Doctors of Colonoscopy: How to Choose the Right Doctor for Your Colonoscopy

28 Aug Doctors of Colonoscopy: How to Choose the Right Doctor for Your Colonoscopy

When people search for “doctors of colonoscopy,” they are usually looking for a qualified medical professional who performs colonoscopy procedures, explains the test, manages preparation, removes polyps when needed, and helps patients understand their results. Choosing the right doctor can make the entire experience easier and can also matter for the quality of the examination.

A colonoscopy is more than simply inserting a camera into the colon. A skilled colonoscopy doctor must prepare the patient correctly, examine the entire colon carefully, recognize different types of polyps and abnormal tissue, remove lesions safely when appropriate, document important findings, and recommend the correct follow-up.

In the United States, gastroenterologists perform many colonoscopies, although other appropriately trained physicians, including some colorectal surgeons, may also perform the procedure. The important point is not only the doctor’s specialty or title. Training, experience, quality measures, communication, facility standards, and the doctor’s ability to manage findings and complications all matter.

Colonoscopy remains an important tool for detecting colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. For adults at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45. Adults ages 45 to 75 should generally be screened, while screening from ages 76 to 85 should be individualized based on overall health, previous screening, and personal preferences.

This guide explains what doctors of colonoscopy do, how they are trained, what makes a high-quality colonoscopy, how to choose a doctor, what questions to ask, what to expect before and after the procedure, and when you may need a colonoscopy specialist.

What Does “Doctors of Colonoscopy” Mean?

“Doctors of colonoscopy” is not a formal medical specialty name. It is a phrase people may use when searching for doctors who perform colonoscopy procedures.

The medical professionals most commonly associated with colonoscopy are gastroenterologists. Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

A gastroenterologist may perform colonoscopies for several reasons. Some patients need screening because of their age. Others have symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss. Colonoscopy can also be used to monitor people who previously had polyps or certain bowel conditions.

Some colorectal surgeons also perform colonoscopy. These doctors have specialized training in diseases and surgical treatment of the colon, rectum, and anus.

The best doctor for a particular patient depends on the reason for the colonoscopy, the patient’s medical history, the complexity of the procedure, and the available expertise.

Who Usually Performs a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is generally performed by a physician who has received specialized training in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Gastroenterologists are among the most common colonoscopy doctors in the United States. Their training focuses heavily on digestive diseases and endoscopic procedures.

A colorectal surgeon may also perform colonoscopy, especially when a patient has known colorectal disease, complex polyps, a history of colorectal surgery, or another condition requiring specialized colorectal care.

In some healthcare settings, other physicians with appropriate endoscopic training may perform colonoscopy. What matters is whether the physician has adequate training, performs the procedure regularly, follows accepted quality standards, and has access to appropriate support if a complication occurs.

This is an important distinction because simply finding a doctor who “does colonoscopies” does not tell you everything about the quality of care.

What Does a Colonoscopy Doctor Actually Do?

A colonoscopy doctor has responsibilities before, during, and after the procedure.

Before the colonoscopy, the doctor reviews the patient’s medical history. This may include previous colonoscopies, medications, allergies, surgeries, heart or lung conditions, kidney problems, diabetes, blood-thinning medicines, and family history of colorectal cancer.

The doctor also determines why the colonoscopy is being performed.

A screening colonoscopy is performed to look for colorectal cancer or precancerous growths in people who may not have symptoms.

A diagnostic colonoscopy is performed to investigate symptoms or abnormal test results.

A surveillance colonoscopy is performed after previous polyps, colorectal cancer, or certain medical conditions to monitor the colon.

During the procedure, the doctor guides a flexible instrument called a colonoscope through the rectum and colon. The instrument contains a camera that sends images to a monitor. The doctor carefully examines the lining of the colon and rectum. NIDDK explains that colonoscopy can identify irritated tissue, ulcers, polyps, and colorectal cancer.

If a polyp is found, the doctor may remove it during the same procedure. Tissue can also be collected for laboratory examination.

Afterward, the colonoscopy doctor reviews the findings and explains what happens next.

Why the Skill of the Colonoscopy Doctor Matters

Patients sometimes assume that every colonoscopy is essentially the same.

