Access Digestive Health Care from Home: Loyola Medicine’s GI Telehealth Visits

By Dejan Micic, MD, Digestive Health Program

Loyola Medicine is committed to putting patients first, offering care that’s not only compassionate and expert-led, but also convenient and flexible. That’s why Loyola offers virtual digestive health appointments, giving patients the opportunity to consult with a digestive health specialist from the comfort of home.

Whether you’re managing chronic GI symptoms or simply seeking reassurance for new digestive concerns, this virtual care option makes it easier than ever to get the care you need without unnecessary delays.

“A virtual visit is sometimes the gateway into visiting with a gastroenterologist,” says Dejan Micic, MD, a Loyola Medicine gastroenterologist. “There’s no reason to wait for several months. Persistent symptoms should not go uninvestigated.”

Convenient, timely, and patient-centered GI virtual visits

Too often, people suffer in silence with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, heartburn, or rectal bleeding, either unsure about the severity or hesitant to book an in-person appointment. Loyola’s GI telehealth service was designed to remove those barriers and improve access to care, particularly for non-emergency concerns that still require medical attention.

“Virtual visits allow us to start evaluating the patient’s symptoms quickly and, if needed, get tests such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy scheduled much sooner than waiting for a traditional appointment,” Dr. Micic explains.

This means patients can get answers faster, a diagnosis established and a treatment plan set in place. Whether the issue is chronic acid reflux, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or a persistent digestive concern that’s interfering with daily life, there’s no reason to delay.

Who can benefit from GI Telehealth visits?

While some digestive conditions may eventually require in-person testing, many begin with symptoms that can, and should, be addressed in a virtual setting. Loyola’s GI telehealth appointments are particularly helpful for patients experiencing:

• Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
• Chronic diarrhea lasting more than two weeks
• Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
• Unexplained bloating, constipation, or abdominal pain
• Follow-up care for existing GI conditions

“Symptoms like chronic diarrhea or rectal bleeding often point to issues that require testing, but that doesn’t mean patients have to wait weeks just to speak to someone,” Dr. Micic says. “Virtual visits help us open that conversation and quickly decide what next steps to take.”

These visits are also ideal for patients managing long-term GI conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), who may need regular check-ins or adjustments to their treatment plan.

What to expect during your virtual GI appointment

A virtual visit with a Loyola digestive health specialist is just as thorough as an in-person consultation, minus the travel time.  

“This is a comprehensive intake visit,” Dr. Micic explains. “We talk through the symptoms, recommend lifestyle modifications if needed, and plan next steps. It’s about helping the patient feel seen, heard, and cared for, right from the start.”  

Seamless coordination between virtual and in-person gastrointestinal care

Loyola’s virtual GI care model seamlessly integrates with in-person services. If further diagnostic testing is needed, the care team coordinates everything, from scheduling procedures to navigating follow-up appointments, so patients feel supported at every step.

“Virtual visits are actually an expedited path to care,” Dr. Micic notes. “Once we have a diagnostic evaluation completed, we make sure the patient is connected to the right specialist, whether it’s for inflammatory bowel disease, esophageal disorders, or  chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.”

Empowering patients to prioritize their digestive health

Delaying care for digestive symptoms can lead to worsening conditions, unnecessary discomfort, and in some cases, more serious complications. Loyola’s GI telehealth services offer patients a simple way to take action early.

“The biggest benefit is not having to wait,” says Dr. Micic. “Getting seen quickly through virtual care improves outcomes, ensures peace of mind, and gives patients more control over their health.”

Schedule your GI virtual visit today

If you’ve been dealing with unresolved digestive symptoms or simply want expert guidance without the wait, Loyola Medicine’s virtual digestive health appointments are here to help. With compassionate specialists, convenient scheduling, and a focus on empowering patients, this service brings quality GI care straight to your home.

Take control of your digestive health by scheduling your virtual visit today.