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On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Gastroenterologist in El Paso, book an appointment, and see the Gastroenterologist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Gastroenterologists in El Paso who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an El Paso Gastroenterologist 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 Gastroenterologists in El Paso and book appointments instantly. You can search for El Paso Gastroenterologists by symptom or visit reason. Then, 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 El Paso Gastroenterologists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Gastroenterologists in El Paso who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for El Paso Gastroenterologists with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Gastroenterologists in El Paso 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.
Gastroenterologists in El Paso 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 Gastroenterologists 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 Gastroenterologists in El Paso 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 Gastroenterologist 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 Gastroenterologists in El Paso. Many Gastroenterologists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
A gastroenterologist or GI doctor can diagnose and treat conditions and illnesses of the digestive system and the biliary organs. It includes the intestines, colon and rectum, esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. Over the last two decades, a gastroenterologist's role has evolved from that of a pure diagnostician. They have a broader role with today's significant technological and scientific advancements. They operate as palliative care doctors, nutritionists, endoscopic surgeons, chemotherapists, immunologists, and geneticists.
These specialists treat diseases of the intestines and stomach, such as colorectal polyps, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis. Further, they can address inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), appendicitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), stomach ulcers, food intolerances, and allergies. They can also treat gallbladder and biliary illnesses such as gallstones, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis.
Gastroenterologists are also the right specialists to consult when you have problems with your liver, such as toxic hepatitis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. They also treat swallowing difficulties, Hiatal hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and esophagitis.
Students must complete graduation and join medical school as the first step to becoming a gastroenterologist. Here, aspiring doctors learn to diagnose and treat various illnesses and obtain clinical experience. After four years of medical school, the students must complete a three-year internal medicine residency. During this period, they are trained to treat and manage different conditions and diseases.
On completing residency, aspirants need to complete a fellowship in the gastroenterology specialty under nationally recognized experts for two to three years. Completing this detailed course certifies them as specialists in treating gastrointestinal conditions and diseases. In doing so, they differentiate themselves from general practitioners.
The following institutes/boards oversee fellowships in gastroenterology:
A general physician may recommend you to a GI doctor if they cannot diagnose a particular illness. They might also refer you to them to treat a severe condition requiring specialized treatment. You will also likely visit them if you suffer from diseases and conditions such as severe constipation, rectal bleeding, difficulty in passing motions, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Other illnesses include indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, bloated stomach, nausea and vomiting, gas and gas pain, or unexplained weight gain or loss.
Gastroenterologists play a vital role in detecting, staging, and treating cancers that develop in the organs of the digestive and biliary systems. Most cancers do not produce signs and symptoms until they reach the advanced stages. Common risk factors include obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, low-fiber diet, older age, diabetes, and family history of cancer.
Endoscopy examinations provide gastroenterologists with a thorough look inside the body, allowing them to assess how things are operating and identify any potential causes of the symptoms. They can perform minor operations using small tools through an endoscope. They can open narrowed channels, remove tumors, relieve blockages, take tissue samples, and stop bleeding. These procedures may save you from surgery.
Gastroenterologists perform various endoscopic procedures such as:
Proctologists are surgeons who focus on general and special surgery. They can perform colorectal surgery and treat illnesses affecting the large intestine, including the anus and rectum. Proctologists train in surgical procedures by doing a longer (five-year) residency than gastroenterologists. Hence, while a gastroenterologist may only recommend surgery, proctologists can operate. Proctologists can also prescribe medicine if they feel surgery is not required.
When referred to a gastroenterologist, you must provide precise details about your gastrointestinal symptoms, including bowel movements, gas, diarrhea, or hemorrhoid pain. This clarity aids your healthcare provider in reaching an accurate diagnosis.
Maintaining a journal documenting each occurrence's time, date, duration, and specifics is beneficial for chronic symptoms. Include details about your activities at the time, such as the foods consumed and whether you were under stress, lying down, or engaging in vigorous exercise.
