Looking for GI care? Here’s how to choose the best GI provider for you.

Below, we cover six key questions to consider when choosing a GI provider—because you deserve quality care that considers the whole you.

1. Conditions: Does the provider understand your unique GI needs?

GI symptoms—and their impact on everyday life—vary considerably from person to person. When choosing a provider, look for someone who regularly works with people facing similar symptoms or conditions. Experience matters because it leads to more accurate diagnoses. Plus, a provider with GI-specific expertise is better equipped to create a care plan designed to fit your needs.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Does this provider regularly treat patients with symptoms similar to mine?
• Are they informed about recent news and research related to my condition?

The Oshi difference

At Oshi, you’re matched with GI-specialized providers who treat a wide spectrum of digestive conditions every day, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and chronic or occasional symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and more. Our team understands the complexities of GI symptoms and has seen—and successfully treated—many cases just like yours. Oshi GI providers are also committed to staying up-to-date on the latest GI research, diagnostic protocols, and treatment options.

2. Credentials: What expertise does the provider bring to the table?

Academic degrees and board certifications are essential considerations, but it’s just as valuable to learn about your provider’s real-world experience and reputation.

Look for a provider with a solid track record of helping people with your specific GI concerns. Specialized training, ongoing education, and positive patient feedback all signal that you’re looking at someone who is skilled in their field and committed to practicing at the top of it.

Questions to ask yourself:

• What are this provider’s qualifications?
• Do they hold relevant certifications or belong to GI-focused organizations?
• What do current or previous patients have to say about their care?

The Oshi difference

Oshi GI doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician associates are all highly credentialed and have deep GI-focused knowledge and experience.

3. Communication: Does the provider truly listen?

Digestive symptoms aren’t always easy to talk about. A supportive provider listens without judgment and takes your concerns seriously—whether you’re dealing with occasional or chronic digestive symptoms.

When you feel heard, it’s easier to be open, which better allows your provider to make an accurate diagnosis and work with you toward lasting relief.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Does the provider have a clear care philosophy outlined somewhere?
• Does it align with what I’m looking for in a provider? 

It can sometimes be tough to gauge a provider’s care and communication style before a first visit. Here’s what you might ask yourself after an initial consultation:

• Did the provider listen with empathy and compassion?
• Did I feel rushed through the appointment?
• Did I leave the visit feeling understood and supported?

The Oshi difference

Oshi providers take the time to understand what you’re going through, ask thoughtful questions, and encourage an open dialogue. You’re never just a chart, you’re a whole person, and we treat you that way.

4. Collaboration: Is your care team working together for you?

Your gut health is about more than just physical symptoms—digestive concerns can impact your mood, nutrition, and daily routine. Seeking out a provider who collaborates with a full team of GI specialists, including registered dietitians and gut-brain experts, ensures you’re wholly supported.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Does care address every aspect of GI health, including medical, dietary, and mental health factors?
• Will my provider consider both the physical and emotional factors related to my symptoms or condition?

The Oshi difference

The Oshi Health care model is built around collaboration. You get a personal care team that can include GI providers (nurse practitioners and physician associates who work under the supervision of board-certified gastroenterologists), registered dietitians, and gut-brain specialists. They work together, sharing notes and insights with your permission, to create a care plan customized just for you.

5. Convenience: Is care accessible when you need it most?

GI symptoms don’t always wait for a convenient time. You shouldn’t have to wait days, weeks, or even months to get relief. Look for a provider who offers flexible appointments that fit your schedule. Consider how quickly you can get answers, and whether you can access care from home—especially when your symptoms are flaring.

Questions to ask yourself:

• How quickly can I get an appointment?
• Can I access care from home?
• Does the provider’s appointment availability fit my schedule?

The Oshi difference

Oshi brings expert GI care straight to you with virtual visits. Get appointments within days, not months, with flexible availability including evenings and weekends. You even have ongoing chat access with your care team for support between visits.

6. Cost: Is your care affordable?

Personalized GI care can be life-changing, but it shouldn’t break the bank. Make sure you understand the cost, insurance coverage, and any out-of-pocket expenses involved in your care.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Does my insurance cover this provider’s care?
• Are there extra costs I should know about?

The Oshi difference

Oshi is in-network with many major insurance plans—so you can focus on your digestive health without worrying about surprise bills. You’ll know your costs up front, with transparent pricing. Our goal is to keep top-tier GI care accessible to everyone who needs it.

Ready for a different approach to GI care?

Choosing a GI provider is a crucial step in finding relief from digestive health symptoms.

When selecting your GI care partner, look for a provider with:

• GI-specific expertise. They understand the ins and outs of your symptoms and what it’s like to live with a GI condition.
• A solid track record. They have credentials, experience, and positive patient testimonials.
• The ability to sit and listen. They listen without rushing you through visits and want to know about the whole you, not just your symptoms.
• Other specialists on their team. That’s because a collaborative approach is clinically proven to lead to better digestive health outcomes.
• Flexible scheduling. Timely access to care means faster relief in the short and long term. And a provider who can see you virtually on your schedule is someone who truly understands what it’s like to juggle life’s demands and GI symptoms.
• Transparent pricing. Healthcare, including GI care, doesn’t have to be costly. Ask your employer about company-sponsored care options or connect with your insurance plan to find out about in-network providers.

You deserve to feel heard and supported and find lasting relief. Oshi Health’s compassionate GI providers help you take charge of your digestive health on your terms, so you can start feeling better, faster.