Best Gastroenterologists in Visalia

Introduction to Gastroenterology in Visalia

Definition and scope of gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the digestive system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Gastroenterologists in Visalia are equipped to address a wide range of conditions, from common issues like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome to more complex diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver cirrhosis, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Importance of choosing the right gastroenterologist

Selecting the appropriate gastroenterologist is an essential step in managing your digestive health. The right specialist can significantly influence the accuracy of your diagnosis and the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

In Visalia, gastroenterologists play a key role in preventive care, offering important screenings such as colonoscopies for colorectal cancer prevention. Regular check-ups with a trusted gastroenterologist can lead to early detection and more successful treatment outcomes for various digestive conditions.

Overview of Gastroenterologist Selection in Visalia

Factors to consider when choosing a doctor

Qualifications and board certifications

• Review American Board of Internal Medicine certifications
• Consider additional specializations within gastroenterology

Experience and education

• Examine medical school background and residency information
• Look for fellowship training in gastroenterology

Patient ratings and reviews

• Analyze star ratings from platforms like Healthgrades
• Consider the number of reviews when assessing overall rating

Language capabilities

• Identify doctors who speak languages other than English if needed
• Note multilingual capabilities for better communication

Available resources for doctor search in Visalia

Online platforms

• Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
• Check other reputable medical review websites

Local medical associations

• Contact Visalia medical groups for recommendations
• Seek referrals from primary care physicians

Hospital networks

• Research gastroenterologists affiliated with local hospitals
• Consider doctors' hospital privileges for potential procedures

Top-Ranked Gastroenterologists in Visalia

Dr. Shirley Pua

Qualifications and Experience

• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Education: University of Santo Tomas (Medical School, 1981)
• Residency at University TX MED BRANCH HOSPS and University Tx Med School At Houston

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Star rating: 3.0 out of 5
• Based on 20 patient reviews
• Highest-rated gastroenterologist in Visalia according to available data

Practice Information

• Phone number: (559) 738-7532
• Languages spoken: English
• Gender: Female

Dr. Neshan Tabibian

Qualifications and Experience

• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Education: UNIVERSITY OF VALENCIA / SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY (Medical School, 1975)

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Star rating: 3.0 out of 5
• Based on 2 patient reviews

Practice Information

• Phone number: (559) 733-5222
• Languages spoken: English
• Gender: Male

Dr. Bankim Dalal

Qualifications and Experience

• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Education: GOA UNIVERSITY / GOA MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical School, 1978)
• Specializes in both Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Star rating: 2.7 out of 5
• Based on 11 patient reviews

Practice Information

• Phone number: (559) 635-2262
• Languages spoken: English, Gujarati
• Gender: Male

Additional Notable Gastroenterologists

Dr. Ching-Fong Wu

• Specializes in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine
• Education: Western University of Health Sciences (Medical School, 1993)
• Languages spoken: English, Chinese
• Star rating: 2.0 out of 5 (18 reviews)

Dr. Alvin Au

• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Education includes fellowship and residency training
• Languages spoken: English, Mandarin
• Star rating: 1.9 out of 5 (39 reviews)

Additional Considerations for Selecting a Gastroenterologist

Language Preferences

Multilingual Doctors in Visalia

• Dr. Bankim Dalal (English, Gujarati)
• Dr. Ching-Fong Wu (English, Chinese)
• Dr. Alvin Au (English, Mandarin)
• Dr. Bahman Falakassa (English, Arabic, Persian)

Importance of Clear Communication

• Benefits of speaking with your doctor in your preferred language
• How language compatibility can improve patient outcomes

Specializations and Procedures

Areas of Expertise

• Identifying doctors with specific focus areas within gastroenterology
• Matching doctor specializations with your specific health concerns

Available Treatments and Procedures

• Inquiring about the range of services offered by each doctor
• Considering doctors who offer advanced or specialized procedures if needed

Practical Considerations

Office Location and Accessibility

• Proximity to your home or workplace
• Availability of public transportation or parking

Appointment Availability

• Wait times for new patient appointments
• Flexibility in scheduling (e.g., evening or weekend hours)

Insurance and Payment Options

• Verifying insurance acceptance with specific doctors
• Inquiring about self-pay rates or payment plans if needed