Question 1

What is a GI Doctor?

Accepted Answer

A gastroenterologist (GI Doctor) is a specialist who focuses anywhere from the esophagus to the colon, including the liver. Here at Bass, we have all different types of gastroenterologists who focus in general gastroenterology. I focus on general gastroenterology, including screening colonoscopies, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, but also my focus is advanced therapeutic endoscopy, providing treatments that typically were relegated towards surgery. With these sorts of treatments, we can now resect cancer as well as diagnose cancer early with minimally invasive techniques. Thank you for submitting your questions to #BassListens. For more information, check out the BASS MedicalGroup YouTube channel or go to the website bassmedicalgroup.com.

Question 2

How long is the recovery time after a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Typically for the vast majority of patients, they’ll be able to go back to work the next day. Thank you for submitting your questions to #BassListens. For more information, check out the BASS Medical Group YouTube channel or go to the website bassmedicalgroup.com.

Question 3

When should I get a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Well, a colonoscopy is typically thought of for screening in the United States. We use it for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Now, as you as a patient, we talk about the age of 50 as the magic number when you need to get a screening colonoscopy. This changes based on if you had a family history or if you have any other GI symptoms. Thank you for submitting your questions to #BassListens. For more information, check out the BASS Medical Group YouTube channel or go to the website asked bassmedicalgroup.com.

Question 4

What is the difference between a stool test and a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Patients often ask, “Hey, Doc, can I just get the stool test that I see on TV”, and the stool tests are getting better and better. However, stool testing cannot catch the polyps that turn into cancer. Therefore, for patients who are healthy, our goal isn't to catch cancer. Our goal is to catch the polyps before they turn into cancer. Talk to your gastroenterologist and make sure you understand the options completely before going forward with a colonoscopy or a stool test. And in many cases, you'll find the right option for you. Thank you for submitting your questions to #BassListens. For more information, check out the BASS Medical Group YouTube channel or go to the website bassmedicalgroup.com.

Question 5

When should I see a specialist for heartburn or acid reflux vs my primary doctor?

Accepted Answer

I’d tell you if you're able to control your heartburn and take medications once or twice a week, that's okay you can see your primary care doctor. However, if you need chronic medications, or if you continue to have symptoms, you need to see a gastroenterologist. Seeing a gastroenterologist can help you control your symptoms without medications, as well as give you other options towards treating your acid reflux. Thank you for submitting your questions to #BassListens. For more information, check out the BASS Medical Group YouTube channel or go to the website bassmedicalgroup.com

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Gastroenterology

When Should I See a Specialist for Heartburn?

How Long is the Recovery after a Colonoscopy?

What is a GI Doctor?

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?

Stool Test Vs Colonoscopy