Business Details
Your Trusted Gastroenterology Care in Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg Gastroenterology has served the medical needs of Central Pennsylvania for over four decades. Our practice combines extensive experience with board-certified physicians and nationally certified physician assistants and nurse practitioners to deliver specialized gastrointestinal care. We operate the Harrisburg Endoscopy and Surgery Center on-site, offering convenient access to procedures like colonoscopies and upper endoscopies. Our team is credentialed at major regional hospitals and remains committed to advancing skills through continuous medical education.We specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive diseases, including Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, and liver conditions, while providing advanced therapeutic endoscopy to minimize patient travel. Our facility prioritizes patient comfort with a professional environment designed to enhance the care experience. We actively participate in community health initiatives and medical education programs, ensuring our practice remains at the forefront of GI care innovation.
Services
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
FibroScan
ERCP
Liver Biopsy
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Crohn's Disease Management
Sigmoidoscopy
Food Allergy Immunotherapy
Pancreatic Disease Care
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of specialized GI care in Central Pennsylvania
- Board-certified physicians and nationally certified advanced practitioners
- On-site endoscopy center for convenient, high-quality procedures
- Active participation in medical education and community health initiatives
- Credentialing at all major regional hospitals for comprehensive care access
Services
Colonoscopy
Our colonoscopies detect colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities using advanced imaging technology. Patients receive personalized preparation instructions and post-procedure care guidance. This preventive screening helps maintain gastrointestinal health through early disease detection.
Endoscopy
Diagnostic upper endoscopies examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for conditions like GERD and ulcers. Our specialists use real-time imaging to identify inflammation, tumors, or infections. This minimally invasive procedure enables accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment options.
ERCP
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography diagnoses and treats pancreatic and bile duct disorders. Our team addresses gallstones, tumors, and strictures through this combined imaging and therapeutic procedure. Patients benefit from reduced recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods.
FibroScan
Non-invasive FibroScan technology assesses liver fibrosis and steatosis without requiring biopsies. This rapid, painless test measures liver stiffness to evaluate conditions like hepatitis and cirrhosis. Results guide personalized treatment plans for chronic liver disease management.
Liver Biopsy
Image-guided liver biopsies obtain tissue samples for diagnosing liver diseases and monitoring treatment effectiveness. Our specialists use minimally invasive techniques to ensure accurate diagnosis of conditions like hepatitis C and fatty liver disease.
People
John P. McLaughlin
Gastroenterologist
Board-certified in gastroenterology with extensive experience treating digestive disorders. Dr. McLaughlin specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures and complex GI disease management.
Kevin C. Westra
Gastroenterologist
Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association with expertise in therapeutic endoscopy. Dr. Westra focuses on pancreaticobiliary diseases and interventional endoscopic techniques.
Michelle R. Kostelac
Physician Assistant
Certified physician assistant specializing in gastrointestinal care. Ms. Kostelac provides comprehensive patient education and manages chronic digestive conditions with evidence-based approaches.
Jessica M. Bell
Nurse Practitioner
Board-certified nurse practitioner with advanced training in GI disease management. Ms. Bell coordinates patient care and performs diagnostic evaluations for complex digestive health issues.
Meghan Field
Physician Assistant
Doctorate-prepared physician assistant specializing in endoscopic procedures and GI oncology. Ms. Field emphasizes patient-centered care and preventive digestive health strategies.
Questions
What GI conditions do you specialize in treating?
We treat all digestive system disorders including acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, liver diseases, pancreatic conditions, and colorectal cancer.
Do you offer same-day endoscopic procedures?
Our on-site endoscopy center provides scheduled procedures with pre-arranged appointments, but not emergency same-day services.
How should I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Detailed preparation instructions including dietary restrictions and bowel cleansing will be provided when scheduling your procedure.
Are your providers credentialed at local hospitals?
Our physicians maintain active credentials at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, Hampden Medical Center, and all UPMC Harrisburg facilities.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We participate with most major insurance providers. Contact our billing office for specific plan verification and coverage details.
How can I access my medical records?
Patients can request records through our secure patient portal or by contacting our office directly during business hours.
Reviews (6)
Msz Tlc
Apr 16, 2022
Report
All-star professionals at Gastroendology Harrisburg, PA. There is a polite reception at intake; the undeniable care of the nurses who prep clients for the procedures; the anesthesiologist who has a sweet dexterity towards patients when administering anesthesia; to Dr. Westra's kind and pleasant demeanor. I felt 1000% better leaving than I did when I arrived.
Mike Jones
Apr 04, 2022
Report
I had a procedure done in Harrisburg hospital and instead of a very rude very ignorant I would never use them again I talked to the managers ( SAM) and she told me if I don't like the place go elsewhere and get it done please do not use or help again last UPMC the manager for the GI department is very mean and nasty I reported to human resource and nothing never got done
Marci Fagan
Apr 29, 2021
Report
I've been a patient of Dr. Westra's for over 20 years. He's the best. He listens. He explains. He doesn't rush. Never had any issues with the front staff, as others have stated. Phone calls and messages are always answered/returned timely. No complaints.
Amanda Spahr
Apr 23, 2021
Report
I like the doctor, Dr. Reiprich (spelling?), but the scheduling staff are disorganized. They keep sending me letters stating I'm not following up with having a cat scan done but I had it done over a month ago. Then when I was in for a endoscopy the nurse took me into the room before it had been cleaned from the prior patient. I was very dissatisfied with that given the COVID issues.
Hope Summerlin
Mar 06, 2021
Report
So my experience at this office is always pleasant. They are all very friendly. I can talk to the nurses and the Doctor that I see Lisa Brienie ( probably incorrect spelling) is the best. She listens and does her best at figuring out my problems. I dealt with numerous doctors on the other side of the office. Dr. Westra is very pleasant, But I must say Dr. Brooks is the best. She had music playing so that helps to relax. And when everything was over she explained everything to me. I would highly recommend this office
Joshua Wilbur
Feb 27, 2020
Report
Extremely frustrated upon arrival. After walking in the door I stood directly in front of a receptionist waiting to check in for my 3:30 appointment for 10 whole minutes before even saying hello or acknowledging my presence. Additionally after we finally did check in I was told it would be an hour or more wait! I'm sorry but this is not acceptable, it is not like a delay of that nature just crept up the second we walked in the door. Patients should be notified before leaving work or schedules early when a wait time of that duration is to be expected, unreal. If this we a private business and not a healthcare institution they would surely be out of business
