What a gastroenterologist exam covers
A gastroenterologist is a specialist in diseases of the digestive system — the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, as well as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. A gastroenterologist exam is focused on finding the cause of digestive problems and assessing the state of these organs, from harmless complaints to conditions that require further investigation.
The exam begins with a detailed conversation about symptoms — what the pain is like, when it occurs, how it is related to meals, whether there is heartburn, bloating, nausea or changes in the stool — as well as past illnesses, therapy, dietary habits and family history. A physical examination of the abdomen follows, including palpation and assessment of tenderness.
Based on the exam the gastroenterologist makes a working diagnosis and suggests further diagnostics if needed — laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy (an exam of the stomach) or colonoscopy (an exam of the large intestine), which at Medical Time are performed painlessly, under sedation or while you sleep.
A gastroenterologist exam is important both for people with known chronic bowel diseases, reflux or an ulcer that need regular monitoring, and for a preventive assessment in people with a family history of digestive tract disease.
For people with a family history of stomach or bowel cancer, a timely exam and screening are especially important, because many changes develop over years without symptoms. The gastroenterologist assesses when and which exams should be done, so that the disease, where possible, is prevented rather than only detected in an early and curable stage.
When to see a gastroenterologist
You see a gastroenterologist when digestive problems last longer, recur or do not go away with usual measures. An early assessment helps separate harmless conditions from those that require treatment or additional investigation.
The most common symptoms and indications for booking an exam are:
- persistent heartburn, acidity and regurgitation of contents (reflux)
- pain or burning in the upper stomach and a feeling of fullness after eating
- bloating, gas and cramps in the abdomen
- nausea, vomiting and difficult or painful swallowing
- a change in bowel movements — prolonged diarrhoea, constipation or alternating
- blood in the stool or black, tarry stool
- unintentional weight loss and anaemia of unclear cause
- monitoring of known conditions (reflux, ulcer, bowel diseases) and preparation for gastroscopy or colonoscopy
What the exam looks like — the process
A gastroenterologist exam is non-invasive and painless. It begins with a conversation in which the doctor carefully records your symptoms, their relation to meals and everyday habits, as well as past illnesses, therapy, diet and family history of digestive tract disease.
A physical examination of the abdomen follows — the doctor assesses tenderness, any enlargement of organs and sites of pain by palpation, and listens to bowel movements. If needed, an abdominal ultrasound or laboratory tests are done during the same visit, which further clarify the picture.
Based on the exam the gastroenterologist explains the findings and suggests next steps. If needed, they book a gastroscopy or colonoscopy — endoscopic exams that give a direct view of the mucous membrane and that at Medical Time are performed painlessly, under sedation or while you sleep. The whole exam most often takes 20 to 30 minutes.
The advantage of an exam at Medical Time is that the entire diagnostic work-up of the digestive system — from ultrasound and laboratory to endoscopic exams — can be done in one place, so the diagnosis and treatment plan are formed without delay.
What to bring to the exam
So the gastroenterologist can get a full picture and monitor the condition over time, it helps to bring earlier documentation related to the digestive system.
We recommend that you prepare:
- earlier gastroenterology, gastroscopy and colonoscopy findings
- abdominal ultrasound, laboratory and histopathology results if you have them
- a list of the medications you take, including medications for the stomach and acid
- details of chronic conditions, past operations and allergies
- a list of symptoms, dietary habits and questions you want to clarify with the doctor
When you receive the report and recommendations
You receive the gastroenterology exam report immediately, at the exam itself. The doctor explains the result verbally, and issues a written report with the assessment, therapy and recommendations at the end of the exam. If an ultrasound was done, its findings are interpreted immediately.
If a gastroscopy or colonoscopy was booked, you receive the findings and recommendations of these exams after they are performed, while the histopathology result of a biopsy, if one was taken, arrives in the following days. The therapy is adjusted if needed in line with the findings.
All findings and images are kept, so that at future check-ups your condition can be compared with earlier findings and it can be tracked how the treatment is progressing.
Why have a gastroenterologist exam at Medical Time
At Medical Time the gastroenterology exam combines an experienced team, complete diagnostics and painless endoscopic exams in one place, with a fast appointment and a dedicated approach.
Everything needed to diagnose the digestive system — from the first exam, through ultrasound and laboratory, to painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy — is in one place. This shortens the path to a diagnosis, and throughout the whole process you have the support of the same team and a clear plan for further treatment.
- a thorough assessment of symptoms from the digestive system
- painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy, under sedation or while you sleep, in the same place
- experienced gastroenterologists and an individual approach to every patient
- abdominal ultrasound, laboratory and histopathology available in the same place
- quick booking without long waiting and possible without a referral
- clear advice and a written report the same day, with digital storage of documentation
Price — gastroenterologist exam
The price of a gastroenterologist exam depends on the scope of the exam and any additional investigations the doctor recommends (ultrasound, laboratory, gastroscopy, colonoscopy). You will get the exact price and an appointment quickly, by phone or through the contact form.
- Gastroenterologist exam
- Follow-up gastroenterology exam
For the current price and an appointment, call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about the gastroenterologist exam
See one if you have persistent heartburn or reflux, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, difficult swallowing, a change in bowel movements, blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, or if you are managing known digestive tract diseases.
Not necessarily. The gastroenterologist first assesses your symptoms and, if needed, books a gastroscopy or colonoscopy. At Medical Time these exams are performed painlessly, under sedation or while you sleep.
No. The gastroenterologist exam itself is painless and includes a conversation and an exam of the abdomen. Endoscopic exams, if they are needed, are performed under sedation or while you sleep, also without pain.
A gastroenterologist exam most often takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your symptoms and whether an ultrasound or additional tests are done during the same visit.
No. You can book a gastroenterologist exam directly, without a referral, usually quickly and without long waiting.
You receive the exam report right away, and a written report at its end. The findings of a gastroscopy or colonoscopy are received after they are performed, and the histopathology of a biopsy within a few days.