The 20 Best Painful Swallowing Doctors Near Me in California, US

Find the Top Painful Swallowing Experts and Specialists

The 20 Best Painful Swallowing Doctors in California, US

Last Updated: 02/22/2026

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MediFind found 3605 doctor with experience in Painful Swallowing near California, US. Of these, 3015 are Experienced, 515 are Advanced and 74 are Distinguished.

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3,605 providers found
    Sivakumar R. Munnangi
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Sivakumar R. Munnangi, MD Private Practice

    386 W Olive Ave, Ste A, 
    Merced, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist who operates own private practice and endoscopy center in Merced, CA. Dr. Munnangi is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Hemorrhoids, Diverticular Disease, Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy.

    Atul B. Vachhani
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    We understand that visiting the gastroenterologist may be a new experience for you and that you may be in pain or worried about your health. That?s why all the staff at the Santa Maria Digestive Diagnostic Center and Santa Maria Gastroenterology focus on making you feel comfortable and confident in our care. Our physicians and our medical team take extra care to listen to your concerns, answer all your questions and thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options. Dr. Vachhani is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gardner Syndrome, Turcot Syndrome, Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy.

    Rajeev Krishan
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Rajeev Krishan, MD Private Practice

    9900 Stockdale Hwy, Ste 208, 
    Bakersfield, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Farsi, Gujarati , Urdu
    Accepting New Patients

    Rajeev Krishan is a Gastroenterologist in Bakersfield, California. Dr. Krishan is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Gastric Dysmotility, Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Gastrectomy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Krishan is currently accepting new patients.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Vino Verghese
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Burlingame Center

    1501 Trousdale Drive, Building B, 2nd Floor, 
    Burlingame, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Vino Verghese is a Gastroenterologist in Burlingame, California. Dr. Verghese is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Endoscopy, and Pancreatectomy. Dr. Verghese is currently accepting new patients.

    Jeffrey B. Mundorf
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Gastroenterology - Dignity Health - San Luis Obispo, CA

    1551 Bishop Street, Suite 230, 
    San Luis Obispo, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Board Certification: Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine, GastroenterologyFellowship Training: Duke University Medical CenterInternship and Residency: University of California, San Diego Medical CenterMedical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical SchoolProfessional Memberships: Member, American Gastroenterological AssociationMember and Fellow, American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mundorf is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Lower Esophageal Ring, Benign Esophageal Stricture, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Ronald J. Philipp
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Family Medicine | Geriatrics
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Family Medicine | Geriatrics

    Ronald J. Philipp, D.O., Profes. Corp.

    2255 Lakewood Blvd, 
    Long Beach, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Ronald Philipp is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine and Geriatrics in Long Beach, California. Dr. Philipp is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Malnutrition, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Painful Swallowing, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Philipp is currently accepting new patients.

    Jonathan L. Riegler
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Pacific Central Coast Health Centers

    1255 Las Tablas Rd, Suite 201, 
    Templeton, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Dr. Jonathan Riegler is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Medical Education: University of Michigan Medical SchoolInternship and Residency: Duke UniversityFellowship: University of California, San FranciscoDr. Riegler's Care Philosophy: “I strive to recognize and understand the complex issues involved in the physician- patient relationship and try to treat patients in the way I'd want me or my family members treated.” When he's not working Dr. Riegler enjoys Cycling and traveling. Dr. Riegler is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gardner Syndrome, Colonoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Mick S. Meiselman
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Sansum Clinic Pueblo Multi-Specialty Clinic

    317 West Pueblo Street, 
    Santa Barbara, CA 
    Experience:
    47+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Mick Meiselman is a Gastroenterologist in Santa Barbara, California. Dr. Meiselman has been practicing medicine for over 47 years and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Bile Duct Obstruction, Cholestasis, Pancreatectomy, and Endoscopy.

    Paramvir S. Rahal
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Paramvir S. Rahal, M.D., Inc.

    9802 Stockdale Hwy, Ste 102, 
    Bakersfield, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Paramvir Rahal is a Gastroenterologist in Bakersfield, California. Dr. Rahal is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Lower Esophageal Ring, Benign Esophageal Stricture, Menetrier Disease, and Viral Gastroenteritis. Dr. Rahal is currently accepting new patients.

