Patient Resources

Questions to ask your GI doctor

Your gastroenterologist, also called a GI doctor, specializes in disorders of the digestive system. Your GI doctor will probably be the one who makes the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus after conducting diagnostic tests.

In preparation for meeting with your Gastroenterologist, please consider the questions below as a helpful guideline. You may also download and print off this list to bring with you to your visit.

Questions about diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus:

• What tests will you do? Are they safe and effective?
• How often have you done the tests?
• Will the test be done in the hospital or in your office?
• How long do the tests take?
• Will I be awake? Will I get an anesthetic?
• Will you take samples for a biopsy?
• Are there risks from the tests?
• What if I don’t take the tests?
• What should I do to prepare for the procedure?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• When will I know the results?
• How much do the tests cost and will my insurance cover it?

Questions about the testing results:

• Do I have Barrett’s esophagus? If so, what stage?
• Were the samples examined by a gastroenterological pathologist? Did anyone else confirm the diagnosis?
• Do you recommend another exam to confirm the diagnosis?
• How much of my esophagus is affected?
• What are my treatment options?
• Have you checked on any new treatments?
• Will you conduct the treatments or will you refer me to someone else?
• What result do you expect from the treatment and how will I know it worked?
• Will the treatment cure my condition? If not, are there other treatments that would?
• What are the benefits and risks of each treatment?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital and, if so, how long?
• What side effects can I expect? How will they be managed?
• What do I have to do before I receive treatment?
• What will I have to do after the treatment?
• Will I continue to have to take medications?
• What follow-up testing will be needed?
• Can you recommend another doctor for a second opinion about my treatment options?
• How much do the treatments cost and will my insurance cover it?
• What if I decide I don’t want to have treatment?
• Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
• What is my risk of cancer?
• How can I reduce my risk of cancer?