Can someone recommend a doctor in Northern VA or Washington, D.C. that is open to pursuing a diagnosis for Celiac or gluten sensitivity even if my blood tests for Celiac were negative. I'd like to find a good GI doc before trying the gluten free diet because I'd like assistance in tracking progress, such as having someone order a bone density scan before and after the diet. and I'd like to rule out other causes of my symptoms. I did test positive for gluten sensitivity with Enterolab, so if anyone knows a doctor who won't be quite so cynical about the test that would help too, but it's not a requirement. I saw Dr. Garone and Dr. Lee mentioned in previous posts but I didn't know if they are great doctors if one has a positive blood test or if they'd be open to pursuing a diagnosis even if blood tests are negative. Thanks.

Did you try the Doctor's Directory in this web site? The list goes by states. That is how I found my new Doctor ( GI specilist in Celiac) in New Jersey.

Let me state up front it is not my intention to offend you. If this post does then I want to apologize now.

Help me understand something. If you tested positive for gluten sensitivity with Entrolab then why would you not want to see if the gluten-free diet helps your symptoms whatever they are? If you don't want to start the diet because you don't want to start the diet then I can understand that. There are no shortages of doctors who will be willing to take your money to run any number of tests to rule out everything under the sun including Celiac. If however you do have Celiac/Gluten Intolerance then the only solution "now or later" is the diet. IT IS THE "ONLY" TREATMENT FOR CELIAC/GLUTEN INTOLERANCE!! The good news is that it is extremely effective. The diet properly done "is" a diagnosis even if not all doctors will agree. There is an excellent chance that if you don't respond to the diet then you probably don't have issues with gluten. The fact that you got tested through Entrolab indicates to me you suspect gluten as your problem. Based on what little information you have posted I think I would try to rule out Celiac through diet response before proceeding down other costly avenues. Trying the diet cannot hurt you it either helps or doesn't help. Also it is free! You don't need permission to try it. One word of caution, "don't do the diet and if it helps try to get a diagnosis soon thereafter as it may skew the results". Also if you insist on an official diagnosis be prepared to spend a lot of money (yours or someone elses) and expect to meet your share of cynics. Good luck and hope this helps.

Tom

You may want to consider seeing Dr. Douglas Sigmon, a GP in Gainesville VA. He is knowledgeable of celiac disease and followed up with a friend by recommending a biopsy be performed by Dr. Kenneth Mirkin, who practices at Prince William Hospital. Dr. Mirkin, a gastroenterologist, is extremely knowledgeable of celiac matters, and you may want to contact him directly unless you are required by your insurance company to be referred by your family physician. Good Luck!

Where is the Doctor's Directory I can not find it. I live on the shore in Maryland.

Thanks for everyone's help. I'm going to try to make an appointment with Dr. Mirkin because I'd like to attempt to try to obtain a diagnosis before I try the diet. I really do appreciate everyone's input.

Dr. Fassano at University of Maryland May be the world expert, but he is in Baltimore at University of Maryland. He may be worth the drive.