If you have recurrent or ongoing severe digestive system symptoms, your primary care doctor may recommend seeing a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who practices gastroenterology and receives training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine.
If you haven’t been to a gastroenterologist before, deciding how to choose one can be confusing and challenging.
Let’s talk about some tips that can help you choose the best gastroenterologist and where you can go in to find the best gastroenterologist if you are located in Austin, TX.
1. Ask for Referral
A primary care doctor who suggests you see a gastroenterologist can also provide you with a list of referrals. While you can trust the recommendations of your primary care doctor, you can also get recommendations from people around you such as your family, friends, colleagues or anyone else that you know has a digestive problem similar to yours.
2. Check the Credentials
When you have a list of your potential GI doctors in your hand, do some research to verify their credentials. Knowing that your gastroenterologist is highly trained and board-certified will put you at ease.
Board certification tells you that your potential GI doctor has the necessary skills, training, and experience to provide you with top-notch care.
It’s in the best of your interest to choose a gastroenterologist that is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine.
3. Consider the Scope of Services
While narrowing down your list of potential gastroenterologists, you should consider the scope of the services the gastroenterologists offer. GI conditions have two main groups: functional GI problems and structural GI problems. So, ensure that your gastroenterologist has a wealth of experience treating the problem like yours.
Also, consider the necessary surgical expertise and equipment if you have a condition that may require surgery.
A gastroenterologist orders several diagnostic tests for diagnosis. So, choose a GI doctor whose clinic has all the necessary diagnostic equipment so that you do not have to look for any other clinic to perform the prescribed diagnostic tests.
4. Evaluate Communication Style
When suffering from GI symptoms, you don’t want to be in the hands of a GI doctor who is not compassionate and doesn’t understand you. So, pick a doctor who is friendly and compassionate, who answers your questions and discusses your treatment preferences, and who understands you and respects your decision.
To evaluate the GI doctor’s communication style, you should consult with them. Reading the online patient review can also give you an insight into gastroenterologists’ attitudes towards patients. It’s important not to rely totally on patient reviews as some of them can be misleading.
5. Look at Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is a practical matter. To reap the benefits of your health plan and pay the least of your pocket for your treatment, choose a GI doctor who works within your coverage network. Contact your potential gastroenterologist’s office to know if they accept your plan.
Best Gastroenterologist Near Me in Austin, TX
If you are looking for a compassionate gastroenterologist that provides accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, choose our board-certified gastroenterologists at Austin Gastroenterology. We are the largest physician’s group in Central Texas that practices patient-focused care and uses the latest advancement to diagnose and treat GI conditions to improve patient outcomes.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our GI doctors, call our office nearest you or use our convenient online request form. We look forward to serving you!
