How Much Does a Gastroenterology Visit Cost?

When your digestive system isn't working quite right, you know it. And if you're dealing with constant gastrointestinal distress, with symptoms like abdominal discomfort, acid reflux, constipation or diarrhea, it might be time to visit a gastroenterologist.¹

Keep reading to learn how much these specialist visits can cost and what to expect at a gastroenterology appointment.

What Is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a specialized area of medicine that focuses on the digestive system. Beyond the stomach and intestines, there are several different organs in the digestive system that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients and remove waste.²

What Do Gastroenterologists Treat?

Gastroenterologists treat gastrointestinal conditions and diseases, which encompass issues with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, stomach and intestines) as well as the bile ducts, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.¹

Conditions that gastroenterologists treat may include:¹

• Colitis²
• Colon polyps and colon cancer²
• Gallstones
• Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)²
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hemorrhoids
• Hepatitis²
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Pancreatitis
• Ulcers

The most common symptoms prompting a visit to the gastroenterologist are, in order:³

1. Abdominal pain
2. Vomiting
3. Nausea
4. Diarrhea
5. GI bleeding
6. Constipation
7. Anorectal symptoms (hemorrhoids, anal fissures)
8. Heartburn and indigestion (including gas and bloating)
9. Decreased appetite
10. Difficulty swallowing

If you're experiencing any of these GI issues, your primary care physician may refer you to a gastroenterologist for specialized care.⁴ And if you're over the age of 45, you may need to see a gastroenterologist every 10 years for colorectal cancer screenings.¹

How Much Does a Gastroenterology Visit Cost?

For new patients, the national average cost* of a gastroenterology visit is $355, but it can range from $281 to $646. The cost typically includes a physical exam and a review of your medical history.⁵

However, various factors impact gastroenterology costs, including location, practice type, consultation complexity, time required and additional testing or procedures.⁵

Average cost for a gastroenterology visit by state/district

Here's a look at the average costs* of a new patient gastroenterology visit across all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁵

Does Health Insurance Cover Gastroenterology Visits?

If you have health insurance, you may need a referral from your primary care physician before you can see a gastroenterologist. Without that referral, the insurance company may not cover the cost of the visit.⁶

In addition, it's a good idea to go to an in-network gastroenterologist, which can help you save money on care. Out-of-network providers and facilities are typically more expensive than in-network options.

How to Prepare for Your First Gastroenterology Visit

Before your first gastroenterology appointment, make a list of your symptoms to share with the doctor and be prepared to answer questions such as:⁴

• When did your symptoms start?
• How long do your symptoms usually last?
• Do your symptoms get better or worse at certain times?
• Have you tried any treatments for your symptoms?
• Have you had any other illnesses or surgeries?
• What medications are you taking?
• Do you have a family history of digestive diseases or other health problems?

What to Expect at a Gastroenterology Appointment

Here's what to expect during the physical exam:⁷

• You'll lie down on an exam table.
• The doctor will press down on your abdomen, feeling for any masses or tenderness.
• The doctor will listen to your breathing, coughing and bowel sounds.
• If you have colorectal symptoms, the doctor may insert a finger into your rectum to feel for any bulges or masses and to assess the muscle tone.

Your first appointment with a gastroenterologist may take between 30 and 60 minutes.⁴ Subsequent visits could be shorter.

Follow-up exams

After the physical exam, your gastroenterologist may recommend follow-up tests to gather additional information. These tests may include:⁴

• Blood test
• CT scan
• GI tract X-ray
• Stool test

If you need a GI tract X-ray, your doctor may give you a barium swallow or enema first to highlight different areas of your digestive system.⁴

Do You Need an Endoscopy?

If your gastroenterologist needs more information to properly diagnose and assess your GI condition, they may perform an endoscopic or enteroscopic procedure. During these non-surgical exams, the doctor inserts an endoscope — a tiny camera on the end of a long, thin tube — into your body. Not only can endoscopy exams give your gastroenterologist a detailed view inside your body, but these exams may also allow the doctor to:⁸

• Open up narrow channels
• Relieve blockages
• Remove tumors
• Stop bleeding
• Take tissue samples (biopsies)

By passing tiny tools through the endoscope, gastroenterologists can perform these minor interventions to treat your GI condition without invasive surgery.

3 common endoscopic procedures

Common endoscopic procedures include:

• Colonoscopy. This is an exam of your lower GI tract that involves putting a colonoscope into your rectum to look for polyps or bleeding. During the procedure, any polyps will be removed (polypectomy) and biopsies taken, if necessary. You may need a colonoscopy if you have persistent diarrhea or blood in your stool.⁹
• Enteroscopy. This procedure examines the small intestine and treats any issues discovered. There are several techniques, including the capsule endoscopy, in which you swallow a tiny video capsule that will take pictures of your small intestine.¹⁰
• Upper endoscopy. During this exam, the endoscope goes through your mouth so the doctor can look at your upper GI tract, examining the area from your throat to your stomach to your upper small intestine. Your doctor may recommend this procedure if your symptoms include persistent heartburn, abdominal pain or vomiting.⁸

What to Expect After Your Gastroenterology Appointment

Your gastroenterologist may prescribe medications and recommend lifestyle changes to manage your GI symptoms. Depending on the diagnosis, tips may include:

• Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms⁷
• Exercising regularly⁷
• Finding healthy ways to manage stress
• Going to the bathroom as soon as you have the urge
• Limiting caffeine⁷

How to Find a Gastroenterologist

Need help finding a doctor? Here are some tips to help you choose a gastroenterologist:¹¹

• Ask for recommendations. Talk to your primary care physician, family, friends and other healthcare providers to get a list of gastroenterologists they trust.
• Check their credentials. It's important to choose a gastroenterologist who is board-certified to ensure they have the necessary training and skills. You can use the American College of Gastroenterology's lookup tool to find a board-certified gastroenterologist near you.
• Read patient reviews. You can gain a lot of insight into a practice by reading about other people's experiences with appointment scheduling, wait times and the general office environment, as well as how much time the doctor typically spends with each patient and how well they answer questions.
• Request a consultation. If you have a complex GI problem, you'll want an experienced doctor to help ensure as positive an outcome as possible. Ask the doctor about their recent training and experience with your specific condition.
• Verify your insurance coverage. If you have insurance, check to see which doctors on your list participate in your plan. Choosing an in-network provider can help you pay the least out-of-pocket costs for care.

In the end, you'll want to choose a gastroenterologist with whom you feel comfortable — one who welcomes questions, considers your treatment preferences and respects your decision-making process.

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Author Bio

Robyn Tellefsen is a freelance writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, finance and more. Her work has appeared on sites such as LoopNet, Beachside Rehab, First Horizon Bank, SoFi, A Place for Mom, American Express, Chase and more.