Is A Gastroenterologist Cost Covered By Insurance?

A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who specializes in the condition of the digestive tract. In this group of organs are the digestive organs from the esophagus to the rectum. After medical school, gastroenterologists study for 3 years to become internal medicine physicians and study again for 3-4 years to specialize in GI tract diseases.

The cost of visiting a gastroenterologist is covered by most HMOs and insurance companies if the patient has a referral letter from their primary care physician. Patients without referrals can, however, be accepted by some gastroenterologists.

When you are experiencing an issue affecting the digestive tract the associated symptoms can often grow fairly bothersome and worrying in some cases. As a result, it is normal to want to see a doctor as quickly as possible to resolve the condition. At Digestive Disease Care (DDC), staff will do their best to provide you with an appointment as quickly as possible. Call or book an appointment online with Digestive Disease Care and we will do our best to accommodate you. In case of an emergency related to the digestive tract, or a medical emergency of any kind, call 911.

It can be difficult to know what to expect if you have never seen a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist specializes in digestive diseases and is an expert in the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas, rectum, small intestines, stomachs, and esophagus. Heartburn, IBS, and celiac disease are just some of the many conditions that can affect patients’ daily lives. Patients’ quality of life and health can significantly improve when gastroenterologists manage and treat these conditions.

During your first appointment, your gastroenterologist will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and recent treatment. The doctor may recommend a colonoscopy as a preventative treatment, depending on your age. If tests or procedures are necessary, they will ask you further questions and recommend them based on the reason for your visit. Tests such as endoscopies, colonoscopies, and barium swallows may be performed. Prior to your appointment, list your symptoms and create a list of questions you want to ask. A doctor may be able to determine what treatment you need based on this information.

If you experience new digestive symptoms, need management of chronic digestive conditions, or need any recommended preventative screenings, you should see a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist should be consulted if you have abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, frequent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or esophageal pain along with abnormal bowel movements, rectal bleeding, or difficulty swallowing. Inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, celiac disease, pancreatitis, ulcers, polyps, GERD, gallbladder disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are among the most commonly treated conditions by gastroenterologists.

Follow-up appointments with your doctor will allow your doctor to determine how you are responding to treatment. This will help the doctor determine whether the treatment plan is effective if you follow their recommendations. In the event that symptoms do not improve, additional testing may be necessary. If you suffer from a chronic health condition, be sure to keep a diary of your symptoms. You may also be advised to make lifestyle or dietary changes by your doctor. In order to prevent serious health conditions such as cancer, schedule any preventative screenings you may need. If you experience any changes in bowel habits, lose weight unexplainably, or feel chronically fatigued, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. If you need to follow up on the results of any tests or procedures, make an appointment.

Patients seeking a gastroenterologist can find one accepting new patients at Digestive Disease Care. Call us or book an online appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY, and BEYOND.