How to Find a Gastroenterologist Near You

What is a gastroenterologist, and when do you need one?

A gastroenterologist (GI doctor) is a specialist in the digestive system — the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Common reasons to see one include:

• Colonoscopy or upper endoscopy (diagnostic or screening)
• Persistent heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD
• Unexplained abdominal pain or bloating
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Liver conditions, including fatty liver or hepatitis
• Rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits
• Colorectal cancer screening

The American College of Gastroenterology recommends colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults, with colonoscopy every 10 years or annual fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) as the primary options 2Ref 2Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, Rabeneck L, Sauer BG, Rex DK (2021).ACG Clinical Guidelines: Colorectal Cancer Screening 2021.Colonoscopy every 10 years or annual FIT recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk adults — the most common reason for GI referral.

How do I find a GI specialist near me?

Reliable ways to locate a gastroenterologist:

• Your insurance plan's provider directory: Go to your insurer's website and search for gastroenterologists within your network. This is the most important step if you have insurance, since in-network care reduces your cost significantly.
• A referral from your primary care provider: Your PCP likely knows local GI practices, is familiar with their wait times and communication, and can send records with the referral.
• The ACG physician finder: The American College of Gastroenterology maintains an online directory of member gastroenterologists at gi.org/patients/find-a-gastroenterologist/ 1Ref 1American College of Gastroenterology (2024).Find a Gastroenterologist.Official ACG directory of member gastroenterologists for patients seeking a qualified GI specialist.
• Board certification search: The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has a public verification tool at abim.org/verify where you can confirm a physician's board certification in gastroenterology.

Do I need a referral to see a GI doctor?

It depends on your insurance plan. HMO plans typically require a referral from your primary care provider before they will cover a specialist visit. PPO plans often do not require a referral but may still pay more toward in-network providers. Some GI practices also have their own policies about accepting new patients without a referral.

If you are uninsured, you can generally book directly without a referral.

What if there is a long wait?

GI specialists are in high demand in many areas, and wait times for new patient appointments vary widely by region. Practical ways to get seen sooner:

• Ask to be placed on a cancellation list when you book.
• Check whether your preferred practice has a telehealth option for a first consultation — this is sometimes faster.
• Consider calling multiple practices in the area and comparing availability.
• Ask your primary care provider whether the concern is urgent; sometimes they can flag it as such to the GI practice, which can accelerate scheduling.

Gale can help you think through your symptoms and prepare good questions before your GI appointment.

How to prepare for your first GI appointment

Arriving prepared helps make the most of your visit:

• Symptom log: dates, frequency, relationship to meals, severity
• Complete medication list: including over-the-counter antacids, laxatives, and supplements
• Prior test results: relevant bloodwork, imaging, or prior endoscopy or colonoscopy reports
• Family history: note any family members with colorectal cancer, IBD, celiac disease, or liver disease
• Insurance card and referral paperwork if your plan requires it
• A written list of questions — it is easy to forget once you are in the room