Roughly 3,450 Tennesseans receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis each year, and another 1,360 die from the disease, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in the state (American Cancer Society, 2025). Tennessee’s colorectal cancer screening rate sits at approximately 57% among adults aged 45 to 75, trailing the national average of about 62% (BRFSS, 2022). That gap underscores the critical role gastroenterologists play across the state, not only in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders but also in closing the screening deficit that contributes to late-stage detection.
Gastroenterologists treat conditions spanning the entire digestive tract, from the esophagus and stomach through the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and colon. Common reasons for a referral include chronic acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hepatitis, gallstones, and suspected colon polyps. Screening colonoscopy, recommended beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults, remains the cornerstone of colorectal cancer prevention because it can both detect and remove precancerous polyps in a single procedure.
Tennessee’s geography creates distinct patterns of access. Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, and Chattanooga anchor the state’s largest health systems and specialty group practices, giving urban residents multiple choices among board-certified gastroenterologists. Rural areas of East Tennessee, the Cumberland Plateau, and West Tennessee often rely on regional hospitals or traveling specialists, and patients in those communities may wait weeks longer for an appointment. Telehealth consultations for initial evaluations and follow-up visits have expanded access in recent years, though procedures like colonoscopy and endoscopy still require in-person care.
When selecting a gastroenterologist, consider board certification through the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and gastroenterology, which confirms completion of a three-year fellowship after residency. Ask about the practice’s adenoma detection rate (ADR), a quality metric reflecting how often precancerous polyps are found during colonoscopy. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy sets the national benchmark at 25%, and high-performing Tennessee practices consistently exceed that threshold. Check whether the physician participates in your insurance network before scheduling, because out-of-network specialist visits can result in significant cost differences. The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners maintains an online verification tool where patients can confirm a physician’s active license and check for disciplinary actions. Tennessee law also requires that medical providers comply with the No Surprises Act, which protects patients from unexpected balance billing for emergency and certain out-of-network services.
Top Gastroenterologist Providers in Tennessee
1. Associates in Gastroenterology
- Address: 5653 Frist Blvd, Ste 530, Hermitage, TN 37076
- Phone: (615) 885-1093
- Website: https://associatesingastro.com
- Rating: 4.9/5 (1,062 reviews)
- Services: colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, GERD treatment, Crohn’s disease management, liver health screening, colon cancer screening, hemorrhoid treatment
- Description: Established in 1995, Associates in Gastroenterology operates three Middle Tennessee locations in Hermitage, Mt. Juliet, and Lebanon. The practice is staffed by board-certified gastroenterologists trained at institutions including Vanderbilt University, and its affiliated endoscopy center holds accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
2. Gastrointestinal Associates
- Address: 1311 Dowell Springs Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37909
- Phone: (865) 588-5121
- Website: https://gihealthcare.com
- Rating: 4.6/5 (900 reviews)
- Services: colonoscopy, EGD, endoscopic ultrasound, ERCP, liver elastography (FibroScan), video capsule endoscopy, hemorrhoid banding, anorectal manometry, deep enteroscopy, Barrett’s esophagus ablation, biologic infusion therapy
- Description: Serving East Tennessee since 1971, Gastrointestinal Associates operates three Knox County locations with a team of board-certified gastroenterologists and nurse practitioners. The practice reports that 93.5% of patients recommend GIA, and its adenoma detection rate consistently surpasses the national benchmark of 25%.
3. GI Specialists Foundation
- Address: 80 Humphreys Center, Ste 210, Memphis, TN 38120
- Phone: (901) 761-3900
- Website: https://memphisgastrodocs.com
- Rating: 4.6/5 (346 reviews)
- Services: colonoscopy, endoscopy, hemorrhoid treatment, colon cancer screening, liver disease evaluation, in-house pathology lab services
- Description: Serving the Memphis area since 1991, GI Specialists Foundation provides diagnostic and treatment services across multiple locations in Memphis, Brighton, Collierville, Covington, and Millington. The practice operates an in-house pathology lab that can deliver many test results within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastroenterologists in Tennessee
Q: At what age should Tennessee residents begin colorectal cancer screening?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society both recommend that average-risk adults begin screening at age 45. Tennessee’s screening rate among adults 45 to 75 is approximately 57%, which falls below the national average of about 62% (BRFSS, 2022). Adults with a family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions may need to begin screening earlier. Your primary care provider or gastroenterologist can evaluate your individual risk factors and recommend an appropriate schedule.
Q: What types of procedures do gastroenterologists in Tennessee commonly perform?
The most common procedures include screening and diagnostic colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), and flexible sigmoidoscopy. More specialized procedures include endoscopic ultrasound for evaluating pancreatic and bile duct conditions, ERCP for removing gallstones from bile ducts, capsule endoscopy for imaging the small intestine, liver elastography for assessing fibrosis, and hemorrhoid banding. These procedures are typically performed in hospital-based endoscopy suites or accredited ambulatory surgery centers.
Q: How much does a colonoscopy cost in Tennessee?
Costs depend on the facility, insurance coverage, and whether the procedure is classified as screening or diagnostic. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers must cover screening colonoscopies at no out-of-pocket cost for patients at recommended ages. If polyps are found and removed during a screening procedure, Tennessee patients should verify with their insurer whether the reclassification to a diagnostic procedure triggers a copay or deductible. Uninsured patients at ambulatory surgery centers in Tennessee may see facility charges ranging from approximately $1,500 to $3,500, with differences between Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis markets.
Q: How can I verify a gastroenterologist’s license in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners offers an online license verification tool through the Tennessee Department of Health website. Patients can search by physician name to confirm an active license, view board certifications, and check for any disciplinary history. Additionally, the American Board of Internal Medicine provides a public verification tool to confirm subspecialty certification in gastroenterology.
Q: What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic colonoscopy?
A screening colonoscopy is performed on patients with no symptoms and no personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer. A diagnostic colonoscopy is ordered when a patient presents with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or abnormal results from a stool-based test. The clinical distinction matters for billing purposes, as screening colonoscopies are covered without cost-sharing under federal preventive care mandates, while diagnostic procedures may be subject to deductibles and copays.
Q: Does Tennessee require a referral to see a gastroenterologist?
Tennessee does not have a state law requiring a referral to see a specialist. However, many insurance plans, particularly HMO plans, require a referral from a primary care provider before covering a specialist visit. PPO plans generally allow self-referral. Patients should check their specific insurance plan requirements before scheduling an appointment.
Q: What should patients expect during colonoscopy preparation?
Colonoscopy preparation typically involves a clear liquid diet for the day before the procedure and a prescribed bowel prep solution taken in split doses (one the evening before and one the morning of the procedure). Tennessee gastroenterology practices generally require patients to arrange a driver for the day of the procedure because sedation is administered. Most facilities send detailed prep instructions several days before the scheduled date, and some practices offer low-volume prep options for patients who have difficulty with standard preparations.