What Does a GI Doctor Do? A Complete Guide to Gastroenterology in Brooklyn

By the IDCC Health editorial team

What Is a Gastroenterologist (GI Doctor)?

A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Often called GI doctors, they diagnose and treat conditions that affect how your body processes food and absorbs nutrients. According to the National Library of Medicine, the digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and removes waste. When something goes wrong, a GI doctor helps find the cause and create a treatment plan.

At IDCC Health, Dr. Cynthia Quainoo MD is a gastroenterologist who sees patients for a wide range of digestive issues, including acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, and colon cancer screening. GI doctors also perform procedures like colonoscopy and endoscopy to look inside the digestive tract. For example, many patients wonder whether a gastroenterologist can remove hemorrhoids during a colonoscopy. This depends on the type and location of the hemorrhoid. You can learn more in our article on whether hemorrhoids can be removed during a colonoscopy.

A gastroenterologist often works with other specialists to provide complete care. For instance, chronic abdominal pain may involve pain management or physical therapy for muscle tension. Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as motility disorders, may require a neurologist. Your primary care doctor coordinates overall health. At IDCC Health, we have a team including primary care physicians like Dr. Stella Geller DO, who can refer you to a GI specialist if needed. However, you do not need a referral to schedule a consultation with Dr. Quainoo. Our Brooklyn locations, including 445 Kings Highway and 2846 Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island, make it easy to get expert digestive care close to home.

Common Conditions a GI Doctor Treats

A gastroenterologist like Dr. Cynthia Quainoo MD at IDCC Health diagnoses and manages disorders of the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. According to MedlinePlus, common conditions include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer. GI doctors also treat liver conditions like hepatitis and fatty liver disease, as well as gallbladder issues and pancreatitis.

Many patients first see a GI doctor for persistent heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool. For example, GERD affects millions and can lead to complications like esophagitis if untreated. IBS causes cramping and changes in bowel habits without visible damage to the digestive tract. IBD involves inflammation that can damage the intestinal lining and requires long-term management. A gastroenterologist also screens for colorectal cancer, which can be detected early through routine screening. For more on related topics, see our articles on whether a gastroenterologist treats hernias and how hemorrhoids are managed during colonoscopy.

Because digestive health often overlaps with other body systems, a GI doctor may work alongside other specialists. Chronic abdominal pain may involve a pain management specialist, and conditions like gastroparesis can require input from a neurologist. Patients with complex needs may also benefit from services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, or psychiatry to address stress-related gut issues. At IDCC Health, we offer coordinated care across multiple specialties, including primary care, cardiology, gynecology, and podiatry, all at our Brooklyn locations such as 445 Kings Highway and 2846 Stillwell Avenue.

Acid reflux and GERD
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
Celiac disease and food intolerances
Colorectal cancer screening and prevention
Liver disease (hepatitis, fatty liver)
Gallbladder and bile duct disorders
Pancreatitis
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures
Swallowing disorders and esophageal conditions

When Should You See a GI Doctor?

You should consider seeing a GI doctor if you have ongoing digestive symptoms that do not go away with home care or over-the-counter treatments. Common signs include persistent heartburn, frequent abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks. A family history of colorectal cancer or other digestive conditions is another reason to schedule a visit, even without symptoms. At IDCC Health, you can book a consultation directly without a referral. For more details, see our article on whether you need a referral to see a gastroenterologist.

Your primary care doctor can help decide if it is time to see a GI specialist. For example, if you have chronic acid reflux unresponsive to medication, unexplained weight loss, or blood in your stool, a gastroenterologist can perform tests to find the cause. Dr. Cynthia Quainoo, a gastroenterologist at IDCC Health, sees patients at our 445 Kings Highway location. She works closely with other specialists, such as neurologists for conditions affecting the gut-brain connection, to provide comprehensive care.

