What to Expect During Your Visit to a Gastroenterologist Q&A

Our experienced gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our expertise encompasses disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.

Our team manages common digestive conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel diseases (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hepatitis, pancreatitis, celiac disease, gastrointestinal cancers, and disorders related to nutrient absorption and digestive function. To accurately diagnose these conditions, we utilize advanced diagnostic procedures, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), allowing for early detection and precise evaluations of digestive diseases.

Patients typically seek care at Digestive Disease Care when experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, or jaundice. Recognizing that digestive symptoms can often overlap with other health conditions, to provide comprehensive, coordinated patient care.

Our team is committed to preventing gastrointestinal diseases, accurately diagnosing digestive illnesses, and offering effective treatments and personalized care plans, ultimately improving each patient’s overall quality of life.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe digestive symptoms, it may be time to consult a gastroenterologist. Symptoms such as ongoing abdominal pain, frequent heartburn, or acid reflux that don’t improve with dietary changes can signal underlying gastrointestinal conditions that need evaluation.

Other concerning symptoms include chronic constipation or diarrhea, especially when accompanied by weight loss, blood in stool, or fatigue. Difficulty swallowing, unexplained changes in bowel habits, persistent bloating, or nausea may also suggest a need for professional assessment. Serious signs like rectal bleeding, sudden weight loss, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) should prompt immediate consultation with a gastroenterologist.

At Digestive Disease Care, early evaluation by our board-certified gastroenterologists can facilitate prompt diagnosis and effective treatment, helping you achieve optimal gastrointestinal health and preventing potential complications.

Our experienced gastroenterologists are committed to providing comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to accurately assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of digestive conditions.

One of the most commonly performed procedures at our practice is endoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the digestive system. This procedure allows our specialists to assess the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, helping diagnose conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and detect potential cancers early.

We also offer colonoscopy, a procedure that examines the colon and rectum to screen for colon cancer, remove polyps, and diagnose conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Regular colonoscopy screenings are important for early detection and prevention of rectal cancer.

Our skilled team at Digestive Disease Care also offers endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), a procedure that combines endoscopy with ultrasound to visualize deeper structures in the digestive tract and nearby organs, assisting in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers and other disorders. Capsule endoscopy is another non-invasive procedure that allows for the detailed examination of the small intestine, particularly for conditions like obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or Crohn’s disease.

By tailoring each treatment plan to meet the unique needs of our patients, we aim to improve digestive health and enhance overall patient outcomes. Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives the most effective and compassionate care, addressing their specific digestive concerns with precision and expertise.

A visit to a gastroenterologist typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the nature of your visit. Initial appointments tend to take longer, usually about an hour, as the doctor reviews your medical history, discusses symptoms, and determines if any tests are needed. Follow-up visits are usually shorter, lasting around 15 to 30 minutes, and focus on evaluating your treatment progress and adjusting plans as necessary.

If the visit includes procedures like an endoscopy or colonoscopy, the appointment will take longer, often over an hour. This allows time for preparation, sedation, the procedure itself, and recovery. To make your visit more efficient, it’s helpful to arrive early, complete any necessary paperwork, and prepare a list of symptoms, questions, and current medications.

At Digestive Disease Care, we comprehensively address your digestive health needs within the scheduled time frame, ensuring personalized care and support. Our team is dedicated to providing effective solutions tailored to your unique condition for optimal health outcomes. Contact us or book an appointment and start your journey toward improved digestive wellness. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY, New Hyde Park NY, and Riverhead NY.