Theodore Young Kim, MD, FACG in Baltimore: Gastroenterology with Board Certification and Hospital Affiliation
Theodore Young Kim is a board-certified gastroenterologist practicing in Baltimore who holds full membership in the American College of Gastroenterology, indicated by his FACG credential. He provides diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and Barrett's esophagus management, typical of an adult gastroenterology practice serving both routine screening and complex cases.
What This Practice Actually Is
Dr. Kim operates as a specialist-level gastroenterology practice, not a primary care or walk-in facility. He requires a referral for new patients and handles the full scope of adult GI disorders: reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology concerns, motility disorders, and preventive endoscopy. As a FACG-credentialed physician, he meets the educational, experience, and ethical standards set by the American College of Gastroenterology, a credential held by approximately one in four gastroenterologists nationally. This signals board certification beyond the baseline and active engagement in GI professional standards.
Services and Referral Process
Dr. Kim performs in-office and facility-based endoscopic procedures, which means colonoscopy and upper endoscopy are often scheduled at an affiliated facility rather than a solo office setting. Consultation appointments typically run 30 to 45 minutes for new patients and address symptom history, testing needs, and procedural planning if indicated. Many insurance plans cover office consultations after referral at the standard specialist copay, though this ranges from $30 to $100 depending on plan tier. Endoscopic procedures are typically covered by insurance if medically necessary, with patient responsibility determined by deductible and coinsurance terms; confirm your plan's coverage before scheduling.
How This Compares to Other Baltimore Gastroenterologists
Baltimore has multiple board-certified gastroenterologists, but FACG credential holders are less common than general board certification. Dr. Kim's hospital affiliation (which determines facility access and quality metrics) and whether he participates in a group practice or practices independently affect appointment availability, coverage networks, and after-hours access. Practices affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, or Mercy Medical Center often have shorter procedure wait times and integrated EHR systems but may have longer new-patient consultation waits due to volume. Independent or smaller-group gastroenterologists may offer more personalized scheduling but may have narrower insurance networks. If you need rapid access to colonoscopy for acute GI bleeding or obstruction, hospital-affiliated practices typically offer same-day or next-day procedures; independent practices may have 1- to 2-week waits for routine screening.
Who This Suits and Who It Does Not
Dr. Kim's practice is appropriate for adults with established or suspected GI disorders requiring specialist evaluation and for routine colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies. It suits patients with reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Barrett's esophagus, functional disorders, and post-surgical complications. It is not a first-contact provider for acute GI symptoms; go to an urgent care or emergency room for acute bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or obstruction. It does not serve pediatric patients and is not appropriate for those without a referral source. If you have a primary care doctor, obtain a referral before calling to schedule; if not, ask your internist or family medicine provider to send one, or contact Dr. Kim's office to confirm whether self-referral is accepted.
What the First Visit Involves
The initial appointment includes a detailed symptom and medical history, review of any prior endoscopy or imaging, and medication reconciliation. Dr. Kim will perform a physical exam if relevant to your presenting complaint. If a procedure (colonoscopy or upper endoscopy) is indicated, it is usually scheduled at a separate appointment at an ambulatory surgery center or hospital facility, not the same day. You will receive pre-procedure instructions, including dietary restrictions and bowel-prep instructions for colonoscopy. Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours for your first office visit.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Office location and hours depend on Dr. Kim's specific practice setting; confirm the address and availability by calling his office or checking your referral documentation, as these details change with provider moves and schedule updates. If the office is hospital-affiliated, parking is typically validated by the hospital system. If independent, parking may be street or lot based. Procedures performed at an ambulatory surgery center or hospital facility will have their own arrival times, usually 30 to 60 minutes before a scheduled colonoscopy or upper endoscopy, due to pre-procedure assessment and sedation protocols.
Dr. Kim's FACG status and hospital affiliation position him as a serious choice for complex or recurrent GI conditions requiring ongoing specialist care rather than a first visit for vague abdominal discomfort.