Unexplained weight loss
Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing
Persistent nausea or vomiting
A family history of colon cancer or polyps

What to Expect at a Gastroenterology Appointment

If you have never seen a gastroenterologist before, the visit is similar to other medical checkups but focuses on your digestive system. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history of digestive conditions. They may also perform a physical exam that includes gently pressing on your abdomen to check for tenderness or swelling.

Before your appointment, you will receive instructions about eating and drinking. For many visits, you can eat normally. But for certain procedures, such as a colonoscopy, you need to follow a clear liquid diet and take a bowel preparation to clean out your colon. Our guide on Can I Eat Before a Gastroenterology Appointment? explains what you can and cannot eat beforehand. For routine checkups or follow-ups, fasting is usually not required.

During the visit, your gastroenterologist may recommend tests like blood work, stool studies, or imaging scans. If you need a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy, the doctor will explain the steps. For example, during a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look at the lining of your colon. Many patients ask whether hemorrhoids can be removed during a colonoscopy, our article Can Hemorrhoids Be Removed During a Colonoscopy? covers that topic. Your gastroenterologist will also discuss medications you take and may coordinate care with your Primary Care doctor or other specialists, such as a neurologist if you have a condition affecting both nerves and digestion.

You will be asked about your symptoms, diet, and family history.
A physical exam of your abdomen is common.
You may need to fast or follow a special diet before certain tests.
Your doctor may order blood work, stool tests, or imaging.
If a colonoscopy or endoscopy is needed, you will receive detailed preparation instructions.
Your gastroenterologist may work with your Primary Care provider or other specialists like a cardiologist or gynecologist if you have other health concerns.

Key Procedures: Colonoscopy and Endoscopy

Two of the most common procedures a gastroenterologist performs are colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. A colonoscopy examines the entire large intestine (colon) using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. An upper endoscopy looks at the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. Both procedures help diagnose conditions like acid reflux, ulcers, polyps, and colorectal cancer. Dr. Cynthia Quainoo, a gastroenterologist at IDCC Health, performs these procedures at our Brooklyn locations, including the office at 445 Kings Highway.

Many patients ask about what happens during a colonoscopy and whether other issues can be addressed at the same time. For example, our article on can hemorrhoids be removed during a colonoscopy explains that hemorrhoids are often visible but removal is usually handled separately. Another common question is about eating before the appointment. Since bowel preparation is critical for a clear view, we have a detailed guide on can I eat before a gastroenterology appointment that covers fasting instructions. These procedures are a key part of the comprehensive Gastroenterology services offered at IDCC Health, helping patients manage digestive health with precision and care.

How Your Care Team Supports Digestive Health

Digestive health involves many body systems working together. At IDCC Health, your care team includes specialists who coordinate with your gastroenterologist to address root causes. For example, Dr. Cynthia Quainoo MD often works closely with your primary care provider to manage conditions like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome. If you have chronic abdominal pain, a pain management specialist can help reduce discomfort without relying on medications that may upset your stomach. For pelvic floor dysfunction or muscle tension affecting digestion, physical therapy or rehabilitation services can provide targeted exercises.

The connection between your brain and gut is also important. Conditions like anxiety or depression can worsen digestive symptoms such as nausea or bloating. That is why your care team may include a psychiatrist or a neurologist to manage the nervous system’s role in gut function. Similarly, if you have diabetes or heart disease, your cardiologist or gynecologist may be involved to ensure overall health. For patients with foot or ankle problems that limit mobility, a podiatrist can help keep you moving, which supports overall digestive health. No matter where you live in Brooklyn, you can access these services at our locations, including 445 Kings Highway, 2846 Stillwell Avenue, or 201 Kings Highway, making it easier to get coordinated care under one roof.

Gastroenterology – leads the diagnosis and treatment of digestive conditions, including colon cancer screening with colonoscopy.
Primary Care – manages your overall health and coordinates referrals to specialists when needed. (Learn more in our article Do I Need a Referral to See a Gastroenterologist?)
Pain Management – uses non-surgical treatments to control chronic abdominal or pelvic pain.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy – address muscle tightness, posture, and daily activities that affect digestion.
Neurology – helps with conditions like gastroparesis or pelvic floor dysfunction linked to nerve problems.
Psychiatry – supports mental health to reduce stress-related digestive symptoms.
Cardiology, Gynecology, Podiatry – manage other health issues that can influence your digestive system.

