When it comes to sensitive health issues, particularly those concerning your digestive system, seeking specialized care is crucial. While your primary care physician is an excellent first point of contact, conditions affecting your gastrointestinal (GI) tract often require the expertise of a specialist. This is where Stomach Doctors, also known as gastroenterologists, come into play. Typically, your primary doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing symptoms related to digestive health disorders or if you need a colon cancer screening.
Consulting with stomach doctors can significantly enhance the accuracy of polyp and cancer detection, minimize procedural complications, and potentially shorten hospital stays. If you’re considering scheduling an appointment with a specialist, you can call 800-3-ADVOCATE or explore options to find a gastroenterologist online for convenient access to care.
What Do Stomach Doctors (Gastroenterologists) Actually Do?
Stomach doctors, or gastroenterologists, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the digestive system. This intricate system encompasses a wide range of organs, starting from the mouth and extending through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and rectum. Their expertise also includes related organs that play a vital role in digestion, such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
Similar to other medical professionals, stomach doctors begin by thoroughly reviewing your medical history and carefully listening to the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Gastroenterologists are highly skilled in utilizing various diagnostic tests to pinpoint gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and conditions. These tests often include minimally invasive procedures that allow them to visualize the internal lining of your digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. In addition to these visual examinations, they may also order blood and stool tests to gather further information and solidify their diagnosis.
Understanding the Expertise of Stomach Doctors
But what exactly sets stomach doctors apart? A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training beyond general medical school. This advanced training focuses specifically on diseases and conditions that affect the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum. Gastroenterologists typically dedicate an additional five years to specialized training, gaining in-depth knowledge and significant experience in managing the complexities of gastrointestinal diseases and conditions. This rigorous training ensures they are experts in their field, equipped to provide the highest level of care for your digestive health.
