What Type of Doctor is Best For a Colonoscopy?

You’d be surprised to learn that colonoscopies are not always performed by gastroenterologists. A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of digestive disorders. Ideally, a gastroenterologist is the best kind of specialist to perform a colonoscopy. Primary care doctors and general surgeons typically perform screenings to detect signs of such conditions and will provide a referral to a gastroenterologist in order to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Although many primary care doctors and general surgeons are great for many reasons, it is crucial to understand that the performance and results of a colonoscopy done by a gastroenterologist versus a primary care doctor or general surgeon can vary tremendously. 

What Kind of Doctor is Best For Performing a Colonoscopy?

Research determined that both men and women ages 70 to 89 saw a significant contrast of those who had a colonoscopy versus those who have not had a colonoscopy. The study also determined that those who had a colonoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist were at a 65% lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer. On the other hand, those who had a colonoscopy performed by their primary care doctor were at a 57% lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer. And lastly, those who had a colonoscopy performed by a general surgeon were at a 45% lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer.

The study determined that these individuals that had a colonoscopy performed by any medical doctor, despite being a gastroenterologist, primary care doctor, or general surgeon, can lower the risk of dying from colorectal cancer. However, seeing a gastroenterologist can significantly reduce the risk of dying from colorectal cancer significantly. 

At the Gastroenterology Center of Thousand Oaks, we specialize in colonoscopies, among other diagnoses and treatments for a variety of digestive disorders. If you are searching for the best gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy in Thousand Oaks, feel free to reach out to our team to schedule a consultation. 

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