Gastroenterologists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system. This includes conditions such as lactose intolerance, heartburn, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. Gastroenterologists also perform endoscopic procedures to diagnose or treat certain gastrointestinal issues.
Finding a good gastroenterologist in Westlake and Brooklyn, Ohio, can be a challenge. Below are some tips for finding the right one:
Ask Your Primary Care Physician for Recommendations
Your primary care doctor will likely be familiar with local gastroenterologists in Westlake and Brooklyn and may have personal experience working with them or know someone who has had positive experiences with them. Asking your doctor for recommendations is an excellent way to start your search.
Consider Only Board-Certified Physicians
Make sure that any potential gastroenterologist you consider is board-certified. Board certification ensures that the gastroenterologists are up-to-date on the latest medical advances and treatments. It also demonstrates their commitment to providing high-quality patient care. Board certification also helps protect patients by ensuring that the gastroenterologists meet certain standards of practice set forth by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Choose According to the Doctor’s Specialization
When choosing a GI doctor, check out their areas of interest or specialization and make sure it includes your specific condition. For instance, if you have inflammatory bowel disease, why not choose a gastroenterologist that specializes in it? The same thing goes for colorectal cancer, GERD, and hepatitis C. Read up on the gastroenterologist’s specialization, so you receive treatment from the best possible physician.
Read Their Online Reviews
Online reviews can provide valuable insight into how other patients feel about their experiences with a particular practice, clinic, or doctor. Look for trends in both positive and negative reviews. The more patients say the same kinds of things, the more likely it is true.
Schedule A Consultation
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential gastroenterology doctors, schedule consultations, so you can meet each one of them face-to-face before making a decision. Was it easy to make an appointment? Or did they say you had to wait for weeks or months to be seen? During the initial visit, ask questions and assess their communication style and approach to treatment to see if it is compatible with your preferences. The GI doctor you choose will be your partner in GI health, so choose wisely.
Gastroenterologist in Brooklyn and Westlake, OH
North Shore Gastroenterology has been serving the gastroenterology needs of Brooklyn, Westlake, and the surrounding communities in Ohio since 1989. Our gastroenterology specialists are board-certified, compassionate, and have different areas of interest. We encourage you to read about our physicians, physician assistants, and other providers, so you can schedule a consultation with the doctor of your choice.
Call us today at (440) 808-1212 or use our online form to schedule your appointment. We look forward to providing all your gastroenterology needs!