The search for a gastrointestinal surgeon can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are ways to simplify your search. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right gastrointestinal surgeon doctor for you. These include:
 
Referrals – Referrals are always a good place to start. Can your primary care doctor provide referrals for a reputable gastrointestinal surgeon? Do your friends or family have any experience with a gastrointestinal surgeon 
Insurance Coverage — Before receiving care, it is imperative to know what is covered under your insurance plan. Utilize the insurer’s directory or search on its website for a gastrointestinal surgeon in your network; before progressing, call the office to validate that the doctor still accepts your insurance as doctors may change their plans.
Hospital Affiliation — Knowing where each doctor has admitting privileges is another important deliberation, as this can establish which hospital you go to if needed.
Board Certification — Board certification is another key consideration when selecting a gastrointestinal surgeon. Certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties shows that a physician goes above and beyond when it comes to their training and the level of care that they can deliver to their patients.
Consider Compatibility — In a 2014 survey, when selecting a physician, more than half of Americans emphasis was on personality and relationship. This includes how the doctor listens, how they communicate, if they fully answer every question and address every concern, if they elucidate the diagnosis and treatment, and if they take action for a follow-up appointment.
Experience – The gastrointestinal surgeon’s experience can be a good indicator.  Specialized medicine or complex gastro-intestinal problems require a good deal of experience and knowledge. The more the doctor has, the better your results will be. It may be worth your time to find out how many procedures the doctor has done on your specific concerns.  You can find out about complication rates as well as your own risks.
Reviews – Research a gastrointestinal surgeon near you. Check patient reviews on the internet that can give some information about the gastrointestinal surgeon in your area. Dr. Alfred Johnson MD includes patient reviews on his website, for your convenience.

Yes, they do. Insurance coverage is an important matter; to get the best insurance benefits and pay less out of pocket, you may want to choose a gastrointestinal surgeon who is in your plan’s system. 

Dr. Alfred Johnson MD accepts the major insurers, including:
• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of California
• Cigna
• First Health (Coventry Health Care)
• MultiPlan

You can always call their helpful staff and see if your health care coverage is accepted, as well. You can even send a request for information regarding your insurance through the online request form on the website.

Your gastrointestinal surgeon, Dr. Alfred Johnson, MD prefers to take online requests for an appointment. The friendly staff will then contact you to confirm the appointment.  Please allow them up to 24 hours to contact you and confirm.

Yes, Dr. Alfred Johnson, MD is accepting new patients. You can call during operating hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. You can also fill out a request form on the website and someone from the doctor’s office will call you to set up an appointment. Your gastrointestinal health is important. Don’t wait too long to make the step to make your life enjoyable again. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 240 East 13th Street Merced, CA 95341. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Merced CA, Atwater CA, Winton CA, Bear Creek CA, Planada CA, Le Grand CA, and Athlone CA.