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Endoscopy care for Bethesda residents - Gastro Center of Maryland
Looking for a gastroenterology team in Bethesda that puts your comfort first? Our Shields Drive office sits minutes from the National Institutes of Health and brings specialized digestive care into your neighborhood.
Persistent stomach discomfort and daily heartburn are worth a specialist's evaluation rather than another round of over-the-counter guesswork. Families from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and across Montgomery County come to us for endoscopy evaluations, thorough assessment, and treatment delivered with attention to how the experience actually feels. Endoscopy and colonoscopy are not performed at the Shields Drive office: your consultation happens here, and the procedure is scheduled at one of our dedicated endoscopy centers.
Why choose our gastroenterologists in Bethesda, MD
Every patient arrives with a different history, a different set of concerns, and a different level of nerves. Our gastroenterologists explain each step of an endoscopy evaluation, including what sedation involves and what follow-up looks like, before anything is scheduled.
Our Shields Drive office offers:
- Consultations, evaluation, and follow-up close to home
- Patient safety prioritized throughout every procedure
- Board-certified gastroenterologists with specialized training
- Evaluation for colonoscopy and upper endoscopy needs, with the procedure performed at our endoscopy centers
- Treatment plans matched to your history and symptoms
- Convenient access for families in Chevy Chase, Glen Echo, Cabin John, and Somerset
Screening colonoscopy is generally recommended for average-risk adults beginning at age 45 and continuing through age 75, with earlier screening for those who have a family history of colorectal cancer or ongoing symptoms. Procedures are performed under sedation at one of our endoscopy centers, so you'll need someone to drive you home and should plan to skip work and driving for the remainder of the day.
Frequently asked questions
What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit, you'll meet with one of our board-certified gastroenterologists who will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and perform a physical examination if needed. Based on this, we may recommend diagnostic tests or develop a personalized treatment plan to address your concerns and improve your digestive health.
How do I prepare for an endoscopy?
Before your endoscopy, you'll stop eating solid food for eight hours and stop drinking liquids for four hours so your stomach is empty for the exam. You may also need to pause blood thinners, since they raise the risk of bleeding if a biopsy or treatment is performed. Please tell our providers about every medication and supplement you take, and our team will give you specific instructions ahead of your appointment.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We understand that digestive concerns can't wait. That's why we strive to schedule most new patient appointments as soon as the same week, and no later than one to two weeks, depending on availability. If your symptoms are urgent, please let us know when you call or book online, and we will do our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans to make your care as accessible as possible. To confirm whether your specific insurance is accepted, please contact our office or provide your insurance details when scheduling your appointment. You can also visit the Insurance section on our website for a list of accepted plans. We're happy to assist you with any questions.
Schedule your endoscopy consultation in Bethesda
If digestive symptoms have been on your mind, our Bethesda team can help you find out whether an endoscopy is the right next step. Call (410) 290-6677 to schedule. Our team can answer your questions, verify your insurance, and get you on the calendar.
Your consultation takes place at the Bethesda office, and if an endoscopy is recommended we'll book it at one of our dedicated endoscopy centers and confirm the address with you. Because the procedure is performed under sedation, we'll review the preparation with you in advance and remind you to have someone available to drive you home. We welcome patients from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, and the surrounding Montgomery County communities, and we're here to make specialized digestive care straightforward from start to finish.
Smoking, Drug & Alcohol: Gastro Center of Maryland is a smoke and tobacco-free facility. All forms of tobacco and nicotine use, including smoking and vaping, are prohibited in interior areas of the Center and exterior areas of the Center, including sidewalks, outdoor sitting areas, and the parking lot. Anyone wishing to use tobacco or nicotine must do so in their private vehicle. Gastro Center of Maryland is committed to maintaining a safe and professional environment. The use, possession, or influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or misused prescription medications is strictly prohibited. Weapons: Firearms and other dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited at all times on Gastro Center of Maryland property. It is the policy of Gastro Center of Maryland to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all patient information, whether spoken, written or electronic, in accordance with HIPAA regulations and other applicable privacy laws.