It is not.

The quality of a colonoscopy depends partly on how carefully the doctor examines the colon. A doctor may technically reach the end of the colon but still provide a less effective examination if the bowel preparation is poor, the inspection is rushed, or abnormalities are not recognized.

Modern colonoscopy quality standards place strong emphasis on measurable performance.

The 2024 ASGE/ACG quality indicators identify several important measures, including adenoma detection rate, sessile serrated lesion detection rate, adequate bowel preparation, adherence to recommended screening and surveillance intervals, and cecal intubation rate.

This means patients should think beyond the question, “Is this doctor a gastroenterologist?”

A better question is:

“Does this doctor and this endoscopy center consistently provide high-quality colonoscopy care?”

That difference can help patients make better decisions.

What Is an Adenoma Detection Rate?

One of the most important colonoscopy quality measurements is the adenoma detection rate, commonly called ADR.

ADR refers to the percentage of appropriate colonoscopy patients in whom the doctor finds at least one conventional adenoma.

Adenomas are certain types of polyps that can become cancerous over time. Finding and removing these lesions can help prevent colorectal cancer.

The updated 2024 quality indicators raised the overall ADR performance threshold to at least 35% for the defined outpatient population, with sex-specific thresholds of at least 40% for men and 30% for women.

These numbers should not be interpreted as a simple score for judging one doctor without context. ADR is a quality measure calculated in defined patient populations, and individual patients may have different levels of risk.

Still, the larger lesson is valuable: colonoscopy quality can be measured.

Patients who are choosing between doctors may reasonably ask whether the physician or endoscopy practice tracks colonoscopy quality measures.

Why Bowel Preparation Is So Important

Even an excellent colonoscopy doctor cannot properly examine a colon that is poorly prepared.

Before colonoscopy, patients take a bowel preparation medication that causes frequent bowel movements and clears stool from the colon.

This is often the part patients like least.

However, bowel preparation is not just an inconvenience. It directly affects the doctor’s ability to see the colon lining.

ASGE patient guidance explains that split-dose bowel preparation is generally preferred because taking part of the preparation closer to the procedure can improve cleansing.

A poorly cleaned colon can hide polyps or other abnormalities. In some cases, inadequate preparation means the colonoscopy must be repeated earlier than originally planned.

This is why a good colonoscopy doctor should give clear preparation instructions rather than simply handing the patient a prescription.

The instructions should explain:

• What foods to avoid
• When to stop solid foods
• When to begin the bowel preparation
• When to take the second portion if split dosing is prescribed
• Which liquids are allowed
• When all liquids must stop
• How to handle regular medications
• What to do if vomiting occurs
• What to do if the preparation cannot be completed

Patients should follow their own doctor’s instructions because preparation plans can vary based on health conditions and the specific procedure.

What Should You Tell Your Colonoscopy Doctor Before the Procedure?

A colonoscopy doctor needs accurate information before the procedure.

Tell the medical team about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.

Blood-thinning medicines are particularly important to discuss because medication management may affect decisions about biopsy or polyp removal.

You should also tell the doctor if you have:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• High blood pressure
• Lung disease
• Medication allergies
• Previous anesthesia problems
• Previous difficulty with bowel preparation
• A history of bowel obstruction
• Previous colon surgery
• Previous polyps
• A personal history of colorectal cancer
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease

ASGE specifically recommends discussing medical conditions, allergies, medications, and previous bowel-preparation problems with the doctor.

Being honest and complete is one of the simplest ways to improve procedural safety.

How Long Does a Colonoscopy Take?

The actual examination commonly takes less than an hour, although the total time at the medical facility is longer.

NIDDK states that a colonoscopy usually takes less than one hour.

ASGE patient information describes many colonoscopies as taking about 30 to 45 minutes, although the exact time can vary.

The appointment also includes preparation before the procedure and recovery afterward.

The procedure can take longer when the doctor needs to remove several polyps, examine a difficult area, perform additional treatment, or manage an unexpected finding.

What Happens During a Colonoscopy?

Most patients receive medication through an intravenous line to help them relax or sleep.

