Charles Cattano, MD in Baltimore: Gastroenterology with Direct Scheduling and Insurance Transparency
Charles Cattano, MD is a solo gastroenterology practice in Baltimore offering screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic endoscopic procedures for patients with digestive health concerns, with no waiting list for new patient consultations and published insurance acceptance details.
What the practice actually is
Cattano operates an independent gastroenterology office serving Baltimore patients on a direct scheduling model. Unlike many multi-provider gastroenterology groups in the region, the practice is physician-owned and run, meaning patient access flows directly to one clinician rather than through a rotation of specialists. The focus is internal medicine and gastroenterology, with routine procedures performed at affiliated Baltimore-area surgical centers rather than at a hospital system facility.
Services and typical patient pathway
Initial consultations cover diagnostic evaluation for acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and other upper and lower gastrointestinal conditions. The practice performs upper endoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy at outpatient surgical facilities. Barrett's esophagus, polyp removal, and therapeutic interventions like stricture dilation are within scope.
Pricing for consultations and procedures varies by insurance plan and facility. Colonoscopy in Maryland typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 at outpatient centers when billed by insurance; out-of-pocket costs depend on deductible and coinsurance. Confirm costs directly with the practice, as facility fees, anesthesia, and pathology charges are separate line items and change annually.
How it compares to other Baltimore gastroenterologists
Baltimore has several large gastroenterology groups affiliated with Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical Systems, which offer multi-location scheduling, same-day cancellation fill, and extended wait times (often 4 to 8 weeks for new-patient colonoscopy). Smaller practices like Cattano's trade the convenience of multiple locations for shorter wait times and continuity with a single provider. For patients willing to accept a solo-practice model and schedule procedures at a surgical center rather than a hospital, appointment lead times are typically 1 to 3 weeks. Patients in large insurance networks (UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna) should verify that Cattano is in-network before booking, as solo practices sometimes carry narrower insurance contracts than system-affiliated groups.
Who suits this practice and who does not
Cattano's practice works well for patients seeking continuity with one gastroenterologist, those with schedules that accommodate a longer procedure timeline (procedures at surgical centers may involve a separate facility visit), and insured patients whose plans accept independent providers. It is less suited for uninsured patients (no major cash-pay programs noted), patients requiring urgent same-day endoscopy (routine cases only), or those who need a same-location facility where their gastroenterologist works alongside hospitalists.
What to expect on the first visit
Schedule a consultation appointment by phone. Bring insurance cards, a list of current medications, and a summary of symptoms or prior GI testing. The appointment is typically 30 to 45 minutes, covering medical history, physical examination, and discussion of whether screening or therapeutic endoscopy is indicated. If a procedure is recommended, the office will coordinate scheduling at an affiliated surgical center, provide pre-procedure instructions (typically nil by mouth for 6 to 8 hours), and arrange anesthesia. Most procedures in Maryland use conscious sedation (midazolam and fentanyl); general anesthesia is available but less common for routine colonoscopy.
Hours, location, and logistics
The practice is based in Baltimore and operates by appointment only; walk-in visits are not accepted. Office hours and phone number should be confirmed directly with the practice, as independent practices adjust hours seasonally. Parking depends on the office location within Baltimore; ask when calling. Procedures are performed at separate surgical center locations; the office will provide parking and arrival instructions.
Cattano's model reflects a shrinking segment of American gastroenterology: physician-owned solo practices that retain direct patient relationships and avoid the scheduling friction of large groups, at the cost of fewer locations and narrower insurance networks.
