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Kootenai Health
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Cancer Care
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Digestive Health
Digestive specialists who diagnose and treat everything from routine screenings and ongoing symptoms to advanced procedures, IBD and liver disease.

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Nationally recognized specialists for heart, blood vessel and lung conditions, from testing and ongoing treatment to advanced procedures and surgery.

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Connected care for women, babies and children, from everyday health needs and pregnancy to specialized hospital care when more support is needed.
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Kootenai Health in the Community
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From sponsoring local events like Ironman to ensuring every neighbor has access to care, we're here for our community—because caring for our neighbors is who we are.
Community Involvement

General GI Consultation

General GI Consultation

Not sure where to start with a GI concern? Start here.

GI symptoms can be easy to dismiss—or hard to explain. Ongoing reflux, changes in bowel habits, trouble swallowing, or an abnormal test result that needs follow-up. Most patients arrive here because something has shifted and their primary care provider wants a closer look.

Every referral is reviewed by a triage nurse before it's scheduled—to make sure you're connected with the provider best suited to your situation. You'll meet with a board-certified gastroenterologist, walk through your symptoms and history, and leave with a plan for what comes next. If your needs are urgent, we hold space daily for immediate response. If your condition calls for a specialist in IBD or liver disease, you'll be directed to them from the start.

At your visit, come prepared an updated medication list and a summary of your health history. If your primary care provider ordered recent labs or imaging, ensure those results are available before your visit.

I have a referral from my provider

If your provider has sent a referral, it’s typically reviewed the same or next day. A triage nurse then connects you with the right specialist and will send a MyChart scheduling ticket or call you to schedule. Most office visits are scheduled within four weeks, with waitlist options available for earlier openings.

Login to MyChart

I have symptoms but no referral

You don’t need a referral to reach out. Call us, and our team will help determine the right next step, whether that’s a consultation, a screening, or connecting you with the right provider.

(208) 625-4595

I need to be seen soon

If your symptoms are getting worse or can’t wait, call us. We reserve appointment times each day for more urgent needs, with many patients seen within a week.

(208) 625-4595

I'd prefer a virtual visit

Telehealth appointments are available for new and established patients through MyChart. Availability depends on your condition and provider—our team can help you find out if virtual is right for your situation.

Request a Virtual Visit on MyChart

Common Reasons Patients Come to Us

Symptoms & Conditions
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic heartburn
  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea
  • Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain or unexplained discomfort
  • Follow-up of abnormal imaging results
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Liver disease and cirrhosis
What Might Come Next

Depending on your symptoms and history, your provider may recommend:

  • Further lab work or imaging
  • A colonoscopy or endoscopy
  • Ongoing management through a general GI care plan
  • Connection to the IBD or liver disease specialty clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to be seen?

For a general GI consultation, a referral from your primary care provider, urgent care, or emergency department is the typical starting point. If you're unsure, call (208) 625-4595 and our team will help you figure out the right path.

How long will it take to get an appointment?

Most new and established patients are seen within four weeks. Call and ask to be added to our waitlist if you'd like the possibility to be seen sooner. Urgent spots are held daily for immediate procedures or for patients experiencing a condition flare. 

What should I bring to my first appointment?

An updated medication list and a summary of your health history. If your provider ordered recent labs or imaging, bring the results or make sure they've been sent ahead.

Can I be seen virtually?

Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for new and established patients through MyChart. Availability depends on the provider. Request a virtual visit on MyChart or call (208) 625-4595 for assistance.

What if I need to be seen urgently?

Call (208) 625-4595 directly. Urgent appointments are held every day for patients who need to be seen quickly for immediate procedures or for patients experiencing a condition flare. 

Will I see a specialist or a general GI provider?

That depends on what your referral indicates. Every referral is reviewed by a triage nurse before scheduling. You’ll be connected with the provider best suited to your needs. If your condition calls for a specialist in IBD or liver disease, you'll be directed there from the start.

Get to Know Your GI Experts

Your care is led by fellowship-trained, board-certified gastroenterologists who focus specifically on digestive health, bringing advanced training and experience to both routine screenings and more complex conditions. Supporting them is a coordinated team of advanced practice providers, nurse navigators for IBD and liver disease, and an on-site specialty pharmacy working closely together. This level of coordination is what allows more advanced care to happen consistently, with a team that stays connected to you from visit to visit.

Find a Specialist

Take the next step.

Refer a GI Patient

Refer your patient for specialized digestive care, from advanced endoscopic procedures to complex GI conditions. Referrals are reviewed promptly, with most patients contacted the same or next day.