Gastroenterologists: Top Procedures, Stats, and How to Find the Right Specialist (2026 Guide)
March 15, 2026 · by the Help Me Find A Doctor editorial team
Stats refreshed October 2026
A patient-friendly guide to gastroenterologists — what specialists do, the most common procedures (screening colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease), and what to look for when choosing one.
Digestive health, endoscopy, and colon-cancer screening. Below: the procedures patients ask about most, the numbers that put the field in context, and the questions worth raising at a first consultation with a gastroenterologists specialist.
Top procedures & treatments
Screening colonoscopy
Recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk adults.
Upper endoscopy (EGD)
Evaluation of reflux, ulcers, Barrett's esophagus, and bleeding.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care
Biologic therapy and disease monitoring.
Liver disease management
Fatty liver (MASLD), hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Endoscopic procedures (EMR, ESD)
Removal of large polyps and early cancers without surgery.
By the numbers
Updated October 2026- Approximately 15 million colonoscopies are performed annually in the U.S. to screen for colorectal cancer and remove precancerous polyps (ACG).
- Incidence rates of early-onset colorectal cancer in adults under 50 have increased by 1% to 2% annually since the mid-1990s (ACS).
- Over 7 million upper endoscopies (EGD) are performed each year to diagnose GERD, celiac disease, and Barrett's esophagus (ASGE).
- Roughly 3.1 million U.S. adults are currently living with a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis (CDC).
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) now affects an estimated 25% of the U.S. population, driving demand for specialized hepatology care (AASLD).
Trending this month: Patients are increasingly choosing screening colonoscopies following the lowered recommended age of 45. There is also a surge in therapeutic endoscopic procedures like EMR as patients opt for minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery for lesion removal.
How to choose the right specialist
Verify board certification, ask how many of your specific procedure the clinician performs each year, and review patient outcomes — not just star ratings. A gastroenterologists provider who clearly explains your options, the evidence, and the realistic recovery timeline is worth more than the most heavily advertised name.
Use our directory to filter gastroenterologists specialists by city, then bring this article (and the FAQ below) to your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need a colonoscopy?
Every 10 years for average-risk adults; more often with polyps, family history, or IBD.
Is sedation safe?
Modern propofol-based sedation has an excellent safety profile in healthy adults.
Answer your next question with a specialist
Are you the doctor patients are searching for here?Claim your free profile →
Where to go next
Are you the doctor patients are searching for here?Claim your free profile →
Topics covered
For patients
Keep researching — then tell your doctor about us
Search verified doctors by specialty, city and insurance, read patient questions and answers, and compare practices before you book. If your own doctor isn't listed yet, send them the free signup link — it takes them a couple of minutes and helps other patients find them.
For doctors
Claim your free verified profile
Patients reading this page are actively looking for care. A free profile puts your practice on the specialty, city and answer pages they land on — verified against the public NPI registry, with patient questions delivered straight to your inbox.
- Free forever — upgrades are optional
- Live on search, city and specialty pages in minutes
- Patient questions emailed to your practice inbox