When to see a gastroenterologist

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Some sensitive medical concerns – like those involving your gastrointestinal tract – may need more specific care than your primary care doctor typically provides. You'll usually be referred to a gastroenterologist – a stomach doctor – by your primary care doctor. You should see a gastroenterologist if you have any symptoms of a digestive health disorder or if you need colon cancer screening.

Often, seeing a gastroenterologist leads to more accurate detection of polyps and cancer, fewer complications from procedures, and less time spent in the hospital.

To schedule an appointment, call 800-3-ADVOCATE or find a gastroenterologist online.

What does a gastroenterologist do?

A gastroenterologist treats you when you have diseases and conditions that affect your gastrointestinal (digestive) system and other parts of your body that interact with the digestive system. That includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Like other doctors, they ask about your health history and any symptoms you may be having.

Gastroenterologists are stomach doctors, and they use a variety of tests to diagnose gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and conditions, including minimally invasive ways to look at the inside of your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. They may also order blood tests and stool tests to help them decide on a diagnosis.

What is a gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a doctor that has additional years of specialized medical training in diseases and conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum. Our gastroenterologists have up to five additional years of training and significant experience with these gastrointestinal diseases and conditions.

Common symptoms

You should see a gastroenterologist if you're experiencing any of these common symptoms:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Leakage / underwear stains
  • Bowel movement urges that are hard to control
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Pale-colored stools
  • Dark urine

  • Heartburn (acid reflux)
  • Upper and lower abdominal pain or bloating
  • Excessive gas or belching
  • Esophageal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite or weight
  • Lethargy

See a gastroenterologist if you have these specific symptoms

Other, additional, or more severe symptoms often indicate serious digestive health conditions. If you have any of the symptoms linked to the conditions below, you should schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

If you have frequent heartburn for six months or longer and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) aren't helping, you might need treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). See your doctor and discuss whether seeing a gastroenterologist is appropriate.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of disorders, including Crohn’s disease, that cause inflammation of the intestines. If you experience any of these IBD symptoms, see your doctor:

  • Severe or chronic abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Joint pain
  • Fever

Irritable bowel syndrome does not cause permanent damage or lead to serious disease; it can often be managed with lifestyle changes. But it can be uncomfortable. If you experience any of these symptoms persistently, see your doctor:

  • Cramping
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that makes your body unable to process gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. If you think you may have celiac disease, consult with your doctor; a blood test can help diagnose it.

Common symptoms include:

  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability or depression
  • Weight loss
  • Itchy rashes and blisters

Get a colon cancer screening

You should see a gastroenterologist for a screening colonoscopy every 10 years, beginning at age 45. Depending on your family history and other potential risk factors, you may need earlier or more regular screening. Talk to your doctor about the best schedule for you.

Colonoscopies can detect colon cancer early, when it's easiest to treat. We've also simplified the process for you, offering direct access to the screening colonoscopy, which saves you time and money.

In addition to a colonoscopy, other tests can screen effectively for colon cancer, including fecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of each of these procedures:

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