Gastroenterology in Birmingham, AL
Find Your Gastroenterologist at UAB Medical West
Gastroenterology Birmingham, AL
Your digestive system does more than process food. It plays a central role in your energy, your immune function, and your overall sense of wellbeing. When something isn’t right, whether it’s persistent heartburn, unexplained abdominal pain, or a change in your bowel habits that just won’t resolve — it affects everything.
At UAB Medical West, our gastroenterology team provides comprehensive digestive health care for patients across the Birmingham area and West Jefferson County. Our experienced GI specialists are committed to delivering patient-centered care from your first consultation through diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management, helping you understand what’s happening and find a path toward feeling better.
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What Is a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the digestive tract and related organs including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
While your primary care provider is a good first point of contact for many health concerns, some digestive symptoms require a deeper level of evaluation that goes beyond what a general practice can provide. A gastroenterologist has specialized training in both the medical and procedural aspects of GI care, including diagnostic endoscopy, which allows them to directly examine the lining of the digestive tract and identify problems that imaging alone cannot always detect.
If your symptoms have persisted, returned after treatment, or simply don’t have a clear explanation yet, a gastroenterology consultation is often the right next step.
Conditions Our GI Team Evaluates and Treats
Digestive symptoms are easy to dismiss, until they start interfering with your daily life. Our gastroenterology team evaluates and treats a wide range of conditions, including:
If you are experiencing a digestive symptom that isn’t on this list, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team evaluates a broad range of GI concerns and will work with you to determine the appropriate course of care.
Gastroenterology Procedures
Gastroenterologists are trained in both the diagnosis and procedural treatment of digestive conditions. Many GI procedures are minimally invasive, performed on an outpatient basis, and require little to no recovery time.
Common procedures our team performs include:
Colonoscopy — A thorough examination of the large intestine used to screen for colorectal cancer, detect polyps, and evaluate symptoms such as rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) — A procedure used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine to diagnose conditions such as GERD, ulcers, and Barrett’s esophagus
Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy — Used to both identify and, in many cases, treat GI conditions in a single procedure
UAB Medical West is home to a dedicated Endoscopy and GI Lab on campus, meaning patients can receive both specialist consultations and procedural care in one convenient location, without needing to travel to a separate facility for testing.
Convenient GI Care in Bessemer, AL
UAB Medical West’s gastroenterology services are located at our main campus in Bessemer, AL with additional primary care locations throughout West Jefferson County where your GI concerns can be first evaluated and referred.
Our on-campus Endoscopy and GI Lab means that patients receiving gastroenterology care at UAB Medical West benefit from having specialist evaluations and procedural services under one roof. There is no need to schedule procedures at a separate facility or coordinate across multiple locations.
We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Viva, and Health Springs. If you have questions about coverage before your first appointment, our team is happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, your primary care provider will refer you to a gastroenterologist after evaluating your symptoms. Some insurance plans also require a referral for specialist visits. If you are unsure, contact our team at (205) 481-7384 and we’ll help guide you through the process.
Current guidelines recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, your doctor may recommend starting earlier. Talk to your primary care provider or contact our gastroenterology team to determine the right timing for you.
Colonoscopy preparation involves following a specific diet and taking a bowel-cleansing preparation the day before the procedure. UAB Medical West provides detailed prep instructions for patients scheduled for a colonoscopy. You can find those instructions on our Patient Preps page or ask our team when you schedule your appointment.
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) are two distinct conditions that are often confused. IBS is a functional disorder — meaning the bowel works differently but shows no signs of inflammation or structural damage on testing. IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract and is diagnosed through endoscopy and imaging. Both conditions are evaluated and managed by gastroenterologists.
The procedure itself typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. However, patients should plan for a longer visit overall to allow time for check-in, preparation, the procedure, and a brief recovery period before discharge. Because sedation is used, you will need a driver to take you home afterward.
Yes. UAB Medical West’s main campus is located at 5000 Medical West Way in Bessemer, AL, serving patients throughout West Jefferson County and the greater Birmingham area. Our on-campus Endoscopy and GI Lab allows patients to receive specialist care and GI procedures without traveling to a separate facility.
