The physicians at Unio Specialty Care - Temple City are specialist-trained to care for a wide range of digestive and liver diseases. Here are some of the most common conditions we treat and procedures we perform. Our physicians wrote the articles below to help you learn more.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
24-Hour pH Testing: Measuring Acid Reflux
Esophageal pH testing measures how often acid reflux happens and whether it matches your symptoms. Used for heartburn that doesn't respond to medicine and before reflux surgery.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Abdominal Pain and Bloating: When to See a GI Doctor
Belly pain and bloating have many causes, from IBS to gallstones. Learn common causes by location, red-flag symptoms, and how a gastroenterologist evaluates them.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Abdominal Ultrasound: Preparing for Your Test
Abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to look at the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and more. No needles or radiation. How to prepare, what to wear, and how long it takes.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Abnormal Liver Tests: What High ALT, AST, or Bilirubin Means
High liver enzymes on a blood test are common. Learn what ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin mean, common causes like fatty liver and hepatitis, and next steps.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Anal Fissures: Painful Bowel Movements and Bleeding
An anal fissure is a small tear that causes sharp pain and bleeding with bowel movements. Learn causes, home care, prescription treatments, and when procedures help.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Autoimmune Hepatitis, PBC, and PSC
Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are immune-related liver diseases. Learn symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 23, 2026
Barrett's Esophagus: Who Should Be Checked and How It's Treated
Barrett's esophagus is a change in the esophagus lining caused by long-term acid reflux. Learn who should be screened, how it's found, and treatment options.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 23, 2026
Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Testing, and the Gluten-Free Diet
Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine. Learn the symptoms, how to get tested correctly, and how it's managed.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and When to See a Gastroenterologist
Diarrhea lasting more than 4 weeks needs a closer look. Learn common causes, warning signs, tests, and treatments for chronic diarrhea.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 23, 2026
Colon Polyps and Colon Cancer Screening: Start at 45
Colon cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45. Learn about colon polyps, screening options like colonoscopy and stool tests, and how often to be screened.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
Crohn's Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Clinical Trials
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract. Learn the symptoms, how it's diagnosed, current treatments, and our clinical trials now enrolling.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 23, 2026
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Diverticulosis is common with age; diverticulitis is when the pouches become inflamed. Learn the symptoms, when to seek care, treatment, and prevention.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 23, 2026
Trouble Swallowing (Dysphagia): Causes, Tests, and Treatment
Trouble swallowing (dysphagia) is never normal. Learn common causes, when it's an emergency, and how a GI evaluates and treats it with endoscopy and manometry.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 23, 2026
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): Trouble Swallowing and Food Getting Stuck
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic inflammation of the esophagus that causes trouble swallowing and food getting stuck. Learn diagnosis and treatment options.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Esophageal Manometry: Testing How Your Esophagus Works
Esophageal manometry measures the pressure and coordination of the esophagus muscles. Used for trouble swallowing, achalasia, chest pain, and before reflux surgery.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Esophageal Motility Disorders and Achalasia
When the esophagus muscles don't squeeze normally, food can stick or come back up. Learn about achalasia, esophageal spasm, testing with manometry, and treatment.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD) and Liver Elastography (FibroScan)
What fatty liver disease (MASLD/MASH) is, how liver elastography (FibroScan) checks for fat and scarring, and today's treatments, including Rezdiffra and Wegovy.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: What to Expect
Flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum and lower colon with a simpler prep than colonoscopy, usually a Fleet enema. Why it's done, how to prepare, and recovery.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 23, 2026
Gallstones, Gallbladder Disease, and Pancreatitis
Gallstones can cause pain, bile duct blockage, and pancreatitis. Learn the symptoms, emergency warning signs, and treatments including ERCP and gallbladder surgery.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. Learn the common causes, including H. pylori and NSAIDs, symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and treatment.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Gastroparesis: When the Stomach Empties Too Slowly
Gastroparesis causes nausea, vomiting, and early fullness because the stomach empties too slowly. Learn causes, testing, diet changes, and treatments.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
GERD and Acid Reflux: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a GI
Frequent heartburn may be GERD. Learn the causes, lifestyle changes and medicines that help, warning signs, and when an upper endoscopy is needed.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
GI Bleeding and Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Black stools, blood in the stool, or unexplained iron-deficiency anemia can mean bleeding in the digestive tract. Learn the causes, warning signs, and tests.