You will generally lie on your side while the colonoscopy doctor carefully advances the colonoscope through the rectum and colon.

The scope has a camera and light. The doctor watches the images on a monitor.

Air or another gas may be introduced into the colon to improve visibility. You may experience pressure, bloating, or cramping.

The doctor slowly examines the colon while withdrawing the scope.

This withdrawal phase is particularly important because the physician carefully inspects the colon lining for abnormalities.

If a polyp is found, it may be removed using specialized instruments passed through the colonoscope.

If tissue needs to be examined, a biopsy may be taken.

The patient usually does not feel a biopsy because the inside lining of the colon does not sense pain in the same way as skin.

What Can Colonoscopy Doctors Find?

A colonoscopy can identify many different abnormalities.

These may include:

• Colon polyps
• Adenomas
• Sessile serrated lesions
• Colorectal cancer
• Inflammation
• Ulcers
• Bleeding sources
• Abnormal blood vessels
• Diverticular disease
• Changes related to inflammatory bowel disease
• Other abnormalities of the colon and rectum

Finding a polyp does not automatically mean cancer.

Most polyps are not cancerous. However, some types can develop into cancer over time.

This is one reason colonoscopy can be powerful as a preventive test: the doctor may find and remove a precancerous lesion before it becomes cancer.

Screening Colonoscopy and the Age of 45

One of the most important changes in U.S. colorectal cancer screening is that average-risk screening begins at age 45 rather than 50.

The USPSTF recommends screening adults ages 45 to 75 for colorectal cancer. For adults ages 76 to 85, screening should be selective and based on overall health, previous screening, and patient preferences.

However, not everyone should simply wait until age 45.

People with certain risk factors may need to begin screening earlier or follow a different schedule.

Examples include people with:

• A strong family history of colorectal cancer
• Certain inherited cancer syndromes
• Previous colorectal cancer
• Previous advanced polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease

If you have an increased risk, ask your doctor when screening should begin.

How to Choose the Best Doctor for a Colonoscopy

There is no single “best colonoscopy doctor” for every patient.

The right choice depends on your needs.

Start by checking whether the doctor is appropriately trained and performs colonoscopy regularly.

Then look beyond the doctor’s title.

Consider the following:

1. Training and Certification

Ask about the doctor’s medical specialty, training, and board certification.

A gastroenterologist with substantial endoscopy training is a common choice.

A colorectal surgeon may be particularly appropriate for patients with complex colorectal conditions.

2. Colonoscopy Experience

Ask how frequently the doctor performs colonoscopies.

Experience matters because colonoscopy is a technical procedure that requires skill in scope control, mucosal inspection, polyp recognition, and polyp removal.

3. Quality Measures

Ask whether the practice tracks quality indicators such as adenoma detection rate and cecal intubation rate.

The 2024 ASGE/ACG update places strong emphasis on measurable colonoscopy quality.

4. Bowel Preparation Practices

Ask whether the practice uses a split-dose preparation when appropriate.

Also ask how the office handles patients who previously had inadequate preparation.

5. Communication

A technically skilled doctor should still be able to communicate clearly.

You should feel comfortable asking questions.

A good doctor should explain why you need the procedure, what will happen, what risks exist, and what follow-up may be necessary.

6. Facility Quality

The doctor is only one part of the system.

The endoscopy center should have appropriate equipment, trained staff, infection-control procedures, recovery protocols, and emergency support.

7. Anesthesia and Sedation Planning

Ask who will manage sedation and what type of sedation is normally used.

Your medical history can influence the safest approach.

Questions to Ask Doctors of Colonoscopy

Before scheduling your procedure, consider asking:

“Why do I need this colonoscopy?”

“What type of colonoscopy will I have?”

“How often do you perform colonoscopies?”

“What quality measures do you track?”

“What is your adenoma detection rate?”

“What should I do if I cannot finish the bowel preparation?”

“What medications should I take or stop before the procedure?”

“Who will provide my sedation?”

“What happens if you find a polyp?”

“When will I receive the pathology results?”

“When should I have my next colonoscopy?”

These questions can help you understand both the procedure and the quality of the care you will receive.

Why the Colonoscopy Report Matters

After the procedure, you should receive documentation of the findings.

