Jatinder S. Sekhon MD in Baltimore: A Gastroenterologist with Focus on Digestive Disease Management
Jatinder S. Sekhon MD is a gastroenterology practice in Baltimore offering comprehensive digestive care, including colonoscopy, endoscopy, and treatment for reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, and other gastrointestinal conditions. The practice focuses on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures alongside medical management of chronic GI disorders, positioning itself as a full-service gastroenterology option in the city's medical landscape.
Services and scope of practice
Sekhon's practice provides colonoscopy and upper endoscopy for screening and diagnosis, management of acid reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, treatment and surveillance of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and evaluation of chronic abdominal pain and motility disorders. The practice also handles management of peptic ulcer disease, hepatitis C, and polyp removal during screening procedures. Consultations for diagnostic evaluation typically occur at the initial appointment, with procedures scheduled as needed based on clinical findings.
Specific pricing information for procedures and office visits should be verified directly with the practice, as costs vary significantly based on insurance coverage, whether a procedure is preventive (often covered at no cost-share under preventive health benefits) or diagnostic (subject to deductibles and coinsurance), and the complexity of intervention during colonoscopy or endoscopy. Patients should confirm what their insurance plan covers before scheduling to avoid surprise charges.
How gastroenterology care varies in Baltimore
Baltimore has multiple gastroenterology practices and centers offering overlapping services. Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical Center both employ staff gastroenterologists and handle referrals from primary care providers, while independent practices like Sekhon's often provide more direct scheduling and flexibility in appointment timing. For patients with commercial insurance or self-pay options, independent gastroenterology practices typically have shorter wait times for routine colonoscopy screening, often scheduling 4 to 8 weeks out, whereas academic medical centers may require longer lead times during peak screening season (winter and early spring). Patients seeking specialized management of complex inflammatory bowel disease or tertiary-level care may benefit more from academic centers; those needing efficient screening colonoscopy or management of uncomplicated reflux disease often find independent practices more accessible.
Who should schedule with Sekhon, and who should seek alternatives
Sekhon's practice suits patients with established Baltimore insurance coverage, those requiring ongoing management of chronic GI conditions, and individuals seeking a focused gastroenterology specialist without the complexity of hospital-based systems. The practice is well-positioned for routine screening colonoscopy in low-risk patients and management of reflux and peptic disease. Patients requiring advanced endoscopic therapy (such as endoscopic ultrasound for pancreatic evaluation), those needing inpatient GI care, or those with complex surgical-grade disease may benefit from referral to Johns Hopkins Hospital or University of Maryland Medical Center, where gastroenterology is embedded within larger surgical and hospitalist teams. Patients without established insurance or seeking safety-net care should inquire directly about payment plans or consider federally qualified health centers like Chase Brexton Health Care, which offer gastroenterology consultation on a sliding-fee basis.
What the first appointment involves
New patients typically complete a health history questionnaire and insurance verification before the appointment. The physician reviews current medications (especially aspirin, anticoagulants, and anti-inflammatories), prior GI procedures, and family history of colon cancer or GI disease. If colonoscopy is planned, the provider discusses bowel preparation instructions, sedation options (typically conscious sedation), and scheduling logistics. For patients presenting with reflux, abdominal pain, or other symptoms, the initial visit focuses on characterizing symptoms, ruling out serious causes, and establishing a management plan that may include medication, dietary modification, or further testing. The visit generally lasts 30 to 45 minutes for new patients.
Hours, location, and logistics
Specific office hours and parking details should be confirmed directly with the practice, as these change seasonally and may be affected by procedure schedules. Patients should allow extra time on procedure days and arrange for a designated driver, as sedation used during colonoscopy and upper endoscopy prevents safe driving for the remainder of that day. Insurance verification and prior authorization for procedures should be completed at least one week before the appointment to avoid delays or unexpected out-of-pocket charges.
Jatinder S. Sekhon MD offers accessible gastroenterology care within Baltimore's independent practice environment, making routine GI screening and disease management available without the appointment delays inherent in hospital-based systems.
