The two most common reasons why patients seek out a gastroenterologist are to diagnose and treat bothersome digestive symptoms and to undergo a health screening, such as a colonoscopy. A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor with expertise in gastroenterological conditions and illnesses. They can diagnose, treat, and prevent GI issues using a variety of treatments, both non-surgical and surgical.
There are many gastroenterologists in Brooklyn and Westlake, Ohio. So, how do you find the best GI doctor for you? Here are 5 helpful tips on what to do if you want to seek out the best gastroenterologist for your care.
#1 Check with Your Primary Care Doctor
Most often, the best recommendations for specialists come from primary care providers (PCPs). Your PCP works within your insurance plan and can refer you to gastroenterology specialists that participate in your plan. If you’ve been with your primary care doctor for a while, there is a great chance they can provide you with a compatible doctor recommendation based on your personality and preferences. They are also most likely to know of good gastroenterologists in the area or have colleagues they can refer you to.
#2 Check with Your Insurance Provider
If you have insurance coverage, it is best to select a GI doctor who is in-network with your insurance provider. This will save you a lot on out-of-pocket costs because your insurance will pay for the care and treatments you receive through the selected doctor. Simply call up your insurance and ask them for a list of participating gastroenterologists in your area. You can use this list as a starting point in your search.
#3 Check Doctor and Practice Reviews
It has never been easier to access the reviews of other patients. Simply Google the practice or doctor and find out what previous patients have to say about the care and treatments they received from them. By learning about other patients’ experiences, you will know what to expect if you go with the same doctor or practice. Make sure to pay attention to repeating compliments or complaints in the reviews, as these are more reliable than single reviews complaining about a doctor. Reading dozens of reviews is a great way to determine if you should select a certain doctor for a consultation or if you should remove them from your list.
#4 Use an Online Directory to Check Credentials
Use an online directory, such as those offered by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) or the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), to check credentials and details about the doctor. Both organizations offer searchable databases of their members, which you can filter by location and other factors like subspecialty interests and languages are spoken. It is important to go with a reputable doctor who has a clean medical record and many years of experience.
#5 Schedule a Consultation
The first appointment you have with a gastroenterologist serves as a consultation in which you can judge how you feel about the practice, staff, and most importantly, the doctor. This is an opportunity for you to learn about their approach to diagnosing and treating patients, as well as their communication skills, manners, and attention to patient satisfaction. You should also pay attention to their practice and whether it is clean, updated, and welcoming. Since the goal is to build a long-term relationship with the doctor, you want to make sure you are completely satisfied before finalizing which doctor you are going to go with.
Experienced Gastroenterologist in Brooklyn and Westlake, OH
The gastroenterologists at North Shore Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Centers can provide for all your gastroenterology needs. We are committed to providing our patients with timely and accurate GI care and welcome you to visit our centers. North Shore Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Centers has two locations that are conveniently located near major highways.
To schedule an appointment with one of our talented GI doctors, call our office today at (440) 808-1212 or use our online request form. We look forward to serving you.