A useful colonoscopy report generally describes whether the examination reached the appropriate endpoint, the quality of the bowel preparation, findings, polyps removed, specimens collected, complications, and recommendations for follow-up.

The report may also include photographs.

The reason this matters is simple: the next doctor should be able to understand what happened during the procedure.

If you change healthcare systems later, a detailed report can be extremely useful.

What Happens If a Polyp Is Found?

Finding a polyp can be stressful, but it does not automatically mean that you have cancer.

Many polyps are removed during colonoscopy and sent to a laboratory.

A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope.

The pathology report helps determine what type of polyp was removed and whether it contains features that affect future screening.

The appropriate timing of the next colonoscopy depends on several factors, including the number, size, and type of polyps, the quality of the examination, and whether the polyps were completely removed.

This is why you should not assume that everyone needs another colonoscopy in exactly five or ten years.

Follow-up should be individualized according to the findings and current medical guidance.

Colonoscopy Doctors and Colorectal Cancer Prevention

One of the biggest benefits of colonoscopy is its ability to detect precancerous lesions.

Colorectal cancer often develops from abnormal growths in the colon over a period of years.

If a colonoscopy doctor identifies and removes certain precancerous polyps, the chain of events leading toward cancer can potentially be interrupted.

This makes colonoscopy different from many tests that only detect cancer after it has developed.

However, no medical test is perfect.

A high-quality colonoscopy reduces risk but cannot guarantee that cancer or every polyp will never occur.

This is why appropriate screening intervals, good bowel preparation, careful examination, and ongoing communication with healthcare professionals are all important.

What Are the Risks of Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is commonly performed and generally considered safe, but it is still a medical procedure.

Possible risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Abdominal discomfort
• Reaction to sedation or anesthesia
• Cardiopulmonary complications
• Perforation of the colon
• Problems related to bowel preparation
• Incomplete examination

Serious complications are uncommon, but they can occur.

ASGE notes that complications can include bleeding after biopsy or polyp removal and, rarely, perforation that may require emergency treatment or surgery.

Your individual risk depends on factors such as age, medical conditions, medications, the reason for the colonoscopy, and whether therapeutic treatment is performed.

The doctor should discuss relevant risks with you before the procedure.

When Should You Call the Doctor After Colonoscopy?

Mild bloating or gas can occur after colonoscopy.

However, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Contact your medical team urgently if you experience significant or worsening abdominal pain, heavy rectal bleeding, persistent vomiting, fever, severe weakness, fainting, breathing problems, or other concerning symptoms after the procedure.

If you are unsure whether a symptom is normal, contact the facility or physician rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself.

Doctors of Colonoscopy for People With Special Medical Needs

Some patients need additional planning.

For example, people taking anticoagulants may need specific medication instructions.

People with diabetes may need adjustments to meals or medications because of fasting.

Patients with kidney disease may require special consideration when choosing bowel preparation.

People with significant heart or lung disease may require additional anesthesia planning.

Patients with previous abdominal or colorectal surgery may have a more complicated procedure.

People with inflammatory bowel disease may require specialized surveillance strategies.

This is why the best colonoscopy doctor is not necessarily the person with the most advertisements or the highest number of online reviews.

For complex patients, relevant medical expertise is especially important.

Gastroenterologist vs. Colorectal Surgeon for Colonoscopy

Both can be excellent options, but their training and typical roles differ.

A gastroenterologist focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases throughout the digestive system and often performs a large volume of endoscopic procedures.

A colorectal surgeon specializes in diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus and performs surgical procedures involving these organs. Some colorectal surgeons also perform colonoscopy.

For routine screening, a qualified gastroenterologist is often an appropriate choice.

For a patient with a complex colorectal condition, known cancer, difficult polyps, or previous colorectal surgery, a colorectal surgeon or advanced endoscopy specialist may sometimes be particularly useful.

The correct choice depends on the patient’s situation.

What Is an Advanced Endoscopist?

An advanced endoscopist is a physician with additional expertise in complex endoscopic procedures.

Depending on their training, advanced endoscopists may perform procedures such as endoscopic ultrasound, ERCP, complex polyp removal, or other specialized interventions.

