Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia

Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia We offer the highest standard of care and comfort in our state-of-the-art endoscopy center.

Our practice consists of board certified gastroenterologist, nurse practitioners and support staff. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality and most up to date healthcare in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere. We respect the confidence that you and your referring physician place in us when choosing our practice for your care. The dedicated physicians and staff here at Gastroentero

logy Associates will evaluate and treat your gastrointestinal disorders with sensitivity, compassion, professionalism and confidentiality.

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month.Gastroparesis is a digestive disorder that slows or stops the movement of food f...
08/18/2026

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month.

Gastroparesis is a digestive disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal discomfort and feeling full after eating only a small amount.

Because these symptoms can overlap with other digestive conditions, getting the right diagnosis is important. If ongoing symptoms are interfering with your daily life, talk with a gastroenterology provider.

Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia is pleased to welcome Indre Lithyouvong, PA-C, to our team beginning Aug...
08/07/2026

Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia is pleased to welcome Indre Lithyouvong, PA-C, to our team beginning August 24.

Indre is a board-certified Physician Assistant with more than eight years of clinical experience providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. She has extensive experience evaluating and managing a wide range of medical conditions, performing office-based procedures, interpreting diagnostic studies, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality care. Indre earned both her Master of Physician Assistant Medicine and Doctor of Medical Science degrees from the University of Lynchburg, graduating with academic distinction.

She will work alongside Dr. Ken Musana, caring for patients with a wide range of digestive health conditions. We look forward to having Indre as part of the GACV team and to continuing our commitment to exceptional digestive care for the Central Virginia community.

Cyclospora is a parasitic infection that affects the intestines and is most often spread through contaminated food or wa...
07/30/2026

Cyclospora is a parasitic infection that affects the intestines and is most often spread through contaminated food or water. This has recently been connected to several ongoing outbreak investigations.

Symptoms may include:

• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Increased gas
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Fatigue

Symptoms can last for weeks and may appear to improve before returning.

Because Cyclospora requires specific testing, contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or recurring watery diarrhea. Be sure to mention any recent food exposures or travel.

Continue following CDC and FDA updates for the latest outbreak and recall information.

Patients have been asking about newer blood-based tests for colorectal cancer screening.For some average-risk adults age...
07/23/2026

Patients have been asking about newer blood-based tests for colorectal cancer screening.

For some average-risk adults age 45 and older, these tests may offer another screening option. They are completed with a blood draw and look for DNA changes that may be associated with colorectal cancer.

That convenience can be helpful, especially for someone who is unwilling or unable to complete a colonoscopy or stool-based screening test. But it is important to understand the limits.

Blood-based screening tests are better at detecting existing colorectal cancer than they are at finding precancerous polyps. Unlike a colonoscopy, they cannot remove polyps before they have the chance to grow into cancer. And if a blood test result is positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is still needed.

A blood test may be better than no screening, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Talk with your Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia provider about the screening option that best fits your personal risk and health history.

This month marks Dr. Lindsey Bierle-Karnes' two-year anniversary with Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia, a...
07/15/2026

This month marks Dr. Lindsey Bierle-Karnes' two-year anniversary with Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia, and we're celebrating by sharing a little more about the physician behind the white coat.

When asked what inspired her to pursue medicine, her answer is deeply personal.

"My father was a physician, and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. During medical school, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away just nine months later. Before he died, I promised him I would dedicate my career to preventing colon cancer in his honor."

That promise continues to shape the compassionate care she provides every day.
One of Dr. Bierle-Karnes' favorite parts of her job is helping patients feel comfortable during conversations that can often feel uncomfortable.

"I enjoy providing clarity and calm during what can be a stressful time. Nobody likes going to the doctor, and discussing digestive health can feel embarrassing, but I'm here to help improve the lives of those I'm privileged to care for."

Outside the office, you'll often find her spending time with family and friends, fishing, kayaking, swimming, or enjoying a summer thunderstorm from her back porch. She also played competitive basketball in high school and loves playing the piano. One of her favorite pieces is Rhapsody in G Minor by Johannes Brahms.

Dr. Bierle-Karnes is accepting new patients. If you've been putting off scheduling an appointment or are due for a colorectal cancer screening, we'd love to help you take the next step toward better digestive health.

Schedule your screening: https://www.gastrocentralva.com/scheduleyourscreening?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=screening

Holiday weekend plans often mean time outside, cookouts, travel, and extra time in the heat. With dangerous temperatures...
07/03/2026

Holiday weekend plans often mean time outside, cookouts, travel, and extra time in the heat. With dangerous temperatures expected in our area, do not wait until you feel thirsty to start drinking water.

Bring a refillable water bottle, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and go easy on alcohol, sugary drinks, and excess caffeine, which can make dehydration worse. Pay extra attention to children, older adults, and anyone taking medications that affect hydration.

Enjoy the weekend, stay cool, and take care of your body!

Trouble swallowing, also called dysphagia, can feel like food is getting stuck, swallowing has become uncomfortable, or ...
06/29/2026

Trouble swallowing, also called dysphagia, can feel like food is getting stuck, swallowing has become uncomfortable, or certain foods are harder to get down.

While it can happen for many reasons, it’s worth being evaluated, especially if symptoms are getting worse, swallowing is painful, or you’re avoiding certain foods because of it.

If swallowing has become difficult or uncomfortable, schedule a visit with your provider today.

Occasional heartburn happens, but frequent reflux, regurgitation, coughing, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing may be sig...
05/28/2026

Occasional heartburn happens, but frequent reflux, regurgitation, coughing, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing may be signs of GERD.

If symptoms are persistent or paired with red flags like weight loss, vomiting, anemia, black stools, or difficulty swallowing, it may be time to see a specialist.

Your gut may be trying to tell you something.

Address

121 Nationwide Drive # A
Lynchburg, VA
24502

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

Telephone

+14343841862

Website

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