A gastroenterologist or a stomach specialist is a physician who diagnoses and treats illnesses that affect the digestive tract. This includes the liver, stomach, intestines, esophagus, and colon. The issues can be mild or severe; either way, a gastroenterologist is the right kind of doctor to consult for any symptoms that point to a stomach issue. Below you can find the best tips to find the right stomach specialist to help you manage your symptoms.

Reach out to primary care doctor
When you notice any symptoms of stomach illness, you will usually approach your primary care physician first to get an initial diagnosis. Once it has been established that the issue needs to be diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, you can ask your primary care doctor to recommend one. They will probably have a list of gastroenterologists nearby. You can even get in touch with any family or friend who may have had the same complications as you and already have a stomach specialist that they can recommend to you.

Check certifications
Knowing a board-certified gastroenterologist will treat you will automatically add some trust and confidence to your doctor-patient relationship. Ask them about their qualifications and training program. The board certification ensures that they have gone through the proper hours of training to help diagnose and treat multiple stomach issues. The state record will also show you their work history, which includes any mention of malpractice if it occurred and any disciplinary actions if needed. These formalities will help you move one step closer to your decision to find the best stomach specialist.

Check their experience
This matters a great deal, especially if you have a condition requiring exceptional experience. Take a consultation with the doctor and speak to them about your concerns. Ask them about the other patients who have come to the gastroenterologist with similar issues and what treatment has been suggested. It is good to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor to understand their expertise and how they handle complex cases.

Ensure they are easy to communicate with
This may not seem like a deciding factor, but it definitely helps when the doctor is approachable and you can speak to them freely. When you are going through a treatment process or just a diagnosis, it can be overwhelming. Having a doctor who helps you understand your illness calmly and composedly is preferable. They also need to be able to hear your concerns and offer guidance and validation. Don’t be afraid to speak to your gastroenterologist and ask them all your questions. Some of them may be something like the following:

• What is causing my disease?
• How can I prepare myself for the tests ahead?
• Is the condition hereditary? (If you have kids, you can even get an early diagnosis for them to help reduce the risk of developing any such hereditary diseases.)
• What are the kinds of risk factors involved in this treatment plan?
• What is the recovery time, and what are the things to remember while managing recovery?
• How long will the course of treatment last?
• How often should I follow up?

These generic questions can be asked, but once you have a diagnosis, you may even have some specific queries.

Check their hospital affiliation
Another factor to consider is whether the doctor is affiliated with any nearby hospitals. Usually, some of the best doctors are affiliated with hospitals and are on their list of doctors that patients can visit. This shows some confidence in their work and skillset.

You should also be aware of certain logistical factors, like how long it takes to reach the doctor’s office and if it’s an easy ride. These small things can have a huge impact during an emergency. So, consider checking out stomach specialists and clinics near you.