- National recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as a LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader based on our organization-wide commitment to inclusivity. Go to Awards
- Specialized expertise from one of the nation’s first programs dedicated to the unique digestive health needs of LGBTQ+ people. Go to Conditions Treated
- Clinical trials to identify and improve disparities in health care for people of sexual and gender minorities. Go to Clinical Trials
- Comprehensive care from an experienced team with support from Stanford Health Care’s world-class network for complex needs. Go to Your Care Team
- Ease of access to specialized care in person and virtually through video visits from the comfort of your home. Go to Accessing Care
Our specialists provide care for all types of digestive health conditions. Your care may include preventive screenings to detect issues early, such as colon polyps, before they lead to problems. If you’re having GI symptoms, we provide any necessary testing to make an accurate diagnosis.
Some GI conditions are easily treated. Others are more advanced or require ongoing care. No matter the type of condition, we connect you with the care you need to improve your health and live your best life.
Some common digestive health conditions we treat include:
- Hepatitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Metabolic and bariatric surgery (for obesity and weight-related digestive conditions)
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
- Liver cancer
Our multidisciplinary team provides a full spectrum of care.
People of sexual and gender minorities face many challenges in getting the digestive health care they need. Distrust in the medical system is common, and can lead to delayed care and poorer health outcomes. What’s more, identifying as LGBTQ+ and having a digestive health disorder are both factors that can increase your risk of psychological issues and impact your quality of life.
Stanford Health Care is a premier medical provider for the LGBTQ+ community. Our dedicated LGBTQ+ digestive health team provides exceptional care while making sure you feel welcome and respected. In some cases, other Stanford Health Care specialists may be involved in your care, such as those in our General Gastroenterology Clinic or Liver Clinic. This collaborative approach ensures you have access to all the services and treatments you need for the highest level of care.
Treatments we offer include:
Our registered dietitians provide recommendations for dietary changes that can help improve GI symptoms. For example, a low FODMAP diet restricts certain carbohydrates that may contribute to IBS. Medical nutrition therapy involves tracking your reactions to certain foods and optimizing your diet based on those observations.
These therapies are based on the gut-brain connection, which is how your emotions affect your gut health (and vice versa). Meditation, hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy are just a few approaches we may recommend to help relieve digestive problems.
Pain can be a symptom of many digestive health conditions. Our Gastrointestinal (GI) Pain Clinic is a recognized Clinical Center of Excellence by the American Pain Society. We have a large team of pain management specialists who use a variety of traditional and innovative therapies to help you feel better quickly.
Your doctor may prescribe laxatives, antibiotics, fiber supplements, or other medications to ease your symptoms and help you heal. New classes of medications are also improving the lives of people with life-altering GI conditions, such as cancer and IBD. At Stanford Health Care, our doctors are involved in the development of some of these advanced treatments.
An endoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a thin tube (endoscope) through your mouth or rectum and into your GI tract. A camera and light at the end of the tube allow your doctor to examine your digestive organs. If they find an issue, they are often able to fix it using tiny tools they pass through the endoscope. Doctors use endoscopic procedures to treat many digestive health conditions, reducing the need for surgery.
In some cases, surgery is the best treatment option for a GI disorder. When surgery is needed, we partner with skilled surgeons to review your case and determine the best approach for you.
Whenever possible, we perform surgery using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy. In laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon makes several small incisions, through which they insert small tubes and instruments. A camera on one of the tubes sends images to a screen to guide the procedure. With minimally invasive surgery, patients typically have less pain and recover faster.
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
We emphasize a team approach to ensure the best possible care. You’ll benefit from a team of specialists who are leaders in gastroenterology, bariatric surgery, hepatology, endocrinology, and transplant medicine.
Our extended care team works together to provide support for all your physical and emotional needs and improve your well-being.
Your Doctors
Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the GI tract. Our gastroenterologists skillfully manage a broad range of GI conditions. Many also have subspecialty expertise in complex disorders.
View All {0} GastroenterologistsMetabolic & Bariatric Surgeon
Bariatric surgeons offer surgical procedures, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, to help people lose weight. They are part of our comprehensive weight loss program that offers personalized care based on your health needs.
View All {0} Metabolic & Bariatric SurgeonsHepatologist
Hepatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the liver. They have extensive training and experience in all stages of liver disease. Many also subspecialize in specific diseases.
View All {0} HepatologistsGastrointestinal Psychologist
GI psychologists are licensed clinical psychologists with advanced training in health psychology and psychogastroenterology. They have expertise in brain-gut behavior-directed therapies that can improve GI symptoms and help patients achieve a better quality of life.
View All {0} PsychologistsExtended Care Team
Endocrinologist
Endocrinologists diagnose and treat diseases that affect the endocrine system, which includes a wide range of hormone-producing glands and organs. Endocrinologists understand the complex role hormones play in regulating bodily processes and how to manage endocrine diseases and disorders.
View All {0} EndocrinologistsHepatobiliary Surgeon
These surgeons specialize in treating cancers of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. Cancer surgeons perform biopsies (taking tiny tissue samples) to test for cancer. They also surgically remove tumors and surrounding tissue to check them for cancer.
View All {0} Hepatobiliary SurgeonsTransplant Surgeon
A transplant surgeon specializes in transplantation surgery and coordinates the entire transplant team. Transplant surgeons see patients before a transplant and after surgery and discharge from the hospital.
View All {0} Transplant SurgeonsAdvanced Practice Providers
Our skilled physician assistants and nurse practitioners specialize in diagnosing and treating GI conditions. They see patients independently and occasionally alongside your provider. Advanced practice providers can give you a thorough exam, write prescriptions, and help prevent or treat issues.
View All Advanced Practice ProvidersRadiologist
A radiologist specializes in imaging technologies, including X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI. These doctors interpret imaging results to detect, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions. Radiologists with advanced body imaging training may perform image-guided biopsies and interventional procedures using MRI, CT, or ultrasound.
View All {0} RadiologistsNurses and Nurse Coordinators (RNs)
Nurses and nurse coordinators are registered nurses who coordinate with your care team. They guide you from your first contact through follow-up care and help you find counseling, financial, and other support services.
Care Coordinators
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance before and during your appointment.
- Medical assistants: Medical assistants work with our team to help provide care. They may prepare you for an examination, assist your doctor, or take your vital signs before your appointment.
- Patient care coordinators: Our patient care coordinators help you with scheduling appointments and accessing your lab results. They are your first line of contact before you see your provider and guide you throughout care.
- Patient access representatives: Patient access representatives can answer all your questions about health insurance coverage, help you apply for health insurance, and refer you to our financial counselors.
Research Coordinators
Many of our doctors participate in research efforts to advance the understanding of GI disorders and develop new treatments. Research coordinators help screen candidates for possible participation in clinical research trials.
Support Services
In addition to caring for your physical health, we also focus on supporting your emotional health. We offer you and your loved ones exercise and meditation classes, support groups, and other services to help with self-care during your treatment and recovery process.
We strive to make access to care as simple as possible. User-friendly virtual health tools and video appointments help you stay connected with your care team from home. We accept most insurance plans and offer discounted transportation, short-stay options, international travel, and translation services. We make it easy for you to get the care you deserve. Our team guides you through each step, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
Accessing care at Stanford Health Care is easy and convenient. We make every effort to coordinate your appointments so that you can see multiple providers, as needed, during a single visit. We guide you through the process, working with you to schedule treatments, arrange follow-up appointments, and resolve your concerns.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referral Information.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form and fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.
- Send referrals online
- Place radiology and lab orders
- View referral status
- Access medical records
