Welcome to Our IBD Care Team

Your well-being is our top priority. We aim to work closely with you to ensure you have the best quality of life possible. Our partnership will work best if you:

• Attend all your scheduled visits and notify us in advance if you need to miss one.
• Take your medications as prescribed and inform us if you have concerns about costs, side effects, or any other issues with your medications.

• Scheduled Visits: We need to see you at least once every 6-12 months, depending on your condition. Missing visits or lab tests could affect your care.
• Life with IBD: If you travel long distances to our clinic or have specific personal or work-related challenges, let us know so we can better accommodate you.

Our care team includes:

• Gastroenterologists who oversee your care.
• Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners and physicians assistants, who specialize in IBD care. They can manage your treatment, order lab tests, and prescribe medications.

URGENT Symptoms:

For Urgent Issues Between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Mon-Fri):

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Severe or worsening anal pain
• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C) that doesn't subside
• Vomiting that doesn't stop
• Continuous rectal bleeding
• Sudden, severe symptoms or passing out

Call our IBD nurses at: 208-489-1900 or send us a patient portal message

• You may reach voicemail, but we aim to return urgent calls within 4 hours.
• Leave your name, date of birth, concern, and a callback number with your availability.

NOT URGENT:

• Medication refills
• Changes in insurance
• General questions
• Review of test results
• Non-severe symptoms or long-standing issues

Non-Urgent Issues:

• Calls will be returned within 48 hours.
• Provide a description of your symptoms and any specific questions.

After 5:00 PM or Weekends:

• Call the clinic at 208-489-1900 and ask for the on-call gastroenterologist.

• ER Visits: Before heading to the ER, please call your nurse first. We may be able to see you immediately. If you're seriously ill and cannot reach us, go to the ER.
• Hospital Admissions: If you're hospitalized for IBD, your on-call gastroenterologist will oversee your care in the hospital and communicate with your outpatient doctor.

• New Health Problems: Let us know about new health issues, ER visits, or hospital stays. Bring any related medical records to your visits.
• Medication Refills:
  • Call your pharmacy 2 working days before running out of medication.
  • For mail-order medications, call at least 3 weeks ahead.
• Changes in Contact Information:
  • If you change your address, phone number, or health insurance, notify us at 208-489-1900. This ensures we can reach you promptly, especially if changes in your medication are required.

Here are some websites and organizations that may help you understand IBD better:

• Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Website
• Stress, anxiety, and IBD
• Diet, nutrition, and IBD
• Finances and IBD
• Surgery for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Preventative Health
• University of Michigan IBD School
• IBD&me: Choosing a Biologic Medication for IBD
• Video-based Information about Living with IBD
• American College of Gastroenterology Podcasts
• Crohn's Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Newly Diagnosed
• Medication Guide
• Diet and Nutrition
• Gut Friendly Recipes

• Charmin "Sit or Squat" app: Find clean restrooms nearby
• University of Utah Travel Medicine Clinic: Helpful tips for traveling with IBD.
• Restroom access: Restroom Access