Tim (Tien-Chun) Chen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
B型肝炎：檢測、治療與肝癌篩檢
B型肝炎在華人社區很常見，而且通常沒有症狀。了解哪些人應該檢測、如何治療，以及肝癌篩檢的重要性。Temple City 會說國語的腸胃科醫生。
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
Hepatitis B: Testing, Treatment, and Liver Cancer Screening
Hepatitis B is common in Asian American communities and often has no symptoms. Learn who should be tested, how it's treated, and why liver cancer screening matters.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
Hepatitis C: A Curable Liver Infection
Hepatitis C can now be cured in 8 to 12 weeks with pills. Learn who should be tested, what treatment involves, and what to expect after cure.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 25, 2026
Lactulose Breath Test for SIBO and Sugar Intolerance
A lactulose breath test checks for SIBO at home with the FoodMarble MedAIRE. The same device tests lactose, fructose, sorbitol, inulin, and sucrose intolerance.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Liver Cancer Screening: Who Needs It and How Often
People with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B have a higher risk of liver cancer. Learn who should be screened, the ultrasound and AFP schedule, and why early detection matters.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Liver Elastography (FibroScan): A Painless Test for Liver Fat and Scarring
Liver elastography (FibroScan) measures liver stiffness and fat in about 10 to 15 minutes, with no needles. Who needs it, how to prepare, and what results mean.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Microscopic Colitis: A Hidden Cause of Watery Diarrhea
Microscopic colitis causes chronic watery diarrhea, often in older adults, and can only be diagnosed with biopsies. Learn causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Motility Capsule Test: Measuring How Your Gut Moves
The motility capsule test measures how fast food moves through the stomach, small intestine, and colon. Used for gastroparesis and severe constipation. Prep and what to expect.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Pancreatic Cysts: What to Do When One Is Found
Pancreatic cysts are often found by chance on a CT or MRI. Most are harmless, but some need monitoring. Learn the types, follow-up tests, and when EUS is used.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 23, 2026
Rectal Bleeding: Common Causes and When to See a Doctor
Blood in the stool or on toilet paper has many causes, from hemorrhoids to polyps. Learn common causes, emergency warning signs, and when you need a colonoscopy.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
SIBO happens when too many bacteria grow in the small intestine, causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Learn risk factors, breath testing, and treatment.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 22, 2026
Small Bowel Enteroscopy: Looking Deeper Into the Small Intestine
Enteroscopy uses a longer endoscope to examine and treat the small intestine, often for bleeding or anemia found on capsule endoscopy. How to prepare and what to expect.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 23, 2026
Stomach Cancer Risk and Screening in Asian Americans
Asian Americans have a higher risk of stomach cancer. Learn the risk factors, the role of H. pylori, warning signs, and when to talk with a GI about screening endoscopy.
