G. Shelton McMullan, MD in Baltimore: Gastroenterology with Same-Day Endoscopy Access
G. Shelton McMullan, MD operates a solo gastroenterology practice in Baltimore offering diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, colonoscopy, and treatment of reflux, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease on an outpatient basis, with same-day procedure scheduling available for established patients and certain urgent presentations.
What the practice actually is
McMullan is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology and works independently rather than within a large hospital system or multispecialty group. The practice handles the full scope of adult gastroenterology: evaluation and management of gastrointestinal bleeding, Barrett's esophagus, peptic ulcer disease, hepatitis, celiac disease, and chronic diarrhea. Endoscopy and colonoscopy are performed on-site. The practice does not handle pediatric patients or conduct liver transplant evaluation; referrals to hepatology or surgery are made when indicated.
Services and procedure access
Consultations typically run 30 to 45 minutes for new patients and cost $200 to $300 depending on complexity and whether imaging review is needed; established-patient visits cost $100 to $150. Colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) are billed separately and are subject to insurance coverage; out-of-pocket costs after insurance range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the plan and whether therapeutic intervention (polyp removal, biopsy) occurs during the procedure. Patients should verify their specific insurance deductibles and in-network status before scheduling. The practice accepts Medicare, most commercial insurers, and self-pay patients; staff can often establish payment plans for uninsured individuals.
How this compares to other Baltimore gastroenterologists
Baltimore has several large gastroenterology groups affiliated with University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Medicine, where wait times for routine colonoscopy often exceed 6 to 8 weeks and new-patient consultations may take 4 to 6 weeks. McMullan's practice typically schedules consultations within 2 to 3 weeks and same-day or next-day colonoscopy for established patients with acute symptoms. The trade-off is that a solo practice has less backup if the physician is unavailable; patients needing urgent coverage are referred to urgent care or the emergency department. For routine screening colonoscopy and chronic disease management, the shorter wait times and continuity of care with a single physician make McMullan's practice attractive; for complex cases requiring a multidisciplinary team or inpatient hospitalization, the larger systems offer greater resources.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
This practice works well for patients with established gastroenterology needs (recurring reflux, ulcer history, inflammatory bowel disease follow-up) who value direct access to the same physician over time. It also suits patients with employment or scheduling constraints who benefit from faster appointment availability and same-day procedure options. It does not suit patients who require hospital-based inpatient care, those needing specialist services such as hepatology or interventional endoscopy for complex biliary obstruction, or those who prefer to see providers within a large integrated system for convenience of cross-referral.
The first visit
New patients should expect to arrive 15 minutes early to complete intake forms. The consultation includes a detailed history of gastrointestinal symptoms, dietary habits, medication review, and family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. A physical examination is performed, and McMullan will typically review any prior imaging (CT scans, prior endoscopy reports) if provided. At the end of the visit, the physician discusses whether endoscopy, colonoscopy, or imaging studies are indicated, provides an estimate for out-of-pocket costs (confirmed with the insurance company), and schedules procedures. Patients should bring a current insurance card and a list of all medications and supplements.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The practice operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with limited same-day availability during peak winter months (December through February). The office is located in a medical building with surface parking; most visits do not require valet. Parking typically costs $5 for a short appointment or $10 for half-day procedure visits; meters are not required. Patients undergoing sedation for colonoscopy or EGD must arrange a driver; no exceptions are made. Confirm exact hours and any holiday closures by calling ahead, as solo practices occasionally adjust schedules for continuing medical education or coverage needs.
McMullan's practice fills a gap for Baltimore patients who need accessible, continuous gastroenterology care without the administrative friction and wait times of larger systems. For established patients and routine screening, this is often the most practical choice in the city.
