A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Because of their specialized medical training in gastroenterology, endoscopic procedures led by a gastroenterologist often lead to more accurate detection of polyps and cancer with fewer complications.

The most common conditions, diseases, and disorders diagnosed and treated by gastroenterologists include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  
• Heartburn
  
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  
• Celiac disease
  
• Gallbladder or liver disease
  
• Acid reflux
  
• Hemorrhoids
  
• Digestive diseases
  
• Cancer (gastrointestinal, liver, pancreas, colon, rectal)
  

You will want to see a GI doctor for any conditions related to the digestive or GI tracts, which encompass the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver.

Your primary care doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist if you're experiencing abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea or constipation, heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, black bowel movements, rectal bleeding, sudden and unexplainable weight loss, having difficulty swallowing, and more.

Starting at the age of 50, it is also a good idea to start getting screened routinely for rectal and colon cancer with an endoscopic procedure known as a colonoscopy.

If you're looking to see a gastroenterologist in , but don't know where to begin, let Sesame help. Sesame offers simple, online booking with real, quality GI doctors at affordable upfront prices. The best part is, Sesame works with doctors to set their prices directly on the site. That means you pay a one-time price, without the hassles of insurance networks. Save up to 60% on a new-patient visit today by booking through Sesame.

Your primary care physician may refer you to a GI specialist to receive medical advice and treatment for a number of conditions, including:

Acid reflux

Ulcers

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Hepatitis

Hemorrhoids

Gallstones

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd)

Lactose intolerance

Pancreatitis

For conditions of the liver, you may be referred to a herpetologists, a GI doctor special expertise in liver conditions.

It depends. Telehealth platforms like Sesame make it easier than ever to see a doctor online from the comfort of your home through virtual visits. These are real-time video chats with doctors and providers that are used to address symptoms, discuss prescriptions, and screen for health care conditions. Telehealth (also known as telemedicine) is a convenient way to see a health care provider without requiring the commute and waiting rooms of office visits.

In-person visits, however, are vital health services. Certain conditions and specialty care services cannot be diagnosed or performed via a telehealth visit. Lab testing, for instance, often requires an in-person appointment at a doctor's office. Similarly, some physical exams, chronic condition consultations, and urgent care needs require in-person care. Some patients feel more comfortable receiving their care through in-person doctor visits, and many telehealth services require in-person visits before a condition can be definitively diagnosed.

Health care marketplaces like Sesame offer both in-person and virtual care options. If you're unsure whether or not you need to see a provider face-to-face, we recommend that you book a video doctor visit to discuss your concerns and talk through any symptoms you may be experiencing. If an in-person doctor appointment is required, you can easily book a visit through Sesame's scheduling platform.

Telehealth can be less expensive than traditional face-to-face care. Telehealth can also be more convenient - avoiding the need to travel to a medical facility.

Telehealth can help people with semi-urgent same-day needs as well as chronic conditions. A study in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health finds that telehealth can be useful for patients with diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, among other chronic conditions.

Telehealth is good for urgent care visits when you need a prescription, a refill, or medical care that can be provided over a video call.

Researchers have found that telehealth services were linked with more home care, fewer emergency department visits, and higher satisfaction.

For many patients, it is less expensive to use telehealth than face-to-face care. A traditional face-to-face visit with a provider can cost from $100 to $500 on average. Urgent care facility prices also widely vary. A telehealth visit on Sesame ranges from $24 to $70 dollars depending on the region and time of day.

It is up to the provider to determine what services they offer through a virtual appointment. Examples of care you can find on marketplaces like Sesame include:

• Primary care
  
• Urgent care (for conditions such as rashes, sore throat, migraines, UTIs, and more)
  
• Sexual health consultations
  
• Mental health consultations
  
• Chronic condition management
  
• Dermatology consultations
  
• Prescription refills
  
• Pediatric care
  

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not use telehealth. Instead, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

After you book an online doctor appointment, you will receive an email with a link to join the video visit. You will also be able to access this link in another reminder email you will receive 30 minutes prior to the appointment start time, as well as within your account.

Sesame works via a weblink. There is no need to download any software to have a telehealth appointment on Sesame. Sesame works on all modern web browsers.

You can use your phone, tablet, or computer for a telehealth appointment on Sesame.

If you're using your phone or tablet, be sure to download the Sesame app so that you can join your visit with ease.

If you're using your computer, Sesame works on the web through your web browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge or Firefox).

While Sesame supports face to face video communications, turning on your video is not required if this makes you uncomfortable.

Sesame makes it easier than ever to find and pay doctors online directly - allowing you to book an in-person or telehealth appointment in less than two minutes. To get care today, follow these easy steps:

• Search for telehealth or in-person appointments by specialty, condition, or provider
  
• Choose a provider at a price and time that work for you.
  
• Pay for your appointment online, up front.
  
• Before your appointment begins, complete a brief medical history form.
  
• If you’re seeing a doctor online, click the link sent to your email to join a secure online telehealth appointment. If you’re seeing a doctor in person, go to their office at the time of your appointment.
  
• If you are prescribed medication and choose medication delivery, it is usually delivered to your home within 2-3 business days. Otherwise, you can select a local pharmacy often with same-day pick-up. Providers on Sesame can prescribe anything deemed medically appropriate, except for the limited set of controlled substances (as defined under the Controlled Substances Act).