Scheduling a gastroenterologist appointment is the first step in taking control of your digestive health. While this visit provides an opportunity to address any discomfort that may be holding you back from living the life you want, it can also be intimidating for first-timers. Below is a guide to reduce any anxiety you may feel about the first visit to this specialist.

Preparing for Your First Gastroenterologist Appointment

What Should You Expect?

Upon arriving at the doctor, you’ll be required to check in, provide your ID and insurance card, and complete any necessary paperwork. Then, a nurse will call you into a private area to check your vitals and discuss any medications you’re currently taking. You’ll then be escorted to an exam room, where you’ll wait for the gastroenterologist.

The physician will dive into discussing your issues and symptoms. You’ll answer many detailed questions about the challenges you’re experiencing, what foods are bothering you, and how long you’ve been experiencing these symptoms. Based on your conversation and anything they find, they’ll provide written care instructions and any recommendations for additional testing, such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy, and medical prescriptions.

How Long Will the Appointment Take?

Depending on the severity of your digestive or intestinal problems, the length of the appointment will vary anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Generally, the first visit with a new gastroenterologist will be a bit longer than follow up appointments, as they want to ensure they get plenty of time to assess your discomfort and symptoms. 

Why Do You Need a Referral to Schedule the Visit?

Since a gastroenterologist is considered a specialist, any patient wishing to schedule an appointment must first see their general practitioner for a referral. Insurance copays for specialists are often higher than a visit to the general doctor, who may be able to treat you without a specialist at all. If a referral is necessary, a general practitioner can provide helpful tips and prescriptions to ease discomfort beforehand. 

Do stomach and digestive issues keep you from engaging in regular daily activities? Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, NY, will help you take back control of your health. The full-service acute care hospital and nursing home facility provides Fulton County and its surrounding communities with comprehensive, accessible, and family-oriented care. In addition to gastroenterologists, their staff also consists of a variety of specialists from cardiologists to pediatricians. Learn more about how this innovative facility uses medical technology to provide the highest quality care by calling them at (518) 725-8621 or visiting their website.