Gastroenterologists in Durham, NC
Compare 84 gastroenterologists in Durham, NC. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
84
Gastroenterologists
100%
Accepting patients
80%
Most common: MD
Top-Rated Gastroenterologists in Durham, NC
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Specialty: gastroenterologistState: NCCity: Durham
About gastroenterologists in Durham, NC
Durham is a Duke town when it comes to healthcare. Duke University Hospital is a top-10 nationally ranked medical center, and the Duke Health system is by far the dominant provider in the city. For residents who need something beyond what Duke offers locally, UNC Chapel Hill is only 15 minutes west. The concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in Research Triangle Park means the area attracts physicians who want to be near research.
Durham has 84 gastroenterologists. The most common credential is MD (80%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Downtown Durham, Brightleaf District, Ninth Street, and Trinity Park.
Durham is compact compared to Raleigh and Charlotte. Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital are both within a few miles of downtown. Most medical offices cluster along Erwin Road near the Duke campus or along NC-147 (Durham Freeway). Getting to UNC Chapel Hill is a straight shot west on I-40. The area is small enough that most drives to medical appointments are under 15 minutes.
Nearby hospitals include Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Durham VA Health Care System. Local training programs run through Duke University School of Medicine and North Carolina Central University. Duke University Hospital is consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the nation.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is the dominant carrier, with strong Duke Health network coverage. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are common through large employers and the biotech sector. NC Medicaid through WellCare and AmeriHealth Caritas covers Duke Regional and community health centers. Duke's employee health plan is one of the largest in the Triangle. 65% accept Medicare.
What to expect at your first gastroenterologist visit in Durham, NC
The first visit includes a thorough review of your symptoms, diet, bowel habits, and medical history. The GI doctor may order blood work, stool tests, or imaging. If a colonoscopy or endoscopy is needed, they will schedule it separately and explain the preparation. Procedures are done under sedation and typically take 20 to 45 minutes. You will need someone to drive you home afterward.
Tips for Durham, NC patients
Duke Health dominates the local market. If your insurance covers Duke, it simplifies referrals and records. If not, Duke Regional Hospital and community health centers offer broader insurance acceptance.
When to see a gastroenterologist
See a gastroenterologist for persistent heartburn or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, chronic abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, blood in your stool, chronic diarrhea or constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), abnormal liver tests, hepatitis, celiac disease, or when it is time for a screening colonoscopy. Your PCP may refer you after initial evaluation.
Typical costs
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Screening colonoscopy: $0 (preventive) · Diagnostic colonoscopy: $1,500-4,000 · Upper endoscopy: $1,000-3,000
Common reasons to see a gastroenterologist in Durham, NC
The Research Triangle's pharmaceutical and biotech concentration means Durham residents sometimes have access to clinical trials not available elsewhere. Ask your Duke provider about trial eligibility for chronic conditions.
Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
Frequent heartburn that does not respond to over-the-counter antacids may be gastroesophageal reflux disease. A gastroenterologist evaluates the severity and recommends treatment to prevent long-term esophageal damage.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis require ongoing management by a gastroenterologist who monitors disease activity, adjusts medications, and performs colonoscopies to assess the health of your intestinal lining.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS causes bloating, cramping, and unpredictable bowel habits that interfere with daily life. A gastroenterologist confirms the diagnosis and helps you find dietary and medical strategies that bring relief.
Colonoscopy screening
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, now recommended starting at age 45. A gastroenterologist performs the procedure and removes precancerous polyps before they become dangerous.
Liver disease
Elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis all fall within a gastroenterologist scope. Early detection and management prevent progression to liver failure.
Browse gastroenterologists by neighborhood in Durham
Frequently asked questions about gastroenterologists in Durham, NC
Durham, NC has 84 licensed gastroenterologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of gastroenterologists in Durham, NC are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has the broadest network and covers most Duke providers. Some Duke specialists may require prior authorization. NC Medicaid is accepted at Duke Regional and Lincoln CHC.
An office visit copay is $30 to $75. A screening colonoscopy is $0 (preventive). A diagnostic colonoscopy costs $1,500 to $4,000. An upper endoscopy runs $1,000 to $3,000. Actual costs in Durham, NC depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Screening colonoscopies must be billed as preventive to be covered at 100%. If polyps are found and removed, the procedure should remain coded as screening. Verify that the endoscopy center and anesthesiologist are both in-network.
Duke Health is the primary system in Durham. Duke University Hospital handles complex and specialty care, while Duke Regional Hospital provides community-level services. For non-Duke options, Lincoln Community Health Center and UNC Health (in nearby Chapel Hill) are alternatives.
65% of gastroenterologists in Durham, NC accept Medicare. Medicare covers screening colonoscopies every ten years for average-risk patients (no cost-sharing). Diagnostic colonoscopies and other GI procedures are covered with standard Part B cost-sharing. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Some gastroenterologists in Durham, NC accept NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities), the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers screening colonoscopies and medically necessary GI services. Coverage details for newer medications (biologics for IBD) vary by state formulary. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities) participation before scheduling.
No. Duke provides primary care, routine specialist visits, and urgent care alongside its nationally ranked specialty programs. Duke Primary Care has offices throughout Durham for everyday medical needs.
Durham's Lincoln Community Health Center accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and offers sliding-scale fees. UNC Health facilities in Chapel Hill (a 15-minute drive) may also be in your network. Duke Regional Hospital accepts a broader range of plans than the main Duke campus.
Nearby Cities
Other specialties in Durham
Insurance & Gastroenterologist coverage
Top accepted carriers in Durham, NC include unitedhealthcare, medicare, cigna, qhp-11512, and centene.
Screening colonoscopies are covered at 100% as preventive care under the ACA with no copay (for average-risk patients starting at age 45). If polyps are found and removed during a screening, the procedure should still be billed as preventive. Diagnostic colonoscopies (ordered for symptoms) are subject to your deductible and copay. Verify the endoscopy center is in-network separately from the doctor.