Tips & Advice
What is a gastroenterology clinic?
A gastroenterology clinic is a facility that provides a wide range of gastroenterological services. These services are typically geared toward the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the liver, digestive tract, stomach, duodenum, gallbladder, biliary tract, pancreas, colon, and small intestine. Gastroenterology clinics also offer nutritional support for many issues that impact the digestive tract.
How much does it cost to visit a gastroenterologist?
The national average for a new-patient office visit to a gastroenterologist is $428. However, the cost for a gastroenterologist visit can vary quite significantly, and it is dependent on the services that will be performed during the consultation. Many gastroenterologists accept insurance and Medicaid, and payments can be made using cash, credit cards, or debit cards.
How long does a gastroenterologist appointment usually take?
The length of time required for a gastroenterologist appointment depends on the condition that is being treated. If this is your first visit, you can expect the appointment to last 30 to 60 minutes, and the gastroenterologist will use this time to gather detailed medical information about your current problems and past medical history. For returning clients, appointments typically run a bit shorter.
Why is a colonoscopy performed?
A colonoscopy may be performed to help your gastroenterologist diagnose causes of intestinal problems such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, chronic constipation, and chronic diarrhea. A colonoscopy is also used to screen patients from colon cancer, and it's often recommended that patients who are 50 and older have one done every 10 years. Your gastroenterologist might also use a colonoscopy to identify the presence of polyps.
A colonoscopy is a test that enables gastroenterologists to take a close look at the inner lining of your rectum and colon. With this test, a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted into the anus. This tube has a light and a camera attached, and it gives doctors the chance to capture photos or video of your colon.
Why is an upper endoscopy performed?
An upper endoscopy is typically performed to help a gastroenterologist determine the cause of certain symptoms. It may be used if a patient is experiencing abdominal pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing. An upper endoscopy can also be used to help a doctor identify cancer, polyps, and inflammation in the digestive system.
What is an upper endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy is a procedure that is used to diagnose digestive problems. When performing an upper endoscopy, a gastroenterologist uses a narrow scope with a light and a camera attached at the tip to peer inside your upper digestive tract. An upper endoscopy can provide a doctor with valuable information about your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
What kind of special training does a gastroenterologist have?
To become a gastroenterologist, a doctor needs at least 13 years of education and training. Gastroenterologists must obtain an undergraduate degree and attend a four-year medical school. Upon graduation from medical school, a three-year residency in general internal medicine is required. After this residency is completed, the candidate must enter a gastroenterology fellowship. These fellowships can last two to three years.
What conditions does a gastroenterologist treat?
Gastroenterologists treat all conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system. This include diseases such as colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and liver cancer, as well as gallbladder disease, hemorrhoids, and hiatal hernias. Gastroenterologists also treat diarrhea, constipation, hepatitis, ulcers, abdominal pain and discomfort, colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and bleeding in the digestive tract.
What is a gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who has been trained to diagnose and treat conditions that concern the body's gastrointestinal tract. This tract includes the esophagus, small intestine, rectum, stomach, and colon. Gastroenterologists also care for the biliary system, and this includes the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile ducts.
