Choosing the Right Gastroenterologist Near Me

What Does a GI Doctor Do?

First, before diving into choosing the physician, it’s important to briefly understand what a gastroenterologist does so you know what to look for. These specialists undergo rigorous training designed to treat and diagnose a variety of gastrointestinal ailments. Often referred to as GI doctors, gastroenterologists study the condition of internal mechanisms throughout the entire digestive system with dedicated use of an endoscope. This camera allows the doctor to study the following areas for current health, efficiency and future decline.

Liver

Bile Ducts

Gallbladder

Pancreas

Colon and Rectum

Large and Small Intestine

Stomach

Esophagus

All Gastroenterologist Referrals and Opinions Count

Remember that the opinions of those around you are equally as important to take into account. This is a great place to start before jumping into a digital search with hundreds if not thousands of results to sift through. Ask close friends, family and even your general practitioner if they have any recommendations for a great GI doctor. Your loved ones may have a pretty good idea in mind for you based on their own knowledge. This can come in the form of past experience or even through word of mouth from others. Think of this step as networking with those around you to narrow down the possibilities and streamline your Google search. Another valued opinion to highly regard is that of your physician. If you’re not for doing an initial extensive search, trust your doctor to provide a list of the best gastroenterologists they have in mind to recommend to you.

Research Physician Credentials

As you narrow down the search even more – and select a few out of the bunch for serious consideration – it’s wise to research the specific doctor a little more in depth. You’ll want to make sure the GI doctor(s) you’re deciding between have the necessary credentials to practice the treatments you need. This can be from the general board certification and physician licensure, to their areas of focus and ability to perform advanced procedural methods. Additional pieces of information to note may include things such as awards, hospital affiliations, education and how long they’ve been practicing.

Meet with the Gastrointestinal Specialist

The next step in searching for a GI doctor near you includes meeting with them in person. This face-to-face interaction will accurately determine if you wish to follow through with seeing a specific doctor. It’s imperative to make a mental note of how the doctor treats you, their level of care and concern, how they present themselves and how they communicate. These traits will determine how a future relationship – if any – will play out and what you can expect as far as level of care is concerned. Be mindful to not entirely trust online reviews because anybody can say anything on review boards. Base your own opinion on instinct, intuition and personal experience. After the first meeting and interaction with the gastroenterologist you’ll have a pretty strong feeling on where you stand for he final decision.

Gastroenterologists in Somerset County, New Jersey

Searching for the best GI doctor in your local New Jersey area doesn’t have to be intimidating, all you need is a little guidance. Making an educated decision that fits your needs requires narrowing down the best options available to you. The Digestive Healthcare Center has multiple locations throughout Somerset County and provides high quality care for all gastroenterology conditions and digestive diseases. Our medical specialties and service revolve around a patient-centric model so we can provide exceptional gastrointestinal care in NJ. If you’d like to learn more about Digestive Healthcare Center, feel free to read our blog and contact us at (862) 217-5141. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Recent Blogs

Learn more about all things digestive health and wellness by checking out our recent gastroenterology blogs.

Closeup of female hand with IV drip infusion for Crohn's disease

December 10, 2024

Infusion Therapy for Crohn’s Disease: A Guide to Treatment, Benefits, and What to Expect

Infusion therapy has become a vital treatment option for individuals with Crohn’s disease, offering relief when traditional medications may fall short. This method delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, providing quicker and more targeted effects to help manage inflammation, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. For those with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, infusion […]

October 27, 2024

Effective Relief for Ulcerative Colitis: The Role of IV Infusion Therapy

The Advancement of Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the colon and rectum. Those diagnosed with UC often experience flare-ups that can significantly impact their quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in medical treatment have made managing this condition more achievable. One option is […]

July 13, 2023

Diverticular Disease & Diverticulitis: What You Need to Know

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are related digestive health conditions that affect the large intestine (colon). With diverticular disease, small, bulging pockets develop on the lining of the colon. When these pockets become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis. They are very common – especially after age 40 – and rarely cause problems. At […]