Abdominal Pain: Common Causes, When to See a Doctor, and Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing at 14 Street Medical Arts
Comprehensive Evaluation of Abdominal Pain at 14 Street Medical Arts
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people visit their primary care physician. While some causes are mild and temporary, others may require prompt medical evaluation and treatment. Pain anywhere between the chest and pelvis can be related to the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, urinary tract, or other abdominal organs.
At 14 Street Medical Arts, our experienced physicians provide comprehensive evaluations to determine the cause of abdominal pain and develop personalized treatment plans. To help diagnose abdominal conditions quickly and accurately, we offer advanced diagnostic imaging, including Abdominal Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, and Digital X-ray, allowing many patients to receive timely testing without unnecessary delays.
Many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans provide coverage for medically necessary office visits, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and specialist referrals.
What Is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain refers to discomfort or pain felt anywhere between the chest and pelvis. The pain may be:
- Sharp or dull
- Mild or severe
- Constant or intermittent
- Localized to one area
- Spread throughout the abdomen
The location, duration, and severity of the pain often help physicians determine the underlying cause.
Common Symptoms That May Accompany Abdominal Pain
Depending on the cause, abdominal pain may occur with:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain during urination
- Back pain
Persistent or worsening symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can result from many different medical conditions, including:
- Acid Reflux (GERD)
- Gastritis
- Peptic Ulcers
- Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease
- Liver Disorders
- Pancreatitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Diverticulitis
- Kidney Stones
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Constipation
- Viral Gastroenteritis ("Stomach Flu")
- Food Intolerance
- Appendicitis
Proper medical evaluation is important because treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing Available at 14 Street Medical Arts
One advantage of choosing 14 Street Medical Arts is access to advanced diagnostic imaging that helps physicians identify the cause of abdominal pain quickly and accurately.
Depending on your symptoms, your physician may recommend:
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal Ultrasound is often the first imaging test used to evaluate abdominal pain. It can help identify:
- Gallstones
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Liver disease
- Kidney stones
- Kidney abnormalities
- Fluid collections
- Enlarged organs
- Abdominal masses
Ultrasound is painless, does not use radiation, and provides valuable information about abdominal organs.
CT Scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis
CT imaging provides detailed cross-sectional images and may help diagnose:
- Appendicitis
- Diverticulitis
- Kidney stones
- Bowel inflammation
- Internal infections
- Abdominal abscesses
- Tumors
- Other causes of abdominal pain
MRI of the Abdomen
MRI provides highly detailed images of abdominal organs without radiation exposure and may be recommended to evaluate:
- Liver abnormalities
- Pancreatic disorders
- Kidney disease
- Soft tissue abnormalities
- Certain abdominal masses
Digital X-Ray
Digital X-rays may help evaluate:
- Bowel obstruction
- Constipation
- Kidney stones
- Abnormal bowel gas patterns
- Certain abdominal emergencies
Laboratory Testing
Your physician may also recommend:
- Blood tests
- Urine testing
- Stool testing
- Liver function tests
- Pancreatic enzyme testing
These studies help identify infections, inflammation, bleeding, digestive disorders, and other medical conditions.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Seek emergency medical care immediately if abdominal pain is associated with:
- Severe or sudden pain
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- High fever
- Persistent vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Black or bloody stools
- Fainting
- Severe abdominal swelling
- Inability to pass stool or gas
These symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.
Treatment for Abdominal Pain
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include:
- Dietary modifications
- Prescription medications
- Treatment of infections
- Acid reflux management
- Treatment for constipation or diarrhea
- Referral to gastroenterology
- Surgical consultation when necessary
Our providers focus on treating both the symptoms and the underlying medical condition.
Why Choose 14 Street Medical Arts?
Patients choose 14 Street Medical Arts because we offer:
- Comprehensive primary care
- Same-day appointments when available
- Personalized treatment plans
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Digital X-ray
- Laboratory testing coordination
- Multi-specialty medical care
- Acceptance of many major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield
Having access to advanced diagnostic imaging allows our physicians to evaluate abdominal pain efficiently and develop treatment plans based on accurate diagnostic information.
Convenient Manhattan Locations
14 Street Medical Arts provides comprehensive abdominal pain evaluation and advanced diagnostic imaging at multiple convenient New York City locations:
East 14 Street MedicalArts
332 East 14th Street
New York, NY 10003
West 14 Street MedicalArts
110 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10011
Columbus Ave MedicalArts
912 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10025
Radiology MedicalArts
500 East 14th Street
New York, NY 10009
We proudly serve patients throughout Union Square, East Village, Gramercy Park, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Flatiron District, Upper West Side, and surrounding New York City neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What imaging test is best for abdominal pain?
The best imaging test depends on your symptoms. Your physician may recommend an Abdominal Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, or Digital X-ray based on your medical history and physical examination.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover abdominal imaging?
Many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans provide coverage for medically necessary imaging studies, including ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and X-rays. Coverage varies by individual plan.
Can abdominal pain be caused by something serious?
Yes. While many cases are related to minor digestive issues, abdominal pain can also be caused by appendicitis, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, ulcers, pancreatitis, or other conditions requiring prompt medical evaluation.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, digestive problems, or persistent stomach discomfort, the healthcare professionals at 14 Street Medical Arts can help.
Our experienced providers offer comprehensive medical evaluations, laboratory testing, Abdominal Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, Digital X-ray, and personalized treatment plans to identify the cause of your symptoms and help you feel better as quickly as possible.
Contact 14 Street Medical Arts today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your evaluation and treatment options through your Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan.
About 14 Street Medical Arts
14 Street Medical Arts is a leading multi-specialty medical practice serving New York City through locations on East 14th Street, West 14th Street, Columbus Avenue, and Radiology MedicalArts. We provide primary care, specialty care, preventive medicine, advanced diagnostic imaging including MRI, CT Scan, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, chronic disease management, and comprehensive healthcare services for patients throughout Manhattan.