Additionally, feel free to ask questions to fully comprehend the test results' procedures and implications. Some examples include:
Remember, the more accurately you describe your symptoms and communicate with your GI doctor, the quicker they can initiate the investigative process.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive issue marked by changes in bowel habits and discomfort in the abdomen. While some people with IBS can manage their symptoms and carry on with daily life, others may find their lives significantly disrupted. A gastroenterologist can distinguish between typical IBS symptoms and other symptoms that may indicate the need for further evaluation to rule out other conditions.
Recent research suggests that many IBS symptoms result from heightened sensitivity of nerves in the digestive tract, which work independently from nerves in the spinal cord and brain. The condition may be affected by how these stomach nerves communicate with the brain or how the brain interprets their signals.
The main symptom of IBS is abdominal pain or discomfort with changes in bowel habits. People with IBS may experience different types of abdominal discomfort, such as sharp pain, cramping, bloating, feeling full, or a burning sensation. Certain factors like specific foods, stress, constipation, or diarrhea can trigger this discomfort. Other symptoms include:
Additionally, individuals with IBS might experience symptoms unrelated to the intestines, such as:
Your gastrointestinal tract, often referred to as your "gut," is a biome or a tiny ecosystem harboring trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome is unique to each individual and interacts with many body systems. It also assists with several body functions, including keeping potentially harmful microbes in check.
Gut bacteria help break down specific complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers and provide enzymes required for processing vitamins B1, B9, B12, and K. The gut microbiome also controls how the immune system responds to infections, affects brain and nervous system health, and interacts with endocrine cells in the gut lining responsible for producing hormones that regulate blood sugar, hunger, and satiety. Therefore, maintaining good gut health will ultimately promote overall health and well-being.
Here are some ways you can take care of your gut health:
The digestive system is complex, containing numerous organs and physiological functions. These organs digest your food, assimilate required nutrients, and eliminate leftover waste. You will immediately face a problem if something goes wrong with any part of this process. In that case, a gastroenterologist can help you. However, finding good gastroenterologists nearby can often be a challenge. It is where a platform like Zocdoc can help.
Zocdoc gives users access to top-rated medical and healthcare providers through its open directory of healthcare specialists. Use the website's location-specific search to locate the nearest provider in El Paso, Texas. The tool will show you all the nearby medical professionals currently accepting new patients.
If you enter the name of your insurance provider and plan in the search, the platform will list every gastroenterologist who accepts your insurance. And you will be able to pay using your health plan seamlessly. If you are not able to find your specific health plan listed, you can try uploading a photo of your insurance card. Once you upload a photo, Zocdoc will scan the image of your card and show you your likely plan. Note that this option is available only for medical insurance cards. Dental and vision are excluded. If you need assistance uploading your insurance card, contact Zocdoc's service team. You can also visit Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to other insurance-related queries.
Since Zocdoc maintains well-updated profiles, you can read specifics about each healthcare professional. The profile lists their education and training, clinical interests, board certifications, experience, and the languages they speak. It will also inform you whether the specialist treats children. Additionally, you can read ratings and verified reviews from past patients to make an informed choice regarding the gastroenterologist.
Once you have shortlisted the best gastroenterologist near you, you can book an online consultation or a physical appointment during office hours, after 5 pm, or even on weekends.
All appointments scheduled with Zocdoc are safe, secure, and free!
Gastroenterologists are the first to detect stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, esophagus, rectum, and colon cancers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), routine screening is the best strategy to lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Screening can prevent this by locating and removing precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Additionally, screening can identify colorectal cancer early when treatment is less complicated.
According to America's Health Rankings, nearly 53.8% of Texas adults aged 45 to 75 years had undergone screening tests for colorectal cancer in 2022. Both women (≈53.8%) and men (≈53.7%) received the recommended screening. Further, according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 12,260 Texans will receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024. It is also estimated to cause 4,410 deaths in the state. Additionally, it was the third most common cause of death related to cancer among both men and women in Texas.
American College of Gastroenterology
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.