Finding a proctologist in the Los Angeles area is something that you may need to do if you have been experiencing symptoms such as changes in your bowel habits, blood in the stool or abdominal pain.  A proctologist is now more likely to be referred to as a colorectal surgeon, and this is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the lower digestive tract.  This region of the body includes the colon (sometimes known as the large intestine), the rectum, anus and the pelvic floor.

If your symptoms suggest that you would benefit from seeing a proctologist, then the first thing that you need to do is choose who you would like to see.  There are many proctologists in the Los Angeles area, and it can be difficult to make that decision.

How Do I get Information About Proctologists?
There are a number of ways in which you can try to identify which is the right Los Angeles proctologist for you.  You need to feel comfortable in the presence of your doctor, and confident in their knowledge and skills.  Therefore, make your choice carefully, and don’t be pressured into making a quick decision.

If you know someone who has recently visited a proctologist, then you may want to ask for a recommendation.  If not, then one of the first things you can do is speak to your doctor.  He or she will be able to provide you with a list of colorectal surgeons in the local area, which will give you an excellent starting point.  However, you will still need to do some research before you make your decision.  Once you have the names of the specialists, you will then need to search online to find more information about each of them.  They should all have a website, or be featured on the website of the clinic or hospital where they work.  This should provide information about their training and experience of working in the field of proctology.  You should check to see if they are board certified, and whether they are a member of a professional organisation such as the American Medical Association.  It is also worth checking to see whether they are an Attending Surgeon or Attending Physician at a major hospital, or on the teaching staff at a university.  These are usually very good indicators that the doctor is highly regarded within the field.  This should help to narrow down your list to a few specialists.

What is the Next Stage in the Process?
Once you have your shortlist of LA proctologists, it would be a good idea to check for any reviews that previous patients have written.  While you may find patient testimonials on their websites, you would be much better going to a dedicated review website, as these are much less likely to be biased.  This will tell you whether previous patients were satisfied with the treatment that they received.  Try the websites Healthgrades or Yelp, as a starting point. 

This may help you to narrow down your selection even further.  You may then want to book an initial consultation with two or three doctors that you are considering.  This will mean that you can meet each of the proctologists face to face, discuss your symptoms and find which of them you would prefer to see.  Some colorectal conditions are chronic, which means that they are likely to be lifelong, so it is important that you make the right decision.  Feel free to ask any questions that you may have; if they are reluctant to answer, then this should be a cause for concern and you may wish to go elsewhere.  You may also want to ask for a tour of the facilities, to see where you would be treated if you need to undergo any surgical or screening procedures.

What Should I do Now?
The next step is for you to choose one of the proctologists that you have researched and perhaps visited.  By this point, you should have decided which you feel comfortable with and would be happy to see on a regular basis for your treatment.  Then, you can book a follow-up appointment to discuss how best to proceed with treatment.

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    Physicians specializing in proctology are called colorectal surgeons or proctologists. In the United States, to become colorectal surgeons, these surgical doctors have to complete a general surgery residency, as well as a colorectal surgery fellowship, upon which they are eligible to be certified in their field of expertise by the ABCRS or AOBP.

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