Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Endoscopy?
The doctor depends on which body part is checked. For the food pipe and stomach, a gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive problems, often does it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Endoscopy is a procedure that lets your doctor look inside your body. It uses an instrument called an endoscope, or scope for short. A scope has a tiny camera attached to a long, thin tube. The doctor moves it through a body passageway or opening to see inside an organ. Colonoscopy looks at the large intestine. The steps and risks below mostly describe upper GI endoscopy, which looks at the food pipe, the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors use endoscopy to find the cause of symptoms such as stomach pain, indigestion, trouble swallowing, or bleeding from the stomach, bladder, or bottom. A scope can take a small sample of cells, called a biopsy, to check for a condition such as cancer. A scope can also treat problems, such as bleeding, or remove small growths like polyps.
How to prepare
- Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
- Do not stop any prescribed medicine without first talking to a healthcare professional.
- Your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink for up to 8 hours before the procedure.
- Arrange a ride home, because the sedatives or anesthesia need time to wear off before you drive.
What happens during it
Before an upper GI endoscopy, you will likely be given a sedative or a medicine to help you stay relaxed and comfortable. You may get a liquid medicine to gargle or a spray medicine to numb your throat. You lie on your side on an exam table. The doctor carefully passes the endoscope down your esophagus and into your stomach and duodenum. The doctor may pass small tweezers through the scope to take small samples, and you will not feel it. The doctor may also stop any bleeding. An upper GI endoscopy typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes. Many people fall asleep during the procedure.
Recovery
After an upper GI endoscopy, the sedatives take time to wear off. You can expect to stay at the hospital or outpatient center for about an hour. You may have bloating, nausea, or a sore throat for a short time. You will not be able to drive after the procedure, so you need a ride home. Some results are available right away. Results from any tissue samples can take a few days or longer to come back.
Risks and side effects
The risks from an upper GI endoscopy are low. Risks include a reaction to the sedative, including breathing or heart problems. Another risk is a perforation, or hole, in the lining of your upper GI tract. Bleeding is typically minor and stops without treatment. Serious problems, such as perforation, are rare. Your doctor may need to perform surgery to treat some complications. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
A doctor performs an upper GI endoscopy in a hospital or outpatient center.
Common questions
Does an endoscopy hurt?
It may be uncomfortable. For an upper GI endoscopy, you will likely get a sedative or a medicine to help you stay relaxed and comfortable. Many people fall asleep during the procedure.
How long does an endoscopy take?
An upper GI endoscopy typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes. You can expect to stay at the hospital or outpatient center for about an hour afterward.
Do I need to stop my blood thinner before an endoscopy?
Do not stop it on your own. Sometimes, your doctor may ask you to stop any blood thinners you are taking to decrease the chance of a problem with the procedure. Talk with your doctor about the specific medicines you take. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without first talking to a healthcare professional.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Endoscopy
- NHS - Endoscopy
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Upper GI Endoscopy
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