Finding a Gastroenterologist in Brooklyn

If you are searching for a gastroenterologist in Brooklyn, you want a provider who listens, explains things clearly, and has experience with the full range of digestive conditions. At IDCC Health, patients can see Dr. Cynthia Quainoo MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist who treats issues like acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver concerns. She also performs colonoscopies for cancer screening and diagnostic endoscopies. The Gastroenterology department is designed to help you understand your symptoms and get the right care without unnecessary delays.

You do not need a referral to schedule a consultation. Many patients come directly after reading our guide on whether they need a referral to see a gastroenterologist. Others are referred by their Primary Care doctor, such as Dr. Stella Geller DO in Family Medicine, who coordinates overall health and can help decide when a specialist is needed. For complex cases, your care team may also include a neurologist for conditions like gastroparesis, or a cardiologist if heart issues affect your digestive system. Services like Pain Management and Physical Therapy can help with chronic abdominal pain or pelvic floor dysfunction that mimics GI problems.

IDCC Health has three convenient Brooklyn locations: 445 Kings Highway, 2846 Stillwell Avenue (Coney Island), and 201 Kings Highway. Whether you live near Coney Island or closer to Midwood, you can find a gastroenterologist close to home. For more details on what to expect, read our articles on whether you can eat before a gastroenterology appointment and whether a gastroenterologist treats hernias. These resources help you prepare and know what questions to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions About GI Care

Many patients have questions about what to expect from a gastroenterologist. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns. If you have a hernia-related issue, our article on whether a gastroenterologist can diagnose a hernia goes into more detail. For questions about hemorrhoids, read about whether they can be removed during a colonoscopy. And if you are wondering about preparation before your visit, check our guide on what to eat before a gastroenterology appointment.

You do not need a referral from a primary care provider to see Dr. Cynthia Quainoo or any other specialist at IDCC Health. For more on this, see our article on seeing a gastroenterologist without a referral. Patients often also ask about the difference between hepatology and gastroenterology, our comparison article explains the overlap and distinctions. For digestive health, you may also benefit from coordinated care with a primary care physician at our 445 Kings Highway office, and if you have associated pain, our pain management team can help.

What conditions does a GI doctor treat? A gastroenterologist treats disorders of the digestive tract, including acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver problems, and performs colon cancer screening with colonoscopy.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy? You will need to follow a clear-liquid diet and take a bowel-prep solution the day before. Your gastroenterologist, such as Dr. Quainoo at IDCC Health, will give you exact instructions. Avoid eating solid foods before the procedure.
Can a GI doctor help with chronic abdominal pain? Yes. A gastroenterologist works with your care team, which may include a neurologist for nerve-related pain or a physical therapist for musculoskeletal issues, to find the cause and plan treatment.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment? No. At IDCC Health, you can book a visit directly with a gastroenterologist at any of our Brooklyn locations, including 2846 Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island or 201 Kings Highway.
What other specialists might I see for digestive health? Depending on your condition, your gastroenterologist may recommend working with a cardiologist if heart issues affect your symptoms, a gynecologist for pelvic floor concerns, a podiatrist for foot problems linked to diabetes, or an occupational therapist for daily function. Psychiatry may also help if stress or anxiety contributes to your symptoms.
Are there non-surgical treatments for digestive problems? Yes. Many conditions can be managed with medication, diet changes, and rehabilitation services. Our rehabilitation team provides therapeutic services, and our occupational therapy department can help you adapt daily activities for better digestion.

Related Providers & Services

When to Seek Care Right Away

Symptoms that are severe, sudden, or rapidly getting worse
Fever along with pain or other new symptoms
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting
Numbness, weakness, or loss of function in an arm or leg
Any symptom severe enough to interrupt sleep, work, or daily activities for more than a few days

Sources

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.