Finding the right place for a colonoscopy or figuring out why your stomach won't stop acting up is stressful. Honestly, nobody wants to spend their morning in a medical office, but if you live in the South Metro area, you've probably heard of The Oregon Clinic Gastroenterology South at Tualatin. It’s one of those staple locations for digestive health, tucked away right across from the Kaiser facility.
Whether you’re here because a primary care doctor finally convinced you to get that screening or you’re dealing with the daily grind of Crohn’s or Colitis, the Tualatin branch is a heavy hitter in the local medical scene.
What is The Oregon Clinic Gastroenterology South at Tualatin?
Basically, it's a specialized hub. This isn't a general "fix-everything" clinic. They focus strictly on the digestive tract—think esophagus, stomach, liver, and colon. The clinic is located at 19250 SW 90th Ave, Tualatin, OR 97062.
It is important to keep in mind that they share space or are adjacent to other specialties, but the Gastroenterology South group has a specific reputation for outpatient care. In 2024, Newsweek even ranked them as one of the best ambulatory surgery centers in Oregon.
Who actually works there?
You aren't just seeing "a doctor." You’re seeing specialists like Dr. Stephen Chen, who has been practicing for years and has a bit of a local following for being thorough with post-procedure explanations. Other names you might see on the schedule include Dr. C.Y. Michael Chang, who is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese, or Dr. Paul Anderson, a former track star turned GI expert.
The team also includes Physician Assistants (PAs) like Shannon Lunders, who was recently recognized in Portland Monthly’s 2026 Top Medical Providers list.
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Services and What They Actually Do
If you’re heading to The Oregon Clinic Gastroenterology South at Tualatin, you're likely there for one of three things: a consultation, a diagnostic test, or a procedure.
Most people come in for the big one: the colonoscopy. It's the gold standard for colon cancer screening. But they do plenty of other "scopes" and tests:
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD): Checking out the esophagus and stomach.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: Using sound waves to see deeper into the digestive organs.
- Capsule Endoscopy: This is the "pill camera" you swallow so they can see the small intestine.
- Breath Testing: Specifically for things like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) or H. pylori.
- Manometry: Testing how your muscles move food through your system.
The Prep Reality
Let’s be real. The procedure is the easy part—you’re usually sedated. The "prep" is what everyone talks about. The Tualatin clinic uses a variety of prep methods depending on your health history. You might get assigned Clenpiq, SuFlave, or the classic MiraLAX with Pedialyte.
They are pretty strict about the rules. If they say a clear liquid diet for 24 hours, they mean it. If you show up and you've had a latte with cream, they might have to cancel. It's frustrating, but it's for your safety.
Real Talk: The Patient Experience
Is it perfect? No. No medical clinic is.
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Most patients rave about the clinical staff. The nurses and the doctors are generally described as "conscientious" and "kind." You'll find that once you're in the back, the workflow is like a well-oiled machine.
However, some people have noted that the administrative side—like getting a live person on the phone to schedule or dealing with billing—can be a bit of a hurdle. It’s a busy place. If you’re calling, try to do it right when they open or mid-afternoon.
Pro Tip: Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Parking is usually okay, but the driveway is across from Kaiser, and if you're rushing, it's easy to miss the turn into the clinic lot.
Navigating the Costs
Billing is where things get complicated in any specialty medicine. The Oregon Clinic is a "specialist" group, which means your co-pay might be higher than your regular doctor.
If you're going for a screening colonoscopy, it's often covered 100% by insurance under the Affordable Care Act. But—and this is a big but—if the doctor finds a polyp and removes it, the "screening" might become a "diagnostic" procedure. That can change how your insurance processes the bill.
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It’s always smart to call your insurance provider before the appointment. Ask specifically about the "facility fee" and "anesthesia fee," as those are often billed separately from the doctor's time.
Why This Location Matters
Choosing the Tualatin office specifically is usually about convenience for those in West Linn, Sherwood, or Wilsonville. It saves you the nightmare of driving into downtown Portland.
They are also closely affiliated with Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. If your case is complex and requires hospital-level care, the transition is usually pretty seamless because the doctors have privileges there.
Some Logistics to Remember
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:15 am to 5:00 pm. (Yes, they start early for those procedure times).
- Phone: 503-692-3750.
- MyChart: They use the MyChart system, which is honestly the fastest way to see your test results without waiting for a phone call.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re ready to get your gut health in check at the Tualatin clinic, don't just wait for them to call you.
- Verify your referral: Make sure your primary care doctor actually sent the paperwork over.
- Prep your history: Have a list of your medications ready, especially blood thinners or diabetes meds, as these have to be adjusted before procedures.
- Ask about the "Prep": When you schedule, ask if you can do a low-volume prep (like Clenpiq) if you have trouble drinking large amounts of liquid.
- Check your MyChart: Once your appointment is set, keep an eye on the portal for the digital versions of your prep instructions so you don't lose the paper ones.
Managing your digestive health isn't fun, but having a specialized team like the one in Tualatin makes the process a lot less intimidating. Just follow the prep instructions to a T, and you'll be fine.