Lawrence A. Bassin, MD in Baltimore: Gastroenterology with Established Practice Roots

Lawrence A. Bassin, MD is a gastroenterologist with a private practice in Baltimore, drawing patients who need diagnostic and therapeutic services for digestive disorders. He operates as an independent practitioner rather than within a large health system, which shapes how appointments are scheduled, how records are managed, and how often patients report wait times.

What Bassin's practice handles

Bassin performs colonoscopies, esophageal evaluations (EGD), and related procedures for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the stomach, small intestine, and colon. He diagnoses and manages acid reflux, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other chronic digestive conditions. His practice is not a walk-in facility; all appointments are scheduled in advance.

As a gastroenterologist, Bassin must hold a medical degree, complete an internal medicine residency, and finish a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology, typically five to seven years beyond medical school. He accepts Medicare and most major private insurance plans, though coverage and copay amounts vary by plan and procedure type.

Services and what to expect cost-wise

Colonoscopy screening, the service most patients associate with gastroenterology, typically costs between $800 and $1,500 out of pocket without insurance, depending on region and findings. With insurance, most covered plans pay for one screening colonoscopy every 10 years for preventive care, leaving the patient with a copay often in the range of $0 to $300. Diagnostic procedures (when symptoms or abnormal findings are present) may not be fully covered and can carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Office visits for consultation or follow-up typically cost $100 to $300 without insurance; ask the practice directly about your plan's copay at the time of booking.

Bassin does not advertise a sliding-scale or self-pay discount program on a public basis; confirm pricing with his office directly when scheduling.

How Bassin compares to other Baltimore gastroenterologists

Baltimore has several gastroenterology practices. Some operate under larger health systems like Johns Hopkins Medicine or University of Maryland Medical Center, which can mean easier insurance verification, shared electronic records, and on-site labs, but also longer wait times and less flexibility in scheduling. Others, like Bassin's setup, are independent or part of smaller groups, which may mean shorter appointment windows and more direct communication with the provider but less institutional support for complex cases.

If you need same-day or urgent endoscopy (for bleeding, for example), a hospital-affiliated practice may be more reliable because they have procedure rooms on-site. If you prefer a long-term relationship with a single doctor who knows your history and sees you consistently in a quieter setting, an independent practice like Bassin's may suit you better.

Who should schedule with Bassin

Bassin is appropriate for patients seeking routine screening colonoscopies, ongoing management of chronic gastroenterological conditions, and diagnosis of upper and lower digestive complaints. He suits adults with established insurance coverage and the ability to schedule appointments weeks or months in advance. Patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, severe pain, or vomiting should go to an emergency department rather than call a private gastroenterology office.

He is not a pediatric gastroenterologist; children requiring digestive care should be referred to Johns Hopkins or UM pediatric gastroenterology services.

What happens at your first appointment

Call Bassin's office to schedule an initial consultation. You will be asked to provide your insurance information, list any medications, and describe your symptoms or reason for referral. Bring a photo ID and insurance card to your appointment.

At the visit, Bassin will take a history, ask detailed questions about digestive symptoms, and may order laboratory work or imaging. If a procedure such as a colonoscopy is recommended, he will explain the risks, benefits, and what to expect. Procedures are typically scheduled at an outpatient endoscopy center; the practice will provide prep instructions (usually clear liquid diet and laxative) and sedation details. Most patients choose conscious sedation (twilight sedation), which requires a driver and means you cannot work that day.

Hours, location, and logistics

Bassin's practice operates during standard business hours; call to confirm exact times, as practices occasionally adjust schedules. Office location and parking information are best obtained directly from the practice at the time of booking, as this details changes frequently with practice moves or renovations.

Why Bassin matters in Baltimore's medical landscape

An independent gastroenterologist with roots in the Baltimore community provides continuity of care and accountability to his patients rather than to a hospital system's efficiency metrics. Bassin represents the option for patients who prioritize a known provider and a less institutional setting over the guarantees of a large health system.