Affordable Board-Certified Gastroenterologist in Jamaica, NY

In numerous instances, you’ll need a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) to consult with a gastroenterologist. If you experience symptoms indicative of a digestive problem, such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss, your PCP will likely refer you to us.

This referral is often a requirement from health insurance providers, especially for HMO plans, where your primary care physician acts as the gatekeeper of your healthcare and must approve any specialist visits.

If you hold a PPO insurance plan, you typically have the flexibility to see specialists without a referral. Similarly, if you have a specific digestive condition already diagnosed and treated by your PCP, you can often schedule an appointment directly with a gastroenterologist at Digestive Disease Care. However, even in these situations, consulting with your primary care physician for an initial diagnosis and guidance can be beneficial.

To obtain a referral, schedule an appointment with your PCP to discuss your symptoms. If they suspect you may need to see a gastroenterologist, they will provide you a referral.

At DDC, one of the frequently performed tests is an Upper Endoscopy. This procedure involves using a slender, flexible tube with a camera to visually inspect the esophagus, stomach, and the upper portion of the small intestine. This allows us to view the lining of these organs and even take small tissue samples or a Biopsy for further examination.

We also perform Colonoscopy procedures, where a flexible tube is inserted into the large intestine to check for abnormalities like polyps, tumors, or inflammation.

Additionally, we offer Capsule Endoscopy. This non-invasive method involves swallowing a tiny camera inside a capsule, which takes images as it travels through the digestive tract. These pictures are transmitted to a recording device worn by you, allowing our doctors to examine parts of the small intestine that can’t be reached by traditional endoscopy.

We also conduct Barium swallow tests, also known as upper GI series, to assess the swallowing process and detect any structural issues in the esophagus. Additionally, we use Esophageal Manometry to evaluate the muscular function of the esophagus. This test involves inserting a thin tube into the esophagus to record pressure changes during swallowing.

We also perform Liver Function tests at our practice, which involve drawing blood samples to evaluate the health and function of your liver. These tests measure the levels of enzymes and other substances produced by the liver to assess its overall condition.

As a practice specializing in gastroenterology, our board-certified doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. Here’s what you can generally expect during your visit to our offices:

• Preparation: Before your consultation, we recommend noting down any symptoms you’re experiencing, their frequency, and any lifestyle or dietary changes you’ve recently made. This will enable our doctors to make a more informed diagnosis.

• Initial Intake and History: When you arrive at our office, a medical assistant will welcome you and gather your basic information, including your medical history, current medications, and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

• Physical Examination: Our gastroenterologist will perform a physical examination tailored to your specific concerns. This could include abdominal palpation, rectal examination, or a focused skin examination.

• Discussion of Symptoms and Concerns: You’ll then consult with one of our gastroenterologists or a member of their team to discuss your symptoms and medical history in detail. It’s important to provide accurate and thorough information during this discussion to help in diagnosing your condition.

• Review of Medical Records: Our gastroenterologist will carefully review any relevant medical records you bring, including previous test results or imaging studies. This helps provide a comprehensive understanding of your medical history and current symptoms.

• Diagnostic Tests: Based on your symptoms and history, our gastroenterologist may recommend additional tests. This may involve blood tests, imaging studies, or endoscopic procedures like a colonoscopy or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. These procedures allow our doctors to see the inside of your digestive tract and, if necessary, take tissue samples for further analysis.

• Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Following your consultation and any required tests, our gastroenterologist will go over the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. They will explain your condition, its possible causes, and the proposed approach for treatment.

• Treatment Options: Your treatment plan could involve lifestyle modifications, medication, or in some cases, surgery. Our gastroenterologist will outline various treatment options and go over the benefits and risks of each with you.

• Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, our gastroenterologist may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, adjust medications, or perform additional tests.

• Patient Education: We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. Our gastroenterologist is there to answer your questions and address your concerns. They will offer clear and detailed information about your condition, how to manage it, and any lifestyle changes that may be required. Feel free to ask for clarification on anything that isn’t clear.

Remember, the primary goal of this consultation is to identify any potential issues and find the best possible treatment for your condition. Being well-prepared and engaging actively in your consultation will help make your appointment at Digestive Disease Care both efficient and productive.

Booking an appointment with a gastroenterologist can sometimes be a challenging process due to various reasons. We understand the complexities involved in setting up an appointment with a specialist.

• High Demand and Limited Availability: The demand for appointments with our specialists is high due to the broad range of disorders they cover. In certain areas, especially rural or under-served regions, there may be a limited number of gastroenterologists available. At DDC, we strive to maintain a balanced patient load to ensure everyone gets the necessary attention.

• Complex Cases and Wait Times: Our gastroenterologists often handle complex cases requiring extensive testing and long-term management. This commitment to patient care means that we need to allocate significant time and attention to each patient, which may contribute to wait times.

• Referrals and Insurance: Often, patients need a referral from a primary care physician to see a gastroenterologist. We can assist with the referral process, making it easier for you to secure an appointment. Additionally, we accept various insurance plans and can guide you through any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.

• Urgent Conditions: If you are experiencing urgent conditions like severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care.

Book an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Digestive Disease Care and rest assured that the expertise and comprehensive care provided by our team will be worth the wait. We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, and BEYOND.