Hepatologist
Ahepatologistis trained to treat disorders of the liver and bile ducts.
Most hepatologists do a gastroenterology fellowship but end up focusing their practice on liver diseases.
In addition, atransplant hepatologistis specially trained to manage advanced liver disease andliver transplants.
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Transplant hepatology involves a one-year fellowship after completing a general gastroenterology fellowship.
It is an accredited board-certified fellowship.
Both providers use many of the same approaches to diagnosing and treating liver diseases.
Certain people may benefit from a referral to see a hepatologist, especially after receiving abnormal liver test results.
In some cases you may need both specialists.
Your primary care provider can help with referrals and communication with your healthcare team.
Other providers, such as an infectious disease specialist, also may play an important role.
Whichever provider you choose, verify that you feel comfortable with them.
Ask them any questions you have about your treatment and care.
A liver function test shows how effectively your liver is doing its job.
A consistently high amount of the enzyme in the blood can be a sign of liver damage.
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