A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in caring for the body’s gastrointestinal or GI system. This includes both the digestive organs (the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines) and the biliary organs (the liver, pancreas, bile ducts, and gall bladder). The goal of gastroenterology is to prevent diseases of this system, and to treat them effectively when they occur.

Gastroenterologists are extensively educated, completing four years of medical school, a residency in internal medicine, and additional years of training in their specialty. Prior to practicing, they are licensed and board certified by professional governing bodies. They maintain certification throughout their careers with supplemental training and testing.

What Does a Gastroenterologist Do?

Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions, including:

• Esophagitis
• Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
• Stomach ulcers
• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Diverticulitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Appendicitis
• Gallstones
• Hemorrhoids
• Hepatitis
• Fatty liver disease
• Cirrhosis
• Cancer.

They accomplish this through doctor-patient interaction, conducting physical exams, ordering tests, prescribing medications, and performing specialized diagnostic gastroenterology procedures. This includes polyp extractions, biopsies, and various forms of endoscopy (internal-scoping procedures).

Gastroenterologists are found in both private-office and hospital settings. Many are also involved in university-based research programs.

What Types of Gastroenterologists Are There?

Gastroenterologists are often trained in one or more subspecialties:

• Gastrointestinal surgery: Surgical techniques for treating diseases of the GI system. These include both traditional invasive and newer, less invasive procedures.
• Hepatology: A focus on cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, cancer, and other conditions of the liver, gall bladder, and bile ducts.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and related conditions: Specializations in particular diseases, including IBD and two related conditions, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
• Pancreatology: A focus on pancreatic conditions such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, and neuroendocrine tumors.
• Pediatric gastroenterology: Diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children.
• Proctology: A surgical specialization in diseases of the rectum and anus, which are also part of the digestive system.

When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?

You should see a gastroenterologist whenever you experience the symptoms commonly associated with a medical condition of the GI system, including:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Gas
• Constipation
• Severe diarrhea
• Bloat
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Unexpected changes in weight (gains or losses)
• Rectal bleeding.

You may also want to see a gastroenterologist if you have a family history of GI disorders, such as celiac or Crohn’s disease.

What Can I Expect at My Visit to a Gastroenterologist?

A visit to a gastroenterologist will begin like any other medical visit. He or she will conduct a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and record your family history. As part of the exam, he or she will inspect your abdomen, by pressing (or palpating) with hands and listening with a stethoscope. Your gastroenterologist will also ask you lifestyle questions, for example, what your diet is like, how much you exercise, and how you deal with stress.

Your gastroenterologist may diagnose your condition based on this information, or he or she may order further tests, such as blood and stool samples, an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan, a barium enema, or an endoscopic procedure, such as a colonoscopy. On confirming a diagnosis, your gastroenterologist can prescribe medications that are appropriate for your condition and arrange for additional care, such as minimally invasive or traditional surgical procedures.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have a family medical history that concerns you, the Baptist Health gastroenterology team is ready to serve. For more information, contact us at 1.888.570.0711. 

You can also find a Baptist Health provider in our provider directory, and take our Gastroenterology Health Risk Assessments.

Gastroenterologist FAQs

Do gastroenterologists perform surgery?

Generally no, though gastroenterologists will perform minimally invasive endoscopic and related procedures for diagnostic purposes. An exception to this is the subset of gastroenterologists who receive specialized training in surgical procedures of the GI system.

Do I need a referral to see a gastroenterologist?

This depends largely on the type of insurance or healthcare coverage that you have. Many plans require referrals from a primary care physician to see specialists, including gastroenterologists, though some do not.

What is the difference between a gastroenterologist and a proctologist?

A proctologist is more specialized than a gastroenterologist. The latter treats medical conditions of the entire GI system, while a proctologist specializes in conditions of the rectum and anus. In addition, a proctologist is a surgeon, while most gastroenterologists focus on minimally or non-invasive procedures as a basis for treatment.