Most people having a routine screening colonoscopy do not necessarily need an advanced endoscopist.

However, if a patient has a large or difficult polyp, a complex lesion, or a condition requiring specialized endoscopic treatment, referral to an advanced specialist may be appropriate.

Can a Colonoscopy Be Done Without Full Anesthesia?

Different sedation approaches may be available.

Some patients receive moderate sedation, while others receive deeper sedation or anesthesia.

The exact approach depends on the facility, doctor, anesthesia team, patient preference, medical history, and local practice.

The important point is that patients should not assume that one sedation method is automatically better for everyone.

Discuss the options before the procedure.

Is Colonoscopy Painful?

Most patients do not experience severe pain during colonoscopy because medication is commonly used to reduce discomfort and awareness.

Some people experience pressure, bloating, cramping, or gas.

Individual experiences vary.

Fear of pain should not stop someone from discussing screening with a doctor. If anxiety is a concern, tell the medical team before the procedure.

The team may be able to explain the sedation process and provide reassurance about what to expect.

How Patients Can Make Their Colonoscopy Better

Patients play an important role in the success of the procedure.

The simplest and most valuable thing you can do is follow the bowel-preparation instructions carefully.

Take the preparation at the prescribed times.

Drink the recommended fluids.

Follow instructions about medications.

Arrange transportation if sedation or anesthesia is used.

Do not hide medical conditions or medications from your doctor.

Bring questions to your appointment.

Ask when and how you will receive pathology results.

These steps may seem small, but together they can make the experience safer and more effective.

Why Online Reviews Should Not Be Your Only Guide

Online reviews can tell you something about communication, scheduling, office staff, and patient experience.

But reviews usually cannot tell you whether a doctor has an excellent adenoma detection rate.

A patient may write a positive review because the appointment was quick and comfortable, while the most important clinical measures are not discussed.

Therefore, online reviews should be treated as one piece of information rather than the entire decision.

Medical training, experience, quality indicators, facility standards, and communication should also be considered.

Does a Famous Doctor Automatically Provide the Best Colonoscopy?

Not necessarily.

A well-known doctor may be highly qualified, but reputation alone does not prove that the procedure will be high quality for every patient.

Likewise, a doctor who is less famous may provide excellent care.

A better approach is to look for objective evidence of quality where available.

This is one of the most useful insights for people searching for “doctors of colonoscopy”: focus less on popularity and more on qualifications, experience, measurable quality, appropriate specialization, and patient-centered care.

How Technology Is Changing Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy technology continues to develop.

Modern colonoscopes provide high-resolution images that allow doctors to examine the colon lining in detail.

Image-enhancement technologies can help physicians identify subtle abnormalities.

Artificial intelligence is also being studied and increasingly used as an aid during colonoscopy. Computer-assisted detection systems may help identify certain polyps or lesions that could otherwise be missed.

However, technology should be viewed as an additional tool rather than a replacement for a skilled doctor.

A high-quality colonoscopy still depends on proper preparation, adequate examination time, careful inspection, good technique, accurate diagnosis, complete removal when appropriate, and appropriate follow-up.

The Importance of Complete Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is most useful when the doctor can adequately examine the intended portion of the colon.

One important quality measure is cecal intubation, which refers to reaching the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine.

The updated quality indicators recommend a cecal intubation rate of at least 95% as a performance target for colonoscopists, with certain measurement details depending on the practice and patient population.

An incomplete examination may require another test or another colonoscopy.

That is another reason quality measurement matters.

Why Withdrawal Time and Careful Inspection Matter

During colonoscopy, the doctor must carefully inspect the colon while withdrawing the scope.

A rapid procedure is not automatically a better procedure.

The goal should be an efficient but thorough examination.

Current quality guidance includes attention to withdrawal technique and examination quality because careful inspection gives the physician more opportunity to identify subtle lesions.

Patients should therefore avoid choosing a colonoscopy doctor based only on the promise of an unusually short appointment.

Fast is not always better.

Thorough and appropriate is the better goal.

What Makes a High-Quality Colonoscopy?

A high-quality colonoscopy can be thought of as a chain of several steps.

