Question- Choosing a gastroenterologist

T o p i c : Choosing a gastroenterologist

Q: My PCP has recommended a colonoscopy because of family history of colon cancer. I also have diverticulosis. I am a 56 year old female. I want to know how to choose the best qualified gastroenterologist in my health plan. My PCP office is not giving me any recommendations. They only state that all four gastroenterologists in the office are equally skilled. Since the quality of the study is highly dependant upon the skill & experience of the endoscopist, how can I be sure I am choosing the best endoscopist for the procedure?

A: Colonoscopy examinations are the daily fare of gastroenterologists. Endoscopy complications are relatively rare. Nevertheless, if you wish to make the selection yourself you may want to consider the following: Is the Gastroenterologist board certified in Gastroenterology? Is he/she comfortable discussing the indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, alternatives and possible complications of the procedure at the preop interview? There are some surgical endoscopists who are not medically trained gastroenterologists. They may be competent to perform the technical aspects of the procedure and biopsy or remove polyps, but may not be qualified to deal with such conditions as inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis/ Crohn's disease) or other primarily medical conditions. Personal recommendations from friends and family go a long way towards telling you about the personality and practice style of a physician although not necessarily about his technical expertise.