At the Susan and Leonard Feinstein Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinical Center at Mount Sinai, we believe that early, effective intervention is the key to improving your quality of life. We design your treatment plan to reduce the chances of your developing any complications from IBD. Our IBD specialists are able to do this by understanding your personal risk factors for your IBD progressing. The Feinstein IBD Center works in close collaboration with researchers within The Helmsley IBD Center to launch innovative programs designed to help you thrive while living with IBD.

Our unique multidisciplinary and early intervention approach to your treatment will give you the best possible outcome. However, first, you need an accurate diagnosis.

IBD Diagnosis

In order for us to develop the very best treatment plan for you, we will need to confirm your diagnosis, understand the extent of your IBD, or make a new diagnosis. To do that, we may perform diagnostic tests such as blood tests, radiological imaging, or an endoscopy with a biopsy. These tests will help us make a precise diagnosis and formulate an individualized treatment plan for you.

Effective management of IBD hinges on pinpointing the exact type, extent, and severity of the disease. The Feinstein IBD Center offers a range of highly sophisticated diagnostic options, many pioneered by Mount Sinai, including:

• High definition chromoendoscopy  ̶  uses a dye to enable your doctor to see your digestive tract and detect precancerous cells in colitis long before cancer has any chance to develop
• Wireless capsule endoscopy  ̶  uses a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of your digestive tract
• Radiologic imaging  ̶ uses computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) enterography to produce detailed images of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract with an intravenous liquid
• Laparoscopy  ̶ a surgical procedure using a tiny fiber-optic instrument to diagnose the GI tract

Treatments We Offer

We respect that you are much more than your IBD, therefore, we offer integrated care, treating you as a whole person with a comprehensive treatment plan. Our IBD specialists involve nutritionists, psychologists, and social services in your care. We also encourage your family – your caregivers – to participate in you care so everyone understands your condition and is supportive of your treatment.

Your IBD specialist will meet with you and give you an overview of your condition as well as make recommendations for your medical treatment.

Your multi-dimensional treatment may include one or a combination of the following:

• Medicine: If you and your doctor determine that you would benefit from one of the biologic agents offered by the IBD Center, we provide both the medical treatment and monitoring services. Our state of the art infusion center provides a comfortable, private setting at which you will receive a full-range of biologic, and cutting-edge medicinal therapies.
• Clinical Trials: One of the greatest advantages of your being treated at the Feinstein IBD Center is that virtually every new therapy has been developed and tried out at Mount Sinai. You will have access to the latest clinical trials and can have the option to participate in research on novel therapies that are advancing care in IBD. We encourage you to discuss your willingness to participate in a clinical trial with your doctor and to view a list of the current IBD trials.
• Surgical Consultation: Surgery may be the best treatment option for you. At the Feinstein IBD Center, we provide direct consultation with surgeons who specialize in the latest surgical approaches and techniques for IBD patients. Our network of highly experienced IBD surgeons can see patients in the Feinstein IBD Center. If you have a permanent or temporary ostomy, we also have a highly experienced ostomy nurse who can provide support and specialized care to help you.
• Nutrition: Nutrition plays a critical part in your well-being and healing when you have IBD. To help you, we have registered dieticians (RDs) on staff at the IBD Center. An RD meets with your medical team, reviews your current nutritional health, and provides a personalized treatment plan to manage your medical issues. RDs are seasoned professionals who specialize in the care of IBD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), short bowel syndrome, celiac disease and an array of gastrointestinal illnesses. We offer you access to educational materials to help you manage your current symptoms and prevent deficiencies that can often occur with IBD. In addition, at the Feinstein IBD Center, a gastroenterologist who specializes in advanced nutrition is available to consult with you and your IBD team.
• Mental Health Services: Your wellness and treatment depend on your overall mental well-being as part of your treatment plan. At the Feinstein IBD Center, we have one of the country’s only clinical psychologists specializing in patients with gastrointestinal disease, in particular IBD. We offer counseling services centered on mental health, stress reduction, mind-gut interaction, and building coping and resilience skills.
• Social and Care Coordination Support: Our social work team and clinical support staff will help you with insurance benefit guidance and navigating obstacles to your care. If you’ve had to stay in the hospital, we help arrange your transition from inpatient to outpatient or home care. We provide disability guidance, and we can assist you in navigating prescription assistance programs

Our research has shown that the most effective medications work better when used earlier in the disease, including anti-tumor agents that work best when administered early.

Since caring for a loved one with IBD can be challenging for you and your caregiver, we also provide support and resources for your entire care team.