Business Details
23 Years
experience
Expert Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Services in San Carlos
Digestive Care Medical Center was founded in 2003 by Dr. Scott Levenson, a board-certified gastroenterologist with over two decades of experience in the Bay Area. Our practice, which includes Dr. Roger Kao and Dr. Alyssa Caplan, specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive disorders and liver diseases. We provide individualized, high-quality patient care through a full spectrum of endoscopic services at our Medicare-certified, AAAHC-accredited ambulatory endoscopy center. Our team emphasizes personalized attention, with an on-site licensed clinical dietitian offering nutritional therapy tailored to gastrointestinal conditions.Located in downtown San Carlos, we combine advanced medical expertise with a commitment to community health, including participation in the Colon Cancer Awareness Campaign. Our physicians maintain rigorous professional standards, with extensive training from institutions like UCSF, the University of Illinois, and California Pacific Medical Center.
Services
Colonoscopy
Upper Endoscopy
Hemorrhoid Banding
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Board-certified physicians with 20+ years of Bay Area experience
- AAAHC-accredited endoscopy center with state-of-the-art technology
- On-site licensed clinical dietitian for specialized nutritional counseling
- Personalized treatment plans for complex gastrointestinal conditions
- Active participants in clinical research for improved digestive care
Associations and certifications
- AAAHC
What people say
Expert medical care
Thorough explanations
Professional staff
Effective treatments
Personalized attention
Services
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy examines the colon lining using a flexible tube with a camera, detecting abnormalities like polyps or cancer. Our board-certified specialists perform high-quality screenings to prevent colorectal cancer through early detection and polyp removal. Patients receive personalized preparation instructions and post-procedure care guidance.
Upper Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy evaluates the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible endoscope. Our physicians diagnose conditions causing abdominal pain, bleeding, or swallowing difficulties while offering therapeutic interventions like polyp removal or stricture dilation. The procedure takes less than 45 minutes with sedation available.
Hemorrhoid Banding
CRH O'Regan System hemorrhoid banding treats internal hemorrhoids with a painless rubber band application. This office-based procedure cuts blood supply to hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink within days. Patients resume normal activities immediately while receiving prevention education to avoid recurrence.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum and lower colon using a thin, flexible tube. Our specialists detect polyps, inflammation, or abnormal tissue changes while offering biopsy services for diagnostic accuracy. The procedure requires minimal preparation and typically causes only mild discomfort.
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy uses a swallowable camera pill to visualize the small intestine. This non-invasive procedure diagnoses obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn's disease, and small bowel tumors. Patients wear external sensors while continuing normal activities during the 8-hour monitoring period.
People
Dr. Scott Levenson
Founder & Gastroenterologist
Board-certified gastroenterologist with 20+ years in Bay Area practice. Completed UCSF fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Specializes in endoscopic procedures and digestive health. Speaks conversational medical Spanish.
Dr. Roger Kao
Gastroenterologist
Board-certified specialist in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Completed University of Illinois training with expertise in complex endoscopic procedures. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and medical Spanish. Active in patient education initiatives.
Dr. Alyssa Caplan
Gastroenterologist
Specialist in colon cancer prevention and advanced endoscopy. Completed CPMC fellowship with focus on functional GI disorders. Expertise in IBS management and hepatobiliary conditions. Former Division I athlete with patient-centered approach.
Questions
What digestive conditions do you treat?
We specialize in treating gastrointestinal disorders including acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, liver conditions, and colorectal cancer prevention through screening colonoscopies.
Do you offer same-day endoscopy appointments?
We prioritize timely care with urgent appointment availability for diagnostic endoscopic procedures at our accredited San Carlos facility.
Are your physicians board-certified?
All our gastroenterologists are board-certified with specialized training from top institutions like UCSF and the University of Illinois.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare. Contact our San Carlos office for specific verification of your coverage benefits.
How should I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Detailed preparation instructions will be provided, typically involving dietary restrictions and oral laxatives to ensure complete colon cleansing for accurate examination results.
Do you participate in clinical research studies?
Yes, we conduct ongoing clinical trials for digestive disease treatments. Current studies focus on GERD and ulcerative colitis therapies with IRB-approved protocols.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Dawn D.
Jan 29, 2018
Report
Dr. Scott Levenson was my doctor for my colonoscopy on 11-30-17 at Digestive Care Center San Carlos, C.A.. During my colonoscopy Dr. Levenson grabbed my ankle, squeezed it hard, shook it and slammed it down on the table and yelled I know what Im doing, Ive done this before! Dr. Levenson did this because he was angry because I did not want the mind-altering sedation and only gave permission for a low-dose of pain sedation. Two days prior to my initial consultation with Dr. Levenson, we talked extensively about my extreme sensitivity with most medications. I brought up the option of not having
Eilish McCaffrey
Oct 06, 2015
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I delayed several years getting a colonoscopy as it didn't seem like a necessary nor pleasant thought. After enough calls from my doctor urging me to take as good care of my insides as I try to do my outsides, I scheduled the procedure. I live in San Carlos and was told about DCMC. Net net is that the procedure was made quite pleasant given the professional, engaging and lovely nursing and front office staff..Sue, Jill and Kathy are truly fabulous nursing staff and I'm recommending DCMC to others who have the option to go here! :-)
