Gastroenterologists in Wilmington, NC

How to choose a gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist, or GI doctor, diagnoses and treats problems of the digestive tract: the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. People see one for heartburn that won't go away, ongoing belly pain, diarrhea or constipation, bleeding, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and for colonoscopies.

Start with the kind of care you need. Many GI doctors handle a wide range of problems, but some focus on one area:

• General gastroenterologists handle most needs: reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, screening colonoscopies and follow-up on abnormal tests.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) specialists manage Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis over the long term.
• Advanced endoscopists do complex scope procedures, such as removing large polyps or treating bile duct and pancreas problems.
• Hepatologists focus on the liver. Many are gastroenterologists with extra liver training.

If you're not sure, a general gastroenterologist is the right first stop. They'll refer you on if you need a subspecialist.

Check credentials. Board certification in gastroenterology shows a doctor has finished specialty training and passed a certification exam. You can look up any doctor's certification for free on the American Board of Internal Medicine website [1]. Our listings show the credentials doctors report in the federal NPI registry, but we don't verify board certification.

Know if you're due for a colonoscopy. Experts recommend colorectal cancer screening for adults ages 45 to 75 [2]. A colonoscopy is one option. Some people can start with a stool test instead. Ask your primary care doctor which test fits you, and whether your family history means you should start earlier.

Confirm insurance before you book. Practices change the plans they accept, so call the office or check your insurer's directory. HMO plans usually need a referral first. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary specialist visits; you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after your deductible [5].

Ask where procedures are done. Colonoscopies and other scopes happen in a hospital or a separate endoscopy center. The location can change what you pay, so ask before you schedule.

Know when not to wait. Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, black or tar-like stool, or feeling faint, confused or cold and clammy with belly symptoms need emergency care, not an appointment [4]. Call 911.