What Is a Gastroenterologist and What Do They Treat?

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating gut-related issues. Sometimes gastroenterologists are referred to as “GI doctors” because they focus on conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

Gastroenterologists have a thorough understanding of how digestive organs and structures work. They primarily treat conditions that affect specific areas of the body, including the following:

• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Colon
• Rectum
• Esophagus
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder
• Liver
• Bile ducts

To become a gastroenterologist, doctors are required to complete a three-year internal medicine residency program after graduating from medical school. Then they must undergo three to four years of additional fellowship training in gastroenterology.

Your doctor might refer you to a gastroenterologist if you experience any problems related to your digestive system. Some symptoms that may warrant a visit to this specialist include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition
• Changes in bowel habits
• Excessive bloating
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

Gastroenterologists are trained to diagnose, manage, and treat a variety of conditions, such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn
• Hiatal hernias
• Colitis
• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Colon polyps
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Nutritional problems
• Pancreatitis
• Hepatitis
• Peptic ulcers
• Gallbladder and biliary tract conditions
• Hemorrhoids
• Diverticulitis
• Appendicitis
• Liver diseases

While some gastroenterologists treat general GI diseases, others cultivate an area of expertise within their specialty. For instance, they may have specific knowledge or experience in managing:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Pancreatic disease
• Liver disease
• Liver transplantation
• GERD
• Conditions that require complicated endoscopic procedures

A gastroenterologist may choose to become a hepatologist: a doctor who specializes in diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. A hepatologist must complete a three-year fellowship in gastroenterology with an additional year of concentrated training in hepatology.

Gastroenterologists often work closely with surgeons, oncologists (doctors who specialize in cancer), and radiologists (doctors who specialize in imaging).

A gastroenterologist is trained to perform many nonsurgical procedures. Some of the more common ones include:

• Endoscopy An endoscope (a thin tube that contains a camera and a light) is fed down your esophagus to view parts of your digestive system.
• Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy A gastroenterologist inserts a tube with a camera into your rectum to see parts of your rectum and colon. A colonoscopy allows doctors to look at the entire colon and rectum, while a sigmoidoscopy provides a view of just the lower colon and rectum.
• Polyp Removal During a colonoscopy, gastroenterologists can remove polyps (noncancerous or precancerous growths) that develop on the colon.
• Capsule Endoscopy You swallow a pill containing a small wireless camera that takes pictures of your GI tract. This lets your doctor see inside your small intestine.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound This procedure combines the use of an endoscope and an ultrasound (a device that uses sound waves to make images). It creates detailed images of the digestive tract and nearby organs.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This test combines the use of endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat problems involving the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, or pancreas.
• Liver Biopsy Doctors remove tissue samples from your liver and check them under a microscope for signs of inflammation or disease.
• Feeding Tube Insertion This procedure involves inserting a feeding tube in the abdomen.
• Esophageal Dilation Doctors insert a long, thin instrument into your esophagus to stretch or open a portion of it.

Gastroenterologists might also recommend that you provide a stool sample, undergo other imaging procedures, or have blood drawn.

Before seeing a gastroenterologist, you should know what necessary documents or notes you’ll need to provide. The office staff should be able to tell you this information.

It’s a good idea to bring the following items:

• Copies of your medical records or important test results
• A list of all the medications you take
• A referral from your primary care doctor (if you have one)
• Your insurance card and ID
• A list of any questions you want to ask the doctor
• A notepad and pen to write down important information

Your first appointment will probably take 30 minutes to an hour. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your family and personal health history, previous tests and treatments you’ve had, and the medicines you take.

During the appointment, your gastroenterologist will likely perform a physical exam that may include:

• Looking at your stomach for abnormalities
• Listening to your abdomen for bowel sounds
• Tapping on your stomach for areas of tenderness
• A rectal exam

At the end of your visit, you and your specialist will discuss the next steps, which may include a diagnostic test or treatment plan.

Your primary care physician is a good place to start. Your doctor likely knows some of the best specialists in your area and can provide you with a list of gastroenterologists to consider.

Word of mouth is another way to find a gastroenterologist who fits your needs. Try asking friends or family members for recommendations.

You can also do a little research yourself. A practice’s website will often feature the doctor’s bio, which includes information like their credentials, education, areas of special interest, and more. Reading online reviews can supply you with feedback from other patients.

How Can I Find Out if a Gastroenterologist Accepts My Insurance?

Your insurance company should supply you with a hard copy or online list of gastroenterologists in your area who accept your coverage. However, it’s a good idea to call your insurance provider and confirm that the specialist you’re considering is on your policy. Physician lists are often out of date.

What Other Factors Should I Consider When Selecting a Gastroenterologist?

When choosing a gastroenterologist, you might want to consider the following factors:

• The location of the office in relation to where you live
• The doctor’s experience, education, and credentials
• The doctor’s subspecialities or special interests
• The procedures the doctor performs or doesn’t perform
• The doctor’s personality
• Hospitals that the doctor is affiliated with
• Whether the practice offers telemedicine options
• How long you’ll have to wait for an appointment
• Whether the office accepts new patients

Some gastroenterologists offer in-person or telehealth consultations for prospective patients. This visit gives you a chance to ask questions and determine if you and the physician are well matched.

How Do I Find a Gastroenterologist Who Will Be Sensitive to My Racial or Ethnic Background and Sexual Orientation?

It’s important to feel comfortable with your doctor, but finding a gastroenterologist who is sensitive to your race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation may take a little bit of effort. If you are having trouble finding a doctor who shares your background, it could be helpful to research your prospective doctor’s memberships and affiliations. This information could help you determine if they make an active effort in educating themselves or advocating about inequities in the healthcare system.

Telemedicine visits also give you an opportunity to see a doctor of your choice who isn’t necessarily located in your area.

Some questions you may want to ask your gastroenterologist during your visit include:

• What is my diagnosis or what diagnosis do you suspect?
• How did you come to this conclusion?
• What causes this condition?
• Do I need any other tests or procedures to confirm this diagnosis?
• What are the most effective treatment options for me?
• Are there side effects or risks associated with the treatments?
• Can modifying my diet help my condition?
• What is your experience treating this condition?
• How will this condition affect my everyday life?
• Are there any support programs available to help me?