FAQs

What is a pediatric gastroenterologist?

A pediatric gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive, liver, and nutritional conditions in children, from infancy through age 18. Our board-certified providers have advanced training in the unique digestive health needs of growing children.

What conditions do you treat?

We diagnose and treat a wide range of pediatric digestive and liver conditions, including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, constipation, and jaundice. We also perform diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies.

At what age should my child see a pediatric GI specialist?

We care for children from infancy through age 18. If your child has persistent abdominal pain, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, difficulty gaining weight, blood in the stool, or other digestive concerns, a pediatric gastroenterologist can help.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

Referral requirements depend on your insurance plan. Many families are referred by their child’s pediatrician, but we recommend checking with your insurance provider. Our staff is happy to help answer coverage questions when you call (708) 581-4911.

How many locations do you have?

We have five convenient locations serving families across the Chicago suburbs and Northwest Indiana: Evergreen Park, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Romeoville in Illinois, plus Highland, Indiana.

Which providers are part of your team?

Our team includes board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists Dr. Rajeev Nagpal and Dr. Christopher Smith, along with Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Mensch, APN. All of our providers specialize in pediatric digestive and nutritional health.

What should I bring to my child’s first appointment?

Please bring any current or previous medical records, a complete list of your child’s current medications, your insurance card, and a valid ID. Bringing a list of questions or concerns also helps our provider address everything during your visