Trusted gastroenterology care in Friendship Heights

Digestive trouble has a knack for showing up at the worst times, maybe while you are browsing The Shops at Wisconsin Place or finishing a long workday in Friendship Heights. When that happens, you want a gastroenterology team you can count on, and you want it close by. Gastro Center of Maryland sits just a short drive from Friendship Heights, ready to help you feel like yourself again. Our board-certified gastroenterologists bring years of focused experience to every visit, treating everything from everyday heartburn to complex chronic conditions. Friendship Heights neighbors choose us because we blend advanced gastroenterology with a warm, personal approach that puts you at ease. You deserve clear answers and lasting relief, and our doors are open right around the corner to provide both.

Why Friendship Heights patients choose us

Picking a gastroenterology practice is a bit like choosing a trusted guide for unfamiliar terrain: you want experience, honesty, and someone who truly listens. Gastro Center of Maryland offers all three to our Friendship Heights neighbors. We provide a wide range of services, including treatment for GERD, IBS, Crohn's disease, liver disease, and hemorrhoids. Our state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Centers feature advanced diagnostic tools such as Bravo pH Testing, PillCam Endoscopy, and STRETTA anti-reflux procedures. For patients managing inflammatory bowel disease, our dedicated IBD Infusion Center delivers biologic therapy treatments. Best of all, every care plan is built around you, never a one-size-fits-all template. We solve the nagging problems that disrupt daily life, from chronic bloating to stubborn reflux, with the kind of careful attention that turns first-time visitors into patients for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

What conditions do your gastroenterologists treat?

Our gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of digestive health issues, from common conditions like acid reflux (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to chronic diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. We also manage symptoms that might seem less urgent but can significantly impact your quality of life, including constipation, bloating, indigestion, and other digestive discomforts. Additionally, we provide preventive care through screenings like colonoscopies to help catch problems early.

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 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.

How to reach us from Friendship Heights

Getting to our Bethesda office from Friendship Heights is straightforward and quick. By car, from the Friendship Heights area, head north on Wisconsin Avenue, then connect to Old Georgetown Road heading northwest toward the Montgomery Mall area. Shields Drive is a short turn away. The drive usually runs about fifteen to twenty minutes depending on traffic. By bus, several Metrobus and Ride On routes run along Wisconsin Avenue and Old Georgetown Road. Board a route heading toward Bethesda or the Montgomery Mall area, exit near Old Georgetown Road, and a brief walk or transfer brings you to Shields Drive. Free on-site parking means you can arrive calm and ready for your appointment.

Schedule your visit today

Now that you know how close we are, there is no reason to keep living with discomfort that good gastroenterology care can put to rest. Whether you are facing stubborn reflux, ongoing IBS symptoms, or you simply want a screening for peace of mind, the team at Gastro Center of Maryland is ready to help Friendship Heights patients feel their best again. Relief often begins with one simple phone call, and that first conversation can lift a weight you did not even realize you were carrying. Call us today at (410) 290-6677 or visit our office at 5622 Shields Dr, Bethesda, MD 20817 to book your appointment. Your digestive health matters, and we are here to guide you toward feeling better, starting now.

410-290-6677 5622 Shields Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817

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.