Tim (Tien-Chun) Chen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
亞裔美國人的胃癌風險與篩檢
華人等亞裔族群罹患胃癌的風險較高。了解風險因素、幽門螺旋桿菌的影響、警訊症狀，以及何時應考慮胃鏡篩檢。
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
Nguy Cơ và Tầm Soát Ung Thư Dạ Dày ở Người Mỹ Gốc Á
Người gốc Á, trong đó có người Việt, có nguy cơ ung thư dạ dày cao hơn. Tìm hiểu các yếu tố nguy cơ, vai trò của vi khuẩn H. pylori, dấu hiệu cảnh báo và khi nào nên nội soi.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Clinical Trials
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the colon. Learn the symptoms, how it's diagnosed, today's treatments, and our clinical trials now enrolling.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Oct 24, 2026
Viêm Gan B: Xét Nghiệm, Điều Trị và Tầm Soát Ung Thư Gan
Viêm gan B rất phổ biến trong cộng đồng người Việt và thường không có triệu chứng. Tìm hiểu ai nên xét nghiệm, cách điều trị và tầm soát ung thư gan. Bác sĩ nói tiếng Việt tại Temple City.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Nov 18, 2023
Capsule Endoscopy (NaviCam Small Bowel with AI ProScan)
Capsule endoscopy uses a swallowed camera to examine the small intestine. We use the NaviCam Small Bowel capsule with AI-assisted ProScan reading. Learn why it's done, how to prepare, and what to expect.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Nov 4, 2018
H. Pylori Infection: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment
H. pylori is a common stomach infection that causes ulcers and raises stomach cancer risk, especially in Asian Americans. Learn testing, current treatment regimens, and how to confirm a cure.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Nov 4, 2018
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
IBS causes belly pain with diarrhea, constipation, or both. Learn how it is diagnosed, the low-FODMAP diet, and treatment options for IBS-D and IBS-C, from peppermint oil to prescription medicines.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Jun 21, 2018
Hemorrhoid Banding (Rubber Band Ligation): How It Works, Results, and Risks
A detailed look at hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation): why it is painless, who is a candidate, how the CRH O'Regan suction ligator works, results compared with other treatments, risks, and aftercare.
Dana Pan, MD, MHA · Jun 21, 2018
ERCP: Treating Bile Duct Stones and Blockages Without Surgery
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) removes bile duct stones, opens blockages with stents, and treats some causes of pancreatitis without surgery. Learn how it works, risks, and recovery.
Dana Pan, MD, MHA · Jun 21, 2018
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Uses, Preparation, and What to Expect
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines endoscopy and ultrasound to examine the pancreas, bile ducts, and digestive tract wall and take needle biopsies. Learn the uses, prep, and where to have it done.
Tim (Tien-Chun) Chen, MD · Jun 21, 2018
Peptic Ulcer Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach or duodenum, most often caused by H. pylori or NSAIDs. Learn the warning signs of bleeding, how ulcers are diagnosed, and treatment options.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Jun 20, 2018
Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Screening, and Treatment Options
Colorectal cancer is common and rising in younger adults, but screening can prevent it. Learn the symptoms, risk factors, when to start screening, and treatment options.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Jun 20, 2018
Colonoscopy: What to Expect, Prep, and Recovery
Colonoscopy is the best test to find and prevent colon cancer. Learn why it is done, how to prepare, what to expect, and recovery. Screening starts at 45. Temple City and Arcadia.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Jun 17, 2018
Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that cause bleeding, itching, and discomfort. Learn the types, causes, when to see a doctor, home care, and every treatment option from creams to surgery.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Jun 17, 2018
Constipation: Causes, Relief, and Treatment Options
Constipation causes hard, infrequent stools and straining. Learn the causes, when to see a gastroenterologist, and treatments from fiber and laxatives to prescription medicines and biofeedback.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Jun 17, 2018
Cirrhosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver. Learn the causes, warning signs, how it is diagnosed, and treatment options that protect the liver and prevent complications.
Ken D. Nguyen, MD · Jun 17, 2018
Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD): Why It's Done and What to Expect
Upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to diagnose and treat reflux, ulcers, bleeding, and swallowing problems and to screen for stomach cancer. Learn how to prepare.PPO & Medicare welcome
Our board-certified gastroenterologists are in network with most PPO plans, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, plus Medicare. Most PPO plans need no referral, and healthy adults 45 and older can often schedule a screening colonoscopy without an office visit.