    Keval D. Shah
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Dr. Keval Shah is board certified in Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Internal Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at St. John Providence Health System in Detroit, Michigan. Following residency, he completed his Gastroenterology & Hepatology fellowship at Beaumont Health System in Detroit, Michigan. During his fellowship, he received special training in both Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Hepatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He was also selected as a fellow under the American Neurogastroenterology Motility Society where he received advanced clinical training in Motility at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Shah's interests include nutrition and weight loss, esophageal disorders, reflux disease and management, colorectal cancer screening, and providing patients with a holistic approach to their gastrointestinal care.Dr. Keval Shah was born and raised in California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Human Biology from Pitzer College in Claremont, CA. He studied abroad in Costa Rica and Nicaragua where he spent time working in Emergency Medicine and became fluent in Spanish. He played tennis while in Claremont and was chosen as an NCAA Scholar-Athlete. He then attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences/COMP in Pomona, CA. Upon medical school graduation, he was awarded the prestigious San Miguel Scholarship.When not practicing Gastroenterology, Dr. Shah enjoys spending time with his wife and two beautiful children. He enjoys playing basketball and tennis during his free time. Other hobbies include martial arts. Dr. Shah competed in the 1996 Junior Olympics and has both a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do as well as a first-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate.Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity.— Hippocrates. Dr. Shah is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Indigestion, Gastric Dysmotility, Childhood Volvulus, Endoscopy, and Thrombectomy.

    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology | Internal Medicine
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology | Internal Medicine
    2001 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1286W, 
    Santa Monica, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Sean Lai is an Internal Medicine specialist and a Gastroenterologist in Santa Monica, California. Dr. Lai is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Esophagitis, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Swallowing Difficulty, Gastrostomy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Lai is currently accepting new patients.

    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Kern Gastroenterology Med Group

    5959 Truxtun Ave, Ste 200, 
    Bakersfield, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Robin Matuk is a Gastroenterologist in Bakersfield, California. Dr. Matuk is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Hiatal Hernia, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Diverticular Disease, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Matuk is currently accepting new patients.

    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Island View Gastroenterology Associates

    168 N Brent St Ste 404, 
    Ventura, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Kip Lyche is a Gastroenterologist in Ventura, California. Dr. Lyche is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Esophageal Varices, Enlarged Liver, Visceromegaly, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Lyche is currently accepting new patients.

    Peter Belafsky
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery

    Office

    2521 Stockton Blvd Ste 6201A, 
    Sacramento, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Peter Belafsky is a General Surgeon in Sacramento, California. Dr. Belafsky is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Swallowing Difficulty, Laryngitis, Painful Swallowing, Laryngectomy, and Endoscopy.

    Vyvy N. Young
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology

    Gender Affirming Health Program

    1725 Montgomery St., Suite 250, 
    San Francisco, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. VyVy Young is an otolaryngologist who cares for patients with disorders affecting voice, breathing, coughing or swallowing. Her many interests include the aging voice, vocal cord growths (both cancerous and noncancerous), vocal cord surgery, vocal cord paralysis, spasmodic dysphonia (spasming of voice-related muscles), airway stenosis (narrowing), vocal cord dysfunction and swallowing difficulties, including those that can arise after surgery. Young's research focuses on age-related voice changes, transgender voice concerns and advancing treatment of vocal cord paralysis. Young earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where she also completed a residency in otolaryngology. She then completed a fellowship in laryngology and caring for the professional voice at the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center. A member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Young chairs its voice committee, is chair-elect of the women in otolaryngology communications committee, and serves on several other of the academy's committees, including the patient safety and quality improvement committee. She is a member of the Society of University Otolaryngologists, serving on its gender disparity committee and as a representative to its board of governors. She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, American Laryngological Association and American Broncho-Esophagological Association. Young also has a passion for medical education. She serves as associate director for UCSF's residency program in otolaryngology, training future ear, nose, and throat surgeons. Dr. Young is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Laryngocele, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Swallowing Difficulty, Perichondritis, and Endoscopy.

    Ayuna K. Panossian
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Family Medicine
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Family Medicine

    Ayuna K. Panossian, MD Private Practice

    333 E Magnolia Blvd, Ste 103, 
    Burbank, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Armenian, Spanish
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Ayuna Panossian is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Burbank, California. Dr. Panossian is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Sepsis, COVID-19, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Panossian is currently accepting new patients.

