And just like that, another year is upon us. With every New Year comes another set of resolutions. Many health-based resolutions include joining a gym, quitting smoking, limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption. We’ve added a new one to the list: finding the right gastroenterologist. Like with any doctor, finding the right healthcare professional is a must. Too often patients call the first doctor they see online, only to leave discouraged and still not feeling well. We here at GANJ have covered all the basics for what you, the patient, should be looking for in a gastroenterologist going forward.
1. Get Referrals
Your primary doctor is your best source to find a new or first-time gastroenterologist. Healthcare providers, family, and friends can help make the process less worrisome by recommending physicians they personally know or are the best fit for your current symptoms. Don’t be afraid to ask, it’s your best way of finding the right one. As you narrow down the list of referrals, call up the office and let them know you’d like to come in for a consultation appointment to meet and interview the doctor. Your health is going to be in someone’s hands, and it is in your best interest to choose wisely.
2. Research the Gastroenterologist’s Credentials
Many doctor review sites will not only list important office information but will list the doctor’s credentials. All of the physicians here at GANJ are board certified, and that’s the first thing you want to notice while researching for your gastroenterologist. Check the doctor’s education, hospital affiliations, and awards. Has the doctor been in practice for a while or is he/she right out of school? All this and more can be found on the internet or on the doctor’s profile on various insurance websites. Check the procedures the gastroenterologist performs. Is he more trained for endoscopies and colonoscopies than he/she is for the Orbera Balloon or TIF procedures? Or can he/she perform advanced procedures that fit your need?
3. Read reviews
Here at GANJ we push for patient reviews. Like you would read reviews on cars, physician reviews can be just as helpful. The same sites you would use to research a physician’s credentials will also be where you would find reviews. For a gastroenterologist, see how patients review some common procedures such as colonoscopies/endoscopies. Was their experience flawless, smooth, and efficient, or were they upset with the doctor’s office staff, procedure prep or the procedure itself? Don’t be afraid to read as many reviews as possible, it is like a window into the office/physicians before stepping in yourself.
