Nayor of Concord Gastroenterology Associates. “Patients don’t always feel comfortable talking about gastrointestinal (GI) issues,” notes Dr. A trip to the gastroenterologist can be especially nerve-wracking. Seeing a specialist for the first time can be stressful. Continue reading for her insights or listen to the podcast below. You can also choose the right gastroenterologist for you and request an appointment online.Jennifer Nayor MD, of Concord Gastroenterology Associates sat down for an episode of Emerson’s Health Works Here podcast series to provide tips for your first visit to the gastroenterologist. For your convenience, you may visit any of o ur offices located across California. Likewise, it’s important to consult with a provider who values quality and safety and can provide personalized care.Īt inSite Digestive Health Care, we are dedicated to giving you the cost-effective and high-quality care you deserve. You have to prepare for it in order to make the most of your visit. Visiting a gastroenterologist for the first time may be nerve-wracking for some. Top-Notch Gastroenterologists in California Colonoscopy is usually done for patients with bloody stools, as well as to screen for colorectal cancer.ĭepending on whether you need additional tests, your doctor will schedule a follow-up visit to discuss the results and possible treatment plan with you. Colonoscopy A tube with a camera is passed through the rectum to visualize the lower digestive tract better.This is usually performed for patients with GI complaints such as vomiting and heartburn, as well as to perform biopsies. Upper GI endoscopy A tube with a light and camera at the end (endoscope) will be passed through the mouth to better view your upper digestive tract.Barium swallow or enema You will be asked to swallow barium liquid and take an X-ray to highlight different parts of the digestive system.Your doctor may ask you to undergo additional tests after a physical examination to rule out other possible conditions. Your gastroenterologist will feel for bulges, masses, signs of inflammation, and muscle tone. You may be asked to take a deep breath or cough, or explain if palpation elicits pain. This is done to feel around for masses or tenderness. Palpation of the four quadrants in your belly area.Your doctor will note the duration, pitch, and intensity of the sounds. The gastroenterologist will listen to each abdominal quadrant for bowel sounds or bruits (vascular sounds linked with turbulent blood flow). Your doctor will check your abdomen for signs that may indicate abnormalities, like visible masses or surgical scars with bulges. Do you have a history of gastrointestinal illnesses or surgery?Īfter inquiring about your medical history, your gastroenterologist will conduct a physical exam, which includes:.Do you have a family history of digestive diseases or related health problems?.How often and for how long do you feel the signs and symptoms?.When do the symptoms start? When do they get better or worse?.What are the symptoms (pain, bloating, heartburn, bleeding) you experience?.The following are some of the questions your doctor can ask: It is also helpful if you took note of your symptoms and any over-the-counter medications you take. For them to give you an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment, it’s vital that you answer them as correctly as you can. Questions to Expect from Your GastroenterologistĮxpect your gastroenterologist to ask you detailed questions about your condition. Likewise, prepare questions you want to ask your gastroenterologist and remember to take notes. To make the most out of your first appointment, be sure to bring all the necessary documents or notes about your health history.

During your first visit with your gastroenterologist, they will ask you about your family and personal health history, symptoms, previous treatments, and medications. The first appointment will take 30 minutes to an hour to complete. You may see your doctor in a hospital or outpatient clinic. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist for further assessment of your condition. To help you prepare, let’s talk about what you can expect from your first visit. A physical exam and specialized tests may follow. On the first consult, you can expect your doctor to ask questions regarding your symptoms. You may consider consulting with a gastroenterologist if you have symptoms concerning any digestive system structure between the esophagus and rectum. Some of the most common conditions they deal with are diarrhea, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and ulcers. Gastroenterologists are internists or doctors trained in internal medicine who specialize in problems concerning your digestive tract.

First time doctor visit