We diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive tract and liver. At our practice led by Dr. Alan R. Plumer, MD, patients come to us in Goshen, New York for evaluation, testing, endoscopic procedures and long term management of conditions ranging from reflux to liver disease.
What a GI doctor does
A GI doctor, also called a gastroenterologist, evaluates symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent heartburn, chronic diarrhea, constipation, unexplained weight loss and abnormal liver tests. We use office assessment, laboratory testing, imaging and endoscopic procedures to find the cause and recommend treatment options.
When people ask whether they should see a specialist, the short answer is this: if common treatments are not helping, symptoms are persistent, or testing from primary care is inconclusive, a GI specialist can provide targeted testing and tailored treatment plans.
Benefits of seeing our GI doctor
- Comprehensive evaluation of digestive and liver symptoms, from reflux and dyspepsia to abnormal liver enzymes.
- Access to endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy and upper endoscopy for diagnosis and treatment.
- Integrated care that connects test results to a clear plan, including medical management and follow up.
- Focused attention on prevention, including screening for colon cancer and polyp detection.
- Coordination with primary care and other specialists when complex conditions require multidisciplinary care.
Our process
- Initial visit. We review your history, current symptoms, medications and prior test results. This builds the foundation for targeted testing.
- Testing plan. We order blood work, stool testing, imaging or specialized labs when needed. For screening and tissue diagnosis, we recommend endoscopic procedures.
- Endoscopic evaluation. When indicated we perform procedures such as colonoscopy or upper endoscopy to visualize the digestive tract, sample tissue and remove polyps. Learn more about our approach to colonoscopy on the colonoscopy service page.
- Diagnosis and options. After results are available we explain findings, treatment choices and follow up frequency. Recommendations cover medications, lifestyle changes and surveillance plans.
- Follow up and monitoring. We track progress, adjust therapy and schedule surveillance testing when appropriate, for example after polyp removal or for chronic liver conditions.
Watch out: Some digestive conditions are complex and require specialist interpretation. Descriptions of symptoms and test results matter, so bring prior records and a list of medications to your visit.
What good work looks like
Good gastroenterology care combines careful history taking, appropriate testing, clear explanation of results and a practical plan you can follow. For procedures, good work means safe preparation, courteous care in the procedure area, high quality visualization and clear documentation of findings and next steps. For colon cancer prevention we focus on complete polyp detection and appropriate surveillance intervals, guided by current standards.
Common problems we treat
Our practice manages a wide range of conditions, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease and acid related disorders.
- Dyspepsia and functional stomach complaints.
- Chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea.
- Inflammatory conditions and GI bleeding evaluation.
- Liver related concerns such as abnormal liver function tests and fatty liver disease.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a GI doctor?
Referral requirements vary by insurer. We can review your coverage and work with your referring provider. For practical directions to our location and to read patient feedback, see our primary location page.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy allows direct examination of the colon for polyps and other findings. The procedure includes preparation, sedation and recovery. For a practical guide to preparation steps see our colonoscopy preparation topic which explains what to expect and how to get ready.
Will an endoscopy be painful?
Endoscopic procedures are performed with sedation and monitoring. Many patients report little or no memory of the procedure. We discuss sedation options and recovery expectations before the procedure.
How is liver disease evaluated?
Liver evaluation often starts with blood tests and imaging, followed by specialist assessment when results are abnormal. Topics we cover include liver function tests and management of fatty liver disease and hepatitis.
Why choose Dr. Alan R. Plumer, MD
We provide focused digestive and liver care in Goshen. Our practice emphasizes clear explanations, evidence based recommendations and coordination with your broader health team. Dr. Plumer treats the full range of GI issues, from routine screening to complex diagnostic cases.
To learn more about our scope of care, review the dedicated gastroenterologist service overview or read about colon cancer screening on our topics page.
Service area
We are based in Goshen, New York and serve patients from the surrounding communities. For details about visiting our office and the services available at our location see our primary location page.
Related services and topics
We offer related specialty services to address specific needs. These include evaluation as a gastroenterologist, procedural care with colonoscopy, and liver focused assessment as a hepatologist. Read more about our colonoscopy service and explore topics such as colon cancer screening and colonoscopy preparation to prepare for care.
Next steps
Check our Google Business Profile to read patient reviews and get directions. For more about our services and topics, visit our services hub and topics hub.