What does a gastroenterologist due?

Photo of girl having stomach pain

If you’ve ever dealt with chronic heartburn, unexplained bloating, or digestive discomfort that won’t go away, a gastroenterologist may be exactly who you need to see. While your primary care provider can address most issues, a specialist can run diagnostic tests, perform more in-depth evaluations, and get to the root of underlying digestive issues.  

So when should you see a gastroenterologist instead of your PCP? This guide will help you identify when it’s time to escalate your care to a specialist.  

 

What Does a Gastroenterologist Do? A Guide to Digestive Health Specialists 

A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the digestive system. Whether you’re facing chronic symptoms, seeking a second opinion, or are due for a screening, UNT Health Fort Worth Clinical Practice Group has board-certified gastroenterologists who are here to help. 

A gastroenterology (GI) doctor primarily focuses on the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and colon.  

These clinicians attend medical school, complete a residency in internal medicine and complete a GI fellowship. Not only do UNT Health gastroenterologists have almost a decade of medical training, but they also teach within the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and are up-to-date with all of the latest medical techniques and research. 

 

What Conditions Do Gastroenterologists Treat? 

An intestinal doctor can create customized treatment plans to address GI issues. Our comprehensive digestive care includes: 

 

When Should You See a Gastroenterology Doctor? 

You should see a GI specialist when you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or rectal bleeding. A few sure signs that it’s time to visit the gastrology clinic in Fort Worth are: 

  • Chronic heartburn or indigestion 
  • Blood in stool 
  • Ongoing abdominal discomfort or cramping 
  • Trouble swallowing 
  • Frequent nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits 
  • Turning 45 and needing a preventive colonoscopy 

Everyone is encouraged to get a preventative colonoscopy screening at the age of 45, while those with a family history of colon cancer may need to begin screening earlier. There are many options for colon cancer screening now, including: 

  • FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test)
    • An at-home, non-invasive test for individuals with an average risk of colon cancer
    • Cologuard is a well-known FIT test 
  • Traditional Colonoscopy
    • Still the recommended method for those at higher risk for colon cancer
    • Most accurate results 
  • Shield blood test
    • A new, FDA-approved method of screening 
Person holding their stomach in pain

 

What Happens at a Gastroenterologist Appointment 

Your appointment begins with a review of your medical history and discussion of any symptoms you’re experiencing. A physical exam will help pinpoint areas of concern and give your doctor a better idea of what steps to take next, whether that’s labs, imaging, an endoscopy or a colonoscopy.  

Any procedures will be scheduled for a future date. To ensure the patient feels informed and comfortable, our gastroenterology team provides extensive education and prep before any procedure.  

 

What Procedures Do Gastroenterologists Perform? 

A few common procedures we perform include: 

  • Endoscopy: to examine the upper digestive tract 
  • Colonoscopy: for colon and rectal screening 
  • Liver biopsy or imaging for liver conditions 

While your visits to the GI clinic will typically be at UNT Health Clinical Practice Group, our physicians also hold hospitalist privileges at several local hospitals where they perform procedures.   

 

When Should I See a Specialist Instead of my PCP? 

For most digestive issues or abdominal pain, your primary care provider is a great place to start looking for answers. Your PCP may refer you to a specialist for symptoms that require access to advanced tools and diagnostic tests that are beyond their scope. Gastroenterologists have expertise in complex or chronic GI conditions as well and can help to manage on-going conditions. Your UNT Health gastroenterologist will create a long-term management plan and customize a treatment plan to your needs and goals. 

 

Looking for a Gastroenterologist Near You? 

Dr. Long Hoang and Dr. Trina Lewis, along with their GI Fellows team, provide exceptional care for our Fort Worth neighbors. UNT Health gastrology clinic accepts all major insurance plans. For referral or insurance questions or to schedule your initial consultation, please call 817-735-7622. Whether it’s heartburn that won’t go away or a routine colonoscopy, our experienced gastroenterology team is here to help.