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On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Proctologist, book an appointment, and see the Proctologist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Proctologists in your area who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Proctologist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Proctologists and book appointments instantly. You can search for Proctologists by symptom or visit reason. Then, enter your desired appointment location and choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for Proctologists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Proctologists who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Proctologists with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Proctologists who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
Proctologists on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Proctologists who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Proctologists who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Proctologist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Proctologists. Many Proctologists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
Also called colorectal surgeons, proctologists specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the rectum, colon, and anus. Colorectal surgery reflects a more comprehensive approach, as the term "proctologist" only pertains to the rectum and anus, while "colorectal" also includes the colon. In essence, colorectal surgeons provide extensive care for lower digestive tract conditions.
However, colorectal surgeons are specialists in the large intestine and are trained as general surgeons. They often treat organs closely linked to the large intestine, including the small intestine, the urinary system, the pelvic floor muscles, and the female reproductive system. Their comprehensive understanding of anorectal and intestinal physiology enables them to analyze complex physiological problems and treat them precisely.
Proctologists may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. They often work closely with other specialists, such as gastroenterologists.
Proctology is a highly specialized medical field that requires substantial training. This includes four years of undergraduate program to obtain a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school, where students earn a medical degree. Afterward, aspiring proctologists undergo a rigorous five-year training program in general surgery, followed by an additional year of specialized training focusing on colon and rectal surgery.
Many colorectal surgeons in the country are certified by the ABCRS (American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery). This certification process involves continuous written and oral assessments to assess the surgeons' ability and expertise to diagnose and treat conditions and diseases.
All proctologists must gain a state license before they can begin practice. Furthermore, colorectal surgeons must engage in ongoing education to stay at the forefront of proctology. This comprehensive training and commitment to professional development are essential to providing the best possible care within this specialized medical discipline.
Proctologists specialize in treating a broad spectrum of conditions, including certain cancers and other illnesses related to the lower digestive tract. You can see a proctologist near you for several conditions. These include:
Colorectal surgeons can also manage and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis, when they affect the lower digestive tract and related areas.
Colorectal surgeons are specialized medical professionals proficient in conducting diagnostic tests and surgical interventions for various GI tract conditions. These surgeons perform critical procedures such as colonoscopies to assess the entire colon, screen for colorectal cancer, and remove polyps if necessary. They also administer digital rectal exams, utilizing their expertise to examine the lower rectum and prostate. Endorectal ultrasound aids in diagnosing colorectal cancers.
Proctoscopies enable the evaluation of the rectum and anus, including biopsy and polyp removal procedures. Similarly, sigmoidoscopies aid in diagnosing specific conditions affecting the sigmoid colon.
Colorectal surgeons are adept in various surgical techniques, including laparoscopy and robotic surgery, ensuring they can offer both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. They perform procedures such as polypectomies, endoscopic mucosal resections, and bowel resections tailored to individual patient needs. Moreover, these specialists conduct routine diagnostic tests to assess colorectal and anal function, including:
It’s normal to feel awkward discussing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but your doctor’s office is the best place to be open and honest. Instead of using vague terms like “abdominal discomfort,” describe your symptoms clearly—rate your pain on a scale, mention what triggers it, how long it lasts, and any changes in your bowel habits, including unusual smells or appearance. These details are vital, and nothing you say will surprise your doctor—they’ve heard it all before.
Give your symptoms context by explaining how they affect your daily life. Are they keeping you up at night, causing embarrassment, disrupting work or relationships, or impacting your mood and diet? Mentioning these effects helps your doctor understand the full scope of the problem.
Include relevant medical history—past test results, diagnosed conditions, family history, medications, supplements, and any lifestyle changes or remedies you’ve tried. Signs like unintentional weight loss, fatigue, or loss of appetite may point to malnutrition and are worth mentioning, too.
It’s okay to bring up what you’ve read about GI conditions like acid reflux, GERD, IBS, gallstones, or pancreatic disorders. While you can’t self-diagnose, your research might help guide the conversation and help you ask informed questions.
Your doctor may suggest tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. Don’t hesitate to ask what each test involves, how to prepare, possible side effects, recovery time, and when to expect results.
Also, discuss what you should and shouldn’t do while awaiting a diagnosis. Ask about temporary treatments, dietary changes, supplements, or sleep tips that could offer relief. On the flip side, determine what medications, foods, or activities to avoid to prevent worsening symptoms.
Lastly, ask about warning signs that require urgent medical care. These may include bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal cramps, dizziness, fainting, rapid heart rate, or reduced urination—potential signs of internal bleeding or serious complications.
Being clear and thorough empowers your doctor to help you effectively and ensures you receive the proper care.
Finding a qualified proctologist near you can take time and effort. Zocdoc can help, as it offers a user-friendly platform for finding and booking appointments with top healthcare providers in your area, including proctologists.
To utilize this service, create a free Zocdoc account and initiate your search. Enter relevant information such as "proctologist," your location, and the preferred appointment date. You can include your insurance details to locate providers who accept your plan if you have healthcare insurance. Using Zocdoc’s insurance detector, you can quickly identify in-network providers near you.
While you can add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account, you can only search for and schedule an appointment with one insurance plan at a time. If you have multiple plans, you can mention your secondary insurance plan and carrier in your notes for the provider in the last step of the booking process. If your provider uses Zocdoc’s intake forms, you can add details about your secondary insurance while filling out your forms online. For more insurance-related queries, check Zocdoc's patient help center.
Once you've provided these details, Zocdoc will generate a comprehensive list of healthcare providers near your location. You can narrow these results based on appointment availability, distance, and more.
Each healthcare provider's profile on Zocdoc contains valuable information to aid in your decision-making process. This includes their educational background, professional history, certifications, hospital affiliations, and languages spoken. Additionally, Zocdoc offers verified reviews and ratings by past patients to help you assess the quality of care each specialist provides.
After identifying a suitable proctologist near you, you can conveniently book an appointment through Zocdoc, choosing between in-person or online consultation.
Booking appointments on Zocdoc is secure, quick, and cost-free.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer, excluding certain skin cancers. This is true for both men and women. Moreover, it is the fourth leading contributor to cancer-related fatalities in the country.
In 2021, there were nearly 141,902 new colorectal cancer cases. In 2022, the disease claimed the lives of around 52,967 individuals. Males exhibited higher incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer than females. The incidence rate in men was around 40.7% compared to roughly 32% in women, while the death rate was about 15% for men and around 10.6% for women.
From 2017 to 2021, approximately one-third of colorectal cancer cases received diagnoses at a localized stage, signifying that the cancer had not extended beyond the colon or rectum. Nearly four out of ten cases were identified at a regional stage, denoting the presence of cancer in nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or organs. Around two out of ten cases were detected at a distant stage, implying that the cancer had metastasized to distant body parts.
Remarkably, approximately 64% of colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2014 and 2020 survived beyond five years without succumbing to their cancer.
Survival rates significantly improve when experts detect colorectal cancer before metastasis. Screening tests play a vital role in preventing colorectal cancer or detecting it early when treatment is most effective. Hence, you must visit a proctologist near you if you notice any concerning symptoms.
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.