To prepare for a visit with a gastroenterologist, bring a concise medical history, a current medication list, and any recent test results or imaging. We will use those details to make a clear diagnostic plan and to recommend next steps, whether that means lifestyle changes, testing, or a specialist procedure.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring these items so we can be thorough
- A list of current medications and supplements, including dose and how often you take them.
- Records of recent tests or imaging, such as upper endoscopy reports, colonoscopy reports or abdominal scans.
- A one week symptom diary if you have intermittent pain, reflux, bowel changes, or bloating.
- Your primary care summary if you have one, and the name of any other treating specialists.
- Insurance card and photo ID as required by our office intake process.
Bringing clear, dated test reports speeds diagnosis and reduces duplicate testing. If you have persistent heartburn or reflux, we recommend reading our GERD treatment options page for background before your visit GERD Treatment Options.
How we prepare before and during the visit
We start by reviewing your records and symptom timeline. Then we focus on the questions that change care decisions.
- Medical history review. We go over past surgeries, major illnesses, family history of GI disease, and prior procedures like colonoscopy.
- Medication and risk review. We check medications that can affect digestion or bleeding risk, including aspirin and anticoagulants.
- Symptom assessment. We ask about severity, timing, triggers, and any red flag symptoms such as unintentional weight loss or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Physical exam and initial plan. We perform a focused abdominal exam as appropriate and outline next steps, which may include labs, imaging, or referral for procedures.
We document shared decision making and explain why we recommend each test or referral. For a clear description of the services we provide, see our Gastroenterologist service page Gastroenterologist.
Medications and test preparation we will ask about
Tell us about prescription drugs, over the counter medicines, herbal remedies and supplements. Some medicines change how we test or treat you.
Bring the exact medication bottles or a printed list from your pharmacy when possible.
Key medication considerations:
- Blood thinners and some diabetes medications may require special handling before procedures.
- Acid reducing medicines such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers alter testing for Helicobacter pylori infection and reflux monitoring.
- Recent antibiotics can affect stool testing and breath tests.
Pro tip: Ask your pharmacist for a medication printout if you are unsure about doses. That saves time at intake and prevents mistakes.
Tests and procedures we might discuss
We do not perform procedures on the first visit unless clinically urgent. If testing is indicated, we will explain why, what it involves, and how to prepare.
Common tests we may recommend include blood work, stool studies, breath testing for H pylori, upper endoscopy, and colonoscopy. Each test has specific preparation steps and risk considerations we will review with you.
If you are preparing specifically for colonoscopy, our site includes a detailed preparation page that explains what to expect before and after the procedure Colonoscopy Preparation.
What good answers and records look like
Good information helps us avoid repeat tests and enables faster treatment. Effective records include dates, result summaries, and any pathology reports.
- Exact dates for prior colonoscopies or endoscopies and short summaries of findings.
- Copies of imaging reports rather than only radiology images, when available.
- A symptom calendar with approximate timing and severity, noting foods or medications that seem to help or worsen symptoms.
When to seek care sooner
Contact your primary care provider or seek urgent care if you experience sudden severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, black or bloody stools, fainting, or sudden unexplained weight loss. Those are reasons for more urgent evaluation and possible admission.
Watch out: New severe symptoms are not appropriate for delayed scheduling. Tell us about them when you call so the visit can be prioritized.
How we work with your primary care doctor and other specialists
We coordinate care with primary care physicians and other specialists. That may include shared reviews of imaging, medication adjustments, and joint planning for procedures.
If you are local to our office in Goshen, we will collaborate with your primary care team here in the Orange County area to ensure continuity of care. For location details and to learn which towns we serve, see our Goshen location page Goshen New York.
Key takeaway
Bring clear records, a current medication list, and a brief symptom timeline so we can focus the visit on diagnosis and next steps. That lets us spend time on what matters most for your digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
What should I tell you about my reflux or heartburn?
Describe how often symptoms occur, what makes them better or worse, any night time symptoms, and which medications you have tried. We will review prior tests and may discuss options from lifestyle changes to testing or procedures, as summarized on our GERD treatment page GERD Treatment Options.
Do I need to stop my medications before a procedure?
Some medications require temporary changes before procedures. We give precise instructions based on the specific medication and the planned test. Do not stop prescription medicines without speaking to us or your prescribing clinician.
How long will the first visit take?
Initial visits typically last 20 to 45 minutes depending on complexity. Allow extra time for paperwork and any necessary coordination of prior records.
What if I have trouble collecting prior records?
Bring whatever you have. We can request records from prior hospitals or clinics, but having a patient summary or recent reports is the fastest way to move forward.
Learn more and check our reviews
For background on specific treatments and procedures we may discuss, visit our Gastroenterologist service page and our topics on GERD and colonoscopy. To see patient reviews and get directions, check Dr. Alan R. Plumer, MD on Google Business Profile.