What Doctor Specializes in Endoscopy? A Guide to the Right Expert

October 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, specialists in this field perform high-quality endoscopic examinations, achieving more accurate polyp and cancer detection. This superior performance highlights why it is vital to know what doctor specializes in endoscopy for your specific health concern, as the appropriate specialist depends entirely on the body part being examined.

Quick Summary

The medical specialist who performs an endoscopy is determined by the internal area requiring examination, from the digestive tract and lungs to the urinary system and ENT regions. Several medical specialties are trained to perform these procedures.

Key Points

Gastroenterologists for Digestive Health: A gastroenterologist is the primary specialist for endoscopies of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, including procedures like EGD and colonoscopy.
Pulmonologists for Respiratory Issues: For problems within the lungs and airways, a pulmonologist performs endoscopic procedures such as bronchoscopy.
Urologists for the Urinary Tract: If your symptoms relate to the bladder or kidneys, a urologist will conduct the endoscopy, using procedures like cystoscopy or ureteroscopy.
Otolaryngologists (ENTs) for Head and Neck: Otolaryngologists use endoscopes to diagnose and treat conditions in the ears, nose, and throat, including sinus surgery.
General and Colorectal Surgeons Also Use Endoscopy: Other specialists, such as general and colorectal surgeons, utilize endoscopy for pre- and post-operative evaluations, as well as complex procedures.
Your Primary Doctor is the First Step: The best way to find the right specialist is to consult your primary care physician, who will provide a referral based on your symptoms.

Endoscopy Is Performed by Multiple Medical Specialties

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure utilizing a flexible or rigid tube with a camera (an endoscope) to visualize internal body structures. The specific type of endoscopy and the physician performing it are determined by the part of the body being examined. While often associated with the digestive system, it is used across various medical fields.

Gastroenterologists and the Digestive System

Gastroenterologists specialize in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. They are the most commonly associated specialists with endoscopy due to the procedures they perform to diagnose and treat digestive conditions.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD): Examines the upper GI tract to diagnose issues like acid reflux and ulcers.
Colonoscopy: Inspects the large intestine for conditions such as colon cancer and polyps.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A limited exam of the lower colon.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Combines endoscopy and X-rays for bile and pancreatic ducts.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Uses ultrasound with an endoscope for detailed images of the digestive tract lining and surrounding organs.

These procedures are often used to identify the causes of symptoms like abdominal pain and bleeding.

Pulmonologists and the Respiratory System

Pulmonologists specialize in the respiratory system, performing endoscopies for the lungs and airways.

Bronchoscopy: The main procedure, where a bronchoscope examines the airways to diagnose infections, tumors, and blockages.
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): An advanced bronchoscopy using ultrasound to visualize the lungs and mediastinum for diagnosing conditions like lung cancer.

Urologists and the Urinary Tract

Urologists perform endoscopies for conditions of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.

Cystoscopy: A cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and bladder to diagnose and treat conditions like UTIs and bladder tumors.
Ureteroscopy: A longer scope examines and treats problems in the kidneys and ureters, such as kidney stones.

Otolaryngologists (ENTs) and the Head and Neck

Otolaryngologists specialize in conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck, utilizing endoscopy for examination and treatment.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Uses a thin endoscope to treat sinus issues without large incisions.
Laryngoscopy: Uses an endoscope to view the larynx.

Other Specialists Who Use Endoscopy

Other medical professionals also utilize endoscopic techniques:

General Surgeons: Employ endoscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, often during or after surgery.
Colorectal Surgeons: Specialize in the colon, rectum, and anus, performing advanced endoscopic procedures.
Hepatologists: Gastroenterologists focusing on liver disease, who may use upper endoscopy for screening.

Endoscopy Specialist Comparison Table


Specialist	Area of Focus	Common Endoscopic Procedures
Gastroenterologist	Esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, bile ducts	Upper Endoscopy (EGD), Colonoscopy, ERCP, EUS
Pulmonologist	Lungs, airways, respiratory system	Bronchoscopy, Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
Urologist	kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra	Cystoscopy, Ureteroscopy
Otolaryngologist (ENT)	Ears, nose, throat, head, neck	Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Laryngoscopy

How to Choose the Right Endoscopy Specialist

Your primary care physician is the starting point for finding the right specialist, providing a referral based on your symptoms. When choosing a specialist, consider:

Board Certification: Look for a board-certified doctor, indicating extensive training and expertise.
Experience: Inquire about the doctor's experience with the specific procedure needed, as this can affect outcomes.
Communication: Choose a specialist who explains the procedure clearly and answers your questions.
Referrals: Ask your primary doctor for a referral or seek recommendations.
Location and Insurance: Check the specialist's location and insurance coverage.

Conclusion

While gastroenterologists are well-known for performing endoscopies of the digestive tract, the appropriate specialist depends on the body area requiring examination. You might be referred to a pulmonologist for respiratory issues, a urologist for urinary tract concerns, or an otolaryngologist for head and neck conditions. Consulting your primary care physician is the essential first step to determine the most suitable specialist for your health needs.

For more information on digestive health, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) offers resources and a 'Find a Doctor' tool.(https://dakotagi.com/make-the-best-choice-for-your-endoscopic-procedure/).

Frequently Asked Questions

An endoscopy is a general term for viewing inside the body with a scope. An upper endoscopy (EGD) specifically examines the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum), while a colonoscopy focuses on the lower digestive tract (the large intestine).

You would see a pulmonologist for an endoscopy if you have symptoms affecting your respiratory system, such as a persistent cough, unexplained bleeding, or difficulty breathing, which may require a bronchoscopy to examine your airways.

In most cases, yes, your primary care physician will provide a referral to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, or urologist. This ensures you see the most appropriate expert for your specific condition.

Yes, general surgeons perform endoscopic procedures, especially for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes related to surgical care. They may also be involved in advanced procedures, though gastroenterologists typically handle most routine endoscopies.

A urological endoscopy, such as a cystoscopy or ureteroscopy, involves inserting a thin scope through the urethra to examine the bladder, ureters, or kidneys. This is used to diagnose issues like bladder infections, kidney stones, and tumors.

When choosing a specialist, you should consider their board certification, experience with your specific procedure, communication style, and whether they are covered by your insurance plan.

Yes, there are many types of endoscopy procedures tailored for specific body parts. Examples include upper endoscopy (EGD) for the digestive system, bronchoscopy for the lungs, and cystoscopy for the bladder.