We use the terms GI doctor and gastroenterologist interchangeably: both refer to physicians trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the liver. In our practice, Dr. Alan R. Plumer, MD evaluates and manages everything from reflux and chronic stomach complaints to liver conditions such as fatty liver disease.
What the titles mean and why they sound different
The phrase GI doctor is a shorter, more casual way to say gastroenterologist. Both describe physicians who completed medical school, an internal medicine residency, and a gastroenterology fellowship to focus on the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. We use both terms depending on the setting and the audience.
How a gastroenterologist evaluates fatty liver disease
When patients ask about fatty liver disease, we explain that diagnosis and follow up rely on a mix of history, exam, blood tests, and imaging. We typically:
- Review risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and certain medications.
- Order liver function tests and other blood work to look for inflammation or alternative causes.
- Use ultrasound or elastography when imaging is needed to estimate fat and stiffness in the liver.
- Discuss lifestyle approaches, medication options when appropriate, and a monitoring plan tailored to your situation.
We do not perform lifestyle counseling as a substitute for diagnosis. Our role is to interpret results, identify causes, and coordinate care with primary care providers, dietitians, or hepatology colleagues when needed.
Pro tip: If your primary care doctor flags abnormal liver tests or mentions fatty liver, a gastroenterologist can help determine whether the cause is metabolic fatty liver, alcohol related, or another liver condition.
Tests and procedures you might expect
Common evaluations for suspected fatty liver or other digestive problems include blood tests, ultrasound, transient elastography, and sometimes additional imaging or endoscopy. We perform diagnostic colonoscopy and other procedures when indicated, and we coordinate care for complex liver cases with hepatology when needed.
For more about our procedural services and when we use them, see our Gastroenterologist page for details about the tests and scopes we offer: Gastroenterologist.
When to see a GI specialist in Goshen and Orange County
See a GI doctor if you have persistent symptoms such as ongoing abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue with abnormal liver tests, long term heartburn that does not respond to treatment, or changes in bowel habits. We serve adults in Goshen and the surrounding Orange County area and evaluate routine screening needs and complex GI problems.
Bring these to your visit
- Recent lab results and imaging reports when available
- A list of current medications, including over the counter supplements
- A concise symptom history, including when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
How we approach care differently for fatty liver disease
Fatty liver ranges from simple fat accumulation to inflammation that can progress to scarring. We focus on careful diagnosis, clear education, and measurable follow up. That includes coordinating with primary care for blood sugar and cholesterol control, discussing safe weight loss strategies, and using imaging or non invasive testing to track liver health over time.
Learn more about fatty liver disease and common evaluation steps on our topic page: Fatty Liver Disease.
Common questions patients ask before procedural care
Patients often want to know whether they will need a colonoscopy when evaluated for liver disease, or whether fatty liver itself changes screening schedules. Those decisions depend on age, screening history, and other risk factors. If a colonoscopy is recommended, we explain the reasons, the preparation, and the recovery process: Colonoscopy.
Key takeaway
A GI doctor and a gastroenterologist are the same type of specialist. We diagnose and manage digestive and liver disorders, and in Goshen our focus for fatty liver disease is careful testing, education, and coordinated follow up with other providers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a GI doctor different from an internist or primary care doctor?
No. A GI doctor or gastroenterologist is a physician who completed additional training after internal medicine to specialize in digestive diseases. Primary care doctors manage broad health needs and often refer patients to us for specialized testing or treatment.
Can a gastroenterologist treat fatty liver disease?
Yes. We evaluate causes, order appropriate tests such as liver function tests and imaging, and recommend monitoring or treatment plans. Some cases require collaboration with a hepatologist or other specialists.
What symptoms should prompt an urgent visit to a GI doctor?
Seek urgent care for sudden severe abdominal pain, jaundice with rapid onset, or signs of internal bleeding. For ongoing symptoms such as chronic heartburn, bloating, or abnormal liver tests, schedule an evaluation so we can begin a measured diagnostic plan.
Do you accept referrals from primary care doctors in the area?
Yes. We work closely with primary care providers across Orange County to coordinate diagnostic testing, follow up, and specialist referrals when needed.
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