You may want to make an appointment with a gastroenterology or hepatology specialist if you have digestive or liver symptoms that are:

• Ongoing or worsening
• Affecting your daily activities or quality of life
• Not improving with initial treatment or lifestyle changes

Common reasons to consider a referral include persistent heartburn or reflux, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea or constipation, abnormal liver tests, or concerns related to liver or digestive health.

In many cases, your primary care provider can help evaluate your symptoms and determine whether seeing a digestive health specialist is appropriate. If you don’t have a primary care provider, Mayo Clinic Health System can help you find one.

Some digestive and liver symptoms may require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience:

• Severe or sudden abdominal pain
• Chest pain or pressure
• Uncontrolled vomiting or vomiting blood
• Black or bloody stools
• Signs of severe dehydration, confusion or fainting
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes combined with fever or abdominal pain

For non‑emergency digestive symptoms that are ongoing or worsening, your primary care provider can help evaluate your symptoms and determine whether seeing a digestive health specialist is appropriate. If you don’t have a primary care provider, Mayo Clinic Health System can help you find one.

Colonoscopy is one option for colorectal cancer screening. For people at average risk, Mayo Clinic experts recommend beginning colorectal cancer screening at age 45, even if there are no symptoms. A colonoscopy may be repeated at regular intervals when results are normal, based on your health history, risk factors and your care team’s recommendations.

Some people may need to begin screening earlier than age 45 or be screened more often if they have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Risk factors may include a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain inherited conditions. Your primary care provider can help determine when to begin screening and which screening option is appropriate for you.

You'll need to prepare your colon for your colonoscopy. This will include drinking a solution that will help you empty your colon before the procedure. You'll receive instructions from your healthcare team.

At your first appointment, bring your current prescription information and any imaging or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form (PDF) to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for this form and other forms in multiple languages.

Visit the billing page of your preferred location for information on insurance, billing and payments.

We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn more about financial assistance options.

Yes. Simply call the appointment number at your preferred Gastroenterology & Hepatology location.

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.