What do gastroenterologists do

Some of the most common conditions they deal with are diarrhea, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux GERD , and ulcers. You may consider consulting with a gastroenterologist if you have symptoms concerning any digestive system structure between the esophagus and rectum. On the first consult, you can expect your doctor to ask questions regarding your symptoms. A physical exam and specialized tests may follow. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist for further assessment of your condition.

You may see your doctor in a hospital or outpatient clinic. The first appointment will take 30 minutes to an hour to complete. During your first visit with your gastroenterologist, they will ask you about your family and personal health history, symptoms, previous treatments, and medications.

To make the most out of your first appointment, be sure to bring all the necessary documents or notes about your health history.

Likewise, prepare questions you want to ask your gastroenterologist and remember to take notes. This courtesy allows us to be of service to other patients. Fees will vary with the individual case, but generally reflect the specialized ability and time devoted to each problem.

Insurance coverage also varies and each case must be handled individually. As you know, the rules are constantly changing, so it is not possible to predetermine the exact amount of coverage. In some circumstances, routine office visits and consultations are not covered by insurance. That includes your initial visit and routine follow-up visits.

In those situations, we request payment of your office visit at the time of service. Many HMO cover authorized office visits, but may request that a small co-pay be paid at the time of service. Most medical procedures are at least partially covered by your insurance plan. Pre-authorized HMO procedures are usually covered in full.

It is important that you bring the necessary insurance forms with you. Our staff will prepare and submit most forms on your behalf, and bill you for any amount not covered by your insurance carrier. Please keep all receipts for your records and Major Medical.

If you are a member of an HMO, please ask you primary care doctor for a referral slip or authorization number as soon as you make your appointment. Otherwise, your visit or procedure may have to be rescheduled for another day.

Your care is important to all of us. If finances are a problem, we can arrange a payment plan for you. If you have any questions, the office assistant will be glad to discuss this further with you. These are best when based on a mutual understanding. We make a special effort to explain everything to you regarding your condition. If ever you have any questions, or if something is not clear to you, please do not hesitate to ask.

We have chosen our personnel, office procedures, and medical equipment with much thought and care to provide quality medical services in a pleasant, efficient, and friendly atmosphere. Your medical record is strictly private.

We will not give out information regarding your condition to your employer, friends, or relatives without your permission. If you have any suggestions or complaints regarding our services or fees, please tell us so that we may better serve you and your friends. What Is Gastroenterology? Some Gastroenterologists receive special recognition from national societies when they demonstrate extraordinary achievement in research, teaching, or other unique service to the field of Gastroenterology.

The unique training that Gastroenterologists complete provides them with the ability to provide high quality, comprehensive care for patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal ailments.

Gastroenterologists perform the bulk of research involving gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures as well as the interpretation of results, and are considered experts in the field. Studies have shown that Gastroenterologists perform higher quality colonoscopy examinations and comprehensive consultative services when compared to other physicians. This translates into more accurate detection of polyps and cancer by colonoscopy when performed by Gastroenterologists, fewer complications from procedures and fewer days in the hospital for many gastrointestinal conditions managed by trained gastroenterology specialists.

It is this ability to provide more complete, accurate, and thorough care for patients with gastrointestinal conditions, which distinguishes Gastroenterologists from other physicians that provide some similar services. What is a Gastroenterologist? A Gastroenterologist is a physician with dedicated training management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. What is Gastroenterology? Training A Gastroenterologist must first complete a three-year Internal Medicine residency and is then eligible for additional specialized training fellowship in Gastroenterology.