    Yue Ma
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology

    Gender Affirming Health Program

    1725 Montgomery St., Suite 250, 
    San Francisco, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Yue Ma is an otolaryngologist who cares for patients with voice, airway and swallowing disorders. She takes a multidisciplinary approach, working with speech-language pathologists, swallowing specialists and other relevant care providers, and is passionate about helping patients understand their conditions. Ma's research interests include swallowing disorders, regenerative medicine for larynx (voice box) disorders and ways to better measure larynx sensation. Ma earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. She completed a residency in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She completed a fellowship in laryngology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Ma is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and American Laryngological Association, which honored her with its young practitioner award. Dr. Ma is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Swallowing Difficulty, Painful Swallowing, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Endoscopy, and Laryngectomy.

    Jeffry A. Brown
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Gastroenterology - Dignity Health - Templeton, CA

    350 Posada Lane, Suite 202, 
    Templeton, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Bringing extensive expertise to the Central Coast, Dr. Jeffry Brown is a dedicated gastroenterologist with Dignity Health Pacific Central Coast Health Centers. His robust academic background includes a B.A. in Medical Physics and an M.A. in Biophysics from UC Berkeley. He went on to earn his M.D. from U.C. Davis School of Medicine, then completed his Internal Medicine residency at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, followed by a Gastroenterology fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Brown previously led Endoscopy Services as Medical Director at Kaweah Delta Medical Center since 2005 and holds a fellowship in Endoscopic Ultrasound. While proficient in general gastroenterology, he has a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic and biliary diseases. In his leisure time, Dr. Brown enjoys biking and golfing. Dr. Brown is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Gaspar M. Nazareno
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    1409 E. Briggsmore Ave., 
    Modesto, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Gaspar Nazareno is a Gastroenterologist in Modesto, California. Dr. Nazareno is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Hepatitis, Enlarged Liver, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Nazareno is currently accepting new patients.

    Kevin B. Hill
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Gastroenterology - Dignity Health Medical Group - Grass Valley, CA

    300 Sierra College Drive, Ste 105 & 220, 
    Grass Valley, CA 
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Dr. Hill grew up in southern California near Anaheim. He graduated from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1996. He completed his Internal Medicine residency in 1999 at Loma Linda University but stayed on an additional year as the chief medical resident. Dr Hill then completed his Gastroenterology fellowship at Loma Linda in 2003. After fellowship he took a position at Sutter Medical Group in Auburn California where he practiced for over 5 years. He will be starting in Grass Valley in January 2009. Dr Hill is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. His areas of interest include therapeutic endoscopy and hepatology, though he enjoys all aspects of Gastroenterology. Dr Hill enjoys athletics and reading. He is married and has 2 children.To contribute to the wellness of our community through the provision of quality services delivered in a compassionate and cost-effective manner.We will be a community-oriented endoscopy center. We will directly provide endoscopy services in the ambulatory setting. In addition, we will collaborate with other providers to manage and improve the total health of our community with compassion, dedication and accountability for quality and efficiency. Dr. Hill is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Gardner Syndrome, Turcot Syndrome, Gastritis, Gastrectomy, and Gastrostomy.

    Showing 1-20 of 3,605

    Last Updated: 02/22/2026

    What is the definition of Painful Swallowing?

    Painful swallowing is any pain or discomfort while swallowing. You may feel it high in the neck or lower down behind the breastbone. Most often, the pain feels like a strong sensation of squeezing or burning. Painful swallowing may be a symptom of a serious disorder.

    When should I see a Painful Swallowing doctor in California, US?

    There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

    • Your primary care provider recommends it. 
    • Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 
    • Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 
    • You need specialized testing or procedures. 
    • You want a second opinion.  

    What should I consider when choosing a Painful Swallowing doctor in California, US?

    It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

    How does MediFind rank Painful Swallowing doctors in California, US?

    MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

    What types of insurance are accepted by Painful Swallowing doctors in California, US?

    Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

    How can I book an appointment online with a Painful Swallowing doctor in California, US?

    MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Painful Swallowing doctor search results page. 

    Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Painful Swallowing doctor?

    Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

    How can I prepare for my appointment with a Painful Swallowing doctor in California, US?

    Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

    • Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 
    • Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 
    • Family history of disease 
    • List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 
    • Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  
    • List of questions and concerns 
    • Your insurance card 

    You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

    What questions should I ask my Painful Swallowing doctor?

    Here are some sample questions: 

    • Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 
    • What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 
    • What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 
    • Are there other specialists I need to see? 
    • What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

    How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Painful Swallowing doctor may know about?

    MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

    MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

    Can I filter my search to show male or female Painful Swallowing doctors in California, US?

    Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Painful Swallowing doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

    Can I filter my search to find a Painful Swallowing doctor that offers video calls?

    Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Painful Swallowing doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

    Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

    By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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