Office Exam
During your visit, your gastroenterology provider will:
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Discuss your symptoms and concerns in detail
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Review your medical history and medications
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Evaluate prior lab work, imaging, or procedures
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Perform a focused physical examination when appropriate
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Answer questions and address concerns
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Develop a personalized diagnostic and treatment plan
If a procedure such as an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy is recommended, your provider will explain the indication, benefits, risks, and next steps.
What Happens During an Office Visit?
Open-Access Procedures vs. Office Visits
Office Examination
An office visit at Southwest Gastroenterology is a comprehensive evaluation performed by one of our expert providers to assess digestive health concerns and develop an individualized care plan.
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Office visits allow us to review your symptoms, medical history, medications, prior testing, and imaging studies in detail. Based on this evaluation, your provider will determine whether further diagnostic testing, endoscopic procedures, treatment, or lifestyle modifications are appropriate.
When Is an Office Visit Recommended?
An office examination is often the first step for patients experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms or concerns, including:
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Abdominal pain or discomfort
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Changes in bowel habits
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Diarrhea or constipation
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Heartburn or acid reflux
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Difficulty swallowing
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Nausea or vomiting
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Rectal bleeding
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Unexplained weight loss
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Abnormal laboratory or imaging results
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Family history of gastrointestinal disease
Office visits are also recommended for follow-up care, review of test results, and ongoing management of chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
Some patients may qualify for open-access endoscopic procedures, which allow eligible individuals to proceed directly to a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy without a separate office visit. This option is based on medical history, symptoms, and safety criteria.
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An office visit is recommended when:
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Symptoms are complex or unexplained
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Multiple medical conditions are present
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Prior testing needs review
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Personalized discussion and planning are needed​
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Our team will help determine the most appropriate pathway for your care.