Best Gastroenterologists in Springfield
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Gastroenterology in Springfield
Definition and scope of gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the digestive system and its disorders. This field encompasses the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver.
Gastroenterologists are trained to manage a wide array of conditions, including but not limited to inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, colorectal cancer, hepatitis, and various functional GI disorders.
Importance of choosing the right gastroenterologist
Selecting an appropriate gastroenterologist is a significant decision that can greatly influence your health outcomes. A skilled and experienced gastroenterologist can provide accurate diagnoses, develop effective treatment plans, and offer valuable guidance on managing chronic digestive conditions.
Moreover, gastroenterologists play a key role in preventive care, particularly in the realm of colorectal cancer screening. Regular colonoscopies and other screening procedures performed by these specialists can detect potential issues early, often before they become serious health concerns.
Overview of gastroenterology services in Springfield
Springfield, Missouri, is home to a robust community of gastroenterology professionals. Based on the provided data, there are at least 15 practicing gastroenterologists in the area, offering residents a range of options for their digestive health needs.
The city boasts several major healthcare facilities that provide comprehensive gastroenterology services. Notable among these are Cox Medical Center South and Mercy Hospital Springfield, both of which are affiliated with multiple gastroenterologists mentioned in our data set. These institutions offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities for various gastrointestinal conditions.
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List of Gastroenterologists in Springfield
VS
American Board of Internal Medicine
Wm Beaumont Hosp, Gastroenterology Wm Beaumont Hosp, Internal Medicine (Residency Hospital)
Beaumont Hospital - Royal Oak Campus (Fellowship Hospital, 2003)
English
Lithuanian
Polish
Billings Clinic
Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital
Trinity Health Oakland Hospital
Gastroenterology
American Board of Internal Medicine
University Of Missouri / Gastroenterology Fellowship (Fellowship Hospital, 2013)
University Of Miami, Schiff Liver Institute Center For Liver Disease (Fellowship Hospital, 2009)
Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 2008)
University Of Sydney, Australia (Medical School, 2001)
English
Cox Medical Center South
Gastroenterology
American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Mayo Clinic Rochester (Fellowship Hospital, 1995)
Rush Presbyn St Luke'S Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1994)
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (Medical School, 1989)
English
Cox Monett Hospital
Cox Medical Center South
Colorectal Surgery
American Board of Internal Medicine
University MO Hospital (Fellowship Hospital)
University Ark School of Medicine (Residency Hospital)
University Ark School of Medicine (Internship Hospital)
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (Medical School, 1986)
English
Cox Medical Center South
Mercy Hospital Springfield
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Creighton University School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2004)
Creighton University School of Med|St Mary's Hosp-Yale University School of Medicine|St Mary's Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2002)
Yale University Prog/St Mary's Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1997)
Tulane University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1996)
English
Spanish
Atrium Health Navicent Peach
Atrium Health Navicent the Medical Center
Colorectal Surgery
Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery
American Board of Surgery
University of Kansas School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)
University Of Louisville / Louisville, Ky (Residency Hospital, 2011)
University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)
English
Cox Medical Center South
Texas County Memorial Hospital
Colorectal Surgery
American Board of Internal Medicine
University Kans (Fellowship Hospital)
University of Kansas Hospital (Residency Hospital)
University of Kansas Hospital (Internship Hospital)
University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1986)
English
Mercy Hospital Springfield
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
USF (Fellowship Hospital, 1998)
Allegheney Gen Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1997)
Cleveland Clinic (Internship Hospital, 1992)
Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Internship Hospital, 1992)
University of Missouri School of Medicine (Medical School, 1991)
English
Hindi
Cox Medical Center South
Gastroenterology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Kans University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 1989)
North Carolina Memorial Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1987)
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine (Medical School, 1984)
English
Cox Medical Center South
Cox Medical Center Branson
Ozarks Healthcare
Gastroenterology
American Board of Internal Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB / KING EDWARD MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical School)
English
Punjabi
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital-Lake Saint Louis
Parkland Health Center
Gastroenterology
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gastroenterologist in Springfield
Qualifications and credentials
Board certification
- Importance of American Board of Internal Medicine certification
- Example: Many top-rated doctors like Dr. Veslav Stecevic and Dr. Ravinder Mankoo are board-certified
Educational background and training
- Relevance of medical school and fellowship training
- Notable institutions: University of Missouri, Saint Louis University, Mayo Clinic
Experience and specialization
Years of practice
- Consideration of graduation years (e.g., Dr. Donald Nelson - 1977, Dr. David Geier - 1988)
- Balance between experience and up-to-date practices
Specific areas of expertise
- Subspecialties within gastroenterology (e.g., liver diseases, IBD)
- Example: Dr. Alex Befeler's specialization in Transplant Hepatology
Patient reviews and ratings
Importance of patient feedback
- Analysis of star ratings (e.g., multiple doctors with 5.0 ratings)
- Consideration of the number of reviews (e.g., Dr. Mohammad Titi with 14 reviews)
Interpreting online ratings
- Looking beyond just the numbers
- Reading detailed patient comments when available
Hospital affiliations
Significance of hospital connections
- Access to advanced facilities and technologies
- Coordination of care with other specialists
Notable hospitals in Springfield
- Cox Medical Center South
- Mercy Hospital Springfield
Insurance and accessibility
Checking insurance coverage
- Importance of verifying in-network status
- Potential out-of-pocket costs
Location and office hours
- Convenience of doctor's office location
- Availability of appointments and wait times
Top-Ranked Gastroenterologists in Springfield
Dr. Veslav Stecevic
Qualifications and Ratings
- 5.0 star rating with 5 reviews
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
- Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Beaumont Hospital - Royal Oak Campus
Practice Details
- Affiliated with multiple hospitals including Billings Clinic and Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital
- Speaks English, Lithuanian, and Polish
- Contact: (417) 875-3250
Dr. Ravinder Mankoo
Qualifications and Ratings
- 5.0 star rating with 1 review
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
- Graduated from University of Missouri / Columbia Campus
Practice Details
- Affiliated with Cox Medical Center South
- Speaks English
- Contact: (417) 875-3250
Dr. Donald Nelson
Qualifications and Ratings
- 5.0 star rating with 2 reviews
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
- Graduated from Saint Louis University / Health Sciences Center in 1977
Practice Details
- Affiliated with Mercy Hospital Springfield
- Speaks English
- Contact: (417) 820-5200
Dr. David Geier
Qualifications and Ratings
- 5.0 star rating with 6 reviews
- Graduated from University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1988
Practice Details
- Affiliated with Mercy Hospital Springfield
- Speaks English
- Contact: (417) 820-5200
Dr. Mohammad Titi
Qualifications and Ratings
- 4.9 star rating with 14 reviews
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
Practice Details
- Affiliated with Olathe Medical Center
- Speaks English
- Contact: (417) 875-3250
Additional Resources for Choosing a Gastroenterologist
Professional Organizations and Directories
American College of Gastroenterology
- Overview of the organization
- How to use their physician finder tool
Missouri State Medical Association
- Local resources for finding gastroenterologists
- Information on medical licensing in Missouri
Referrals and Recommendations
Primary Care Physician Referrals
- Importance of consulting your primary care doctor
- How to discuss your gastroenterology needs with your PCP
Patient Testimonials and Word-of-Mouth
- Value of personal experiences from friends and family
- How to gather and evaluate anecdotal information
Consultation Appointments
Scheduling Initial Consultations
- How to arrange meetings with potential gastroenterologists
- Preparing for your first appointment
Key Questions to Ask
- List of important questions for gastroenterologists
- How to assess communication style and patient rapport