A hepatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. They are sometimes referred to as “liver specialists.” While hepatologists manage liver-related conditions, they typically do not perform surgeries. Instead, they work closely with surgeons when procedures like liver transplants or biopsies are needed. 

A referral to a hepatologist usually happens when your primary care doctor suspects or diagnoses a liver-related condition that requires specialized care. This could include abnormal liver function tests, symptoms of liver disease (like jaundice or fatigue), or chronic liver conditions such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease. Hepatologists are experts in managing these conditions and can help create a treatment plan to improve your liver health.  

While both hepatologists and gastroenterologists treat digestive system issues, their focus areas differ. Hepatologists specialize in liver-related conditions, including diseases affecting the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas. Gastroenterologists treat a broader range of digestive tract disorders, such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon problems. For advanced or chronic liver issues, a hepatologist is the go-to specialist. 

Hepatologists use various tests to diagnose liver conditions, including: 

• Blood tests: These evaluate liver function, check for infections like hepatitis, and measure enzyme levels. 

• Imaging tests: Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs help visualize liver abnormalities. 

• Liver biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken to assess liver damage or diagnose diseases. 

• FibroScan: A specialized ultrasound that measures liver stiffness, often used to detect fibrosis or cirrhosis. 

These tests help identify the cause and severity of liver problems to guide treatment. 

Common symptoms of liver damage include: 

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) 

• Fatigue and weakness 

• Dark urine or pale stools 

• Abdominal pain or swelling 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Loss of appetite 

• Easy bruising or bleeding 

• Itchy skin 

Symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the cause and stage of liver disease. If you experience these, it’s important to see a doctor for evaluation. 

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.  

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.  

You can find a Hepatologist in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

Hepatologist near New York, NY
Hepatologist near Los Angeles, CA
Hepatologist near Chicago, IL
Hepatologist near Houston, TX
Hepatologist near Phoenix, AZ
Hepatologist near Philadelphia, PA
Hepatologist near Atlanta, GA
Hepatologist near Boston, MA
Hepatologist near Dallas, TX
Hepatologist near San Jose, CA

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. 

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. 

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 Hepatologist search results page. 

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.   

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. 

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? 

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. 

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Hepatologist 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. 

Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD)
Ascites
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Esophageal Varices
Hemochromatosis
Hepatocerebral Degeneration
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Liver Cancer
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Obesity
Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Sclerosing Cholangitis
Wilson Disease

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

Reviewed on: 11/07/24  

By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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