Many digestive complaints are managed appropriately by primary care physicians, who are trained to deal with the common problems in the most cost-effective way. Specialist consultation is appropriate when standard methods are not effective, or when the symptoms point to a more serious condition.
Gastroenterologists are doctors who have taken special training in digestive disease.
Whilst all gastroenterologists have competence in digestive diseases, some specialize even more, focusing on a particular digestive organ system. Thus, gastroenterologists specializing in liver disease are called hepatologists. Some gastroenterologists have particular skills in nutrition, and its problems. These endoscopic techniques have replaced many traditional surgical operations. Many gastroenterologists and digestive surgeons focus particularly on the investigation and management of cancers, which unfortunately are still common in the digestive tract.