If you have ongoing digestive health issues, your primary care doctor may suggest seeing a gastroenterologist. Doctors trained in gastroenterology diagnose and treat disorders of the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, small intestine and colon.

Some gastroenterologists specialize in motility disorders, which affect how food, liquid and waste move through your digestive system. Many of these same doctors are also neurogastroenterologists who study how your brain and gut interact.

Use these tips to find the right gastroenterologist for your health needs:

Ask for a Referral 

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a gastroenterologist your physician has worked well with before. You can also ask family, friends and coworkers for recommendations.

Look at Doctor Profile Details

When choosing a Sutter Health network gastroenterologist, you are able to see valuable information on each doctor’s online profile such as their education and training. Many doctors also list what languages they speak and their professional interests. If you’re looking for a doctor who specializes in motility studies, you might look to see if they’ve listed that topic in their professional interests.

Consider the Doctor’s Experience

When it comes to specialized tests or surgeries for your digestive disorder, the more experience your doctor has the better your results will likely be. Ask how many patients the gastroenterologist has treated with your specific condition or how frequently he or she performs the procedure you’re considering.

Assess the Doctor’s Communication Style

During your initial consultation, ask questions and discuss your treatment preferences. You want a doctor who listens to you, answers your questions in ways you can understand and respects your decisions. If you’re interested in communicating with the gastroenterologist in an online format, check to see if they offer services through Sutter’s My Health Online program.

Know What Your Insurance Covers

Check your health plan to determine the specific details of your coverage in order to pay the least out-of-pocket expenses. Contact the gastroenterologist’s office to verify acceptance of your particular plan.