support among female practitioners, we remain committed to delivering inclusive, compassionate GI care that addresses the unique health needs that women face.

The Largest Gastroenterology Platform in the Northeast, Allied Digestive Health, Aims to Raise Awareness and Support Patients and Practitioners

09/05/2025

Join us in welcoming Steven J. Rodriguez, MD to Continuum Gastroenterology!

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Steven J. Rodriguez to Continuum Gastroenterology, where he will be seeing patients at our Roselle Park location. Dr. Rodriguez earned his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed his residency and internship at Columbia University Medical Center – New York Presbyterian. He went on to complete a gastroenterology fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center, where he was honored as Chief Fellow and received the Annual Award for Clinical Excellence.

With a strong academic and research background—including published studies on GERD and gastric cancer—Dr. Rodriguez brings both clinical expertise and compassionate care to his practice. As a third-generation gastroenterologist, he is deeply committed to continuing his family’s legacy of service and excellence in digestive health.

Learn more and schedule online: https://adh.ourscheduling.com/1481/appointment/location?doctorId=439550&visitTypeId=2&departmentId=1effacf4-134c-6978-8cf6-3d03f7ec37ba&stateId=31

08/18/2025

Join us in welcoming Zilan Lin, MD to Brooklyn Gastroenterology & Endoscopy!

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Zilan Lin to Brooklyn Gastroenterology & Endoscopy. She will be seeing patients at our Bay Parkway and Emmons Ave locations in Brooklyn. Dr. Lin completed her medical training at the University of South Carolina and Medical University of South Carolina, followed by residency and fellowship at Westchester Medical Center.

Fluent in Mandarin and English, Dr. Lin provides comprehensive care for a wide range of GI conditions and performs procedures including colonoscopy, endoscopy, and capsule endoscopy. She is affiliated with Maimonides Medical Center, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Brooklyn, and the Greater NY Endoscopy Surgical Center.

Learn more and schedule online:
Bay Parkway: https://adh.ourscheduling.com/1481/appointment/location?doctorId=439828&visitTypeId=2&departmentId=1f02c4c5-6a4b-60d0-8bd6-578585387cbf&stateId=33&consultationTypeId=41389
Emmons Ave: https://adh.ourscheduling.com/1481/appointment/location?doctorId=439828&visitTypeId=2&departmentId=1efa19f5-a680-6ac4-a561-fd9a78173a4d&stateId=33&consultationTypeId=41400

08/07/2025

📈 Colorectal cancer has been rising in people under 50 since the 1990s—now the #1 cause of cancer death for men in that group.

The good news:
A recent article by the Wall Street Journal highlights new research that shows:
🔹 Screenings (ages 45–49) ↑ 62% since 2019
🔹 Early diagnoses ↑ 50% from 2021–2022

This shift is saving lives by catching cancer earlier—when it's more treatable. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening to begin at age 45 or earlier with symptoms.

⚠️ If you're 45 or older, don’t delay care. Talk to your doctor about getting screened.

Early-stage diagnoses for adults aged 45 to 49 jumped, thanks to more screening

07/25/2025

Join us in welcoming Michael Makar, MD to Red Bank Gastroenterology!

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Michael Makar to Red Bank Gastroenterology, where he will be providing expert, compassionate GI care to patients in the community. Dr. Makar earned his medical degree from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, followed by internship and residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at Geisinger Medical Center, where he served as Chief Fellow.

Dr. Makar is highly trained in a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and esophageal manometry. Dr. Makar is affiliated with Riverview Medical Center and is now accepting new patients.

Learn more and schedule online:
https://allieddigestivehealth.com/providers/michael-makar-md/

06/10/2025

We’re honored to receive the 2025 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Community Impact Award — a meaningful recognition of our providers’ dedication to the IBD community and their commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.

A special thank you to Dr. Penny Turtel, who accepted the award on behalf of ADH, reflecting the compassion and dedication of our entire care team in advancing the Foundation’s mission.

We are proud to stand with our colleagues, patients, and partners in the fight against IBD.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation New Jersey Chapter Honors Group’s Contributions to IBD Care and Advocacy