First, the procedure should be appropriate for the patient’s medical situation.

Second, the patient should receive clear preparation instructions.

Third, the colon should be adequately cleaned.

Fourth, the doctor should complete the examination when technically possible.

Fifth, the colon lining should be carefully inspected.

Sixth, suspicious polyps or lesions should be managed appropriately.

Seventh, the findings should be documented accurately.

Finally, the patient should receive a clear follow-up plan.

The 2024 ASGE/ACG quality update emphasizes that colonoscopy quality is not represented by one number alone. It includes multiple measures across the preprocedure, procedure, and postprocedure stages.

How Often Should You Have a Colonoscopy?

There is no single interval that applies to everyone.

For average-risk adults, colonoscopy is one of several colorectal cancer screening options.

The interval after a normal colonoscopy may differ from the interval after polyps are found.

Patients with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer may need a different schedule.

Patients with certain inherited conditions or inflammatory bowel disease may require specialized surveillance.

Therefore, do not choose your next colonoscopy date based on a general internet article alone.

Your doctor should recommend the interval based on your individual risk and the findings from your examination.

What If You Are Afraid of Colonoscopy?

Fear is extremely common.

Some people worry about embarrassment.

Others are concerned about the bowel preparation.

Some fear pain, anesthesia, or receiving bad news.

These concerns are understandable.

Talking openly with the colonoscopy doctor can make the process easier.

Ask exactly what will happen.

Ask what sedation will be used.

Ask how the bowel preparation works.

Ask how long recovery will take.

Ask when you will receive the results.

Knowing what to expect can make an unfamiliar medical procedure feel much more manageable.

The Most Important Lesson When Choosing Doctors of Colonoscopy

The phrase “doctors of colonoscopy” can make the decision sound simple: find someone who performs colonoscopy.

But the real question is more important:

“Who can provide a high-quality colonoscopy that is appropriate for my medical needs?”

That question leads to better decision-making.

Look at training.

Look at experience.

Ask about quality measures.

Consider the endoscopy center.

Understand who provides sedation.

Ask how the practice handles pathology and follow-up.

Most importantly, choose a doctor who listens to you and explains the procedure clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctors of Colonoscopy

1. What type of doctor should I see for a colonoscopy?

A gastroenterologist is one of the most common choices for colonoscopy in the United States. Some colorectal surgeons also perform colonoscopy. The best choice depends on your reason for the procedure, medical history, and whether the case is routine or complex.

2. Should I ask my colonoscopy doctor about their adenoma detection rate?

Yes. Adenoma detection rate is an important quality measure for colonoscopy. The updated ASGE/ACG quality indicators use an overall threshold of at least 35% for the defined outpatient population, with sex-specific performance thresholds of at least 40% for men and 30% for women.

3. Can a colonoscopy doctor remove a polyp during the same procedure?

Often, yes. Many polyps can be removed during colonoscopy using instruments passed through the colonoscope. The tissue may then be sent to a laboratory for pathology testing.

4. Do doctors of colonoscopy treat conditions other than colorectal cancer?

Yes. Colonoscopy can help investigate and manage several digestive problems, including bleeding, unexplained changes in bowel habits, inflammatory conditions, polyps, ulcers, and other abnormalities of the colon and rectum.

5. What should I do if I cannot finish my bowel preparation?

Contact your doctor’s office or endoscopy center for instructions. Do not simply assume that the procedure can proceed normally. Inadequate preparation can make it difficult for the doctor to see the colon clearly and may require the procedure to be rescheduled.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctors of colonoscopy is about much more than finding someone who owns a colonoscope or performs the procedure regularly. A high-quality colonoscopy involves appropriate screening, careful preparation, skilled examination, accurate detection and removal of abnormal tissue, safe sedation, detailed documentation, and proper follow-up. For many U.S. adults, colorectal cancer screening begins at age 45, making it important to understand your options and discuss them with a qualified healthcare professional.

When choosing a colonoscopy doctor, look beyond online popularity. Consider training, experience, measurable quality indicators, facility standards, communication, and your personal medical needs. The strongest doctor-patient relationship is one in which you feel comfortable asking questions and understand why the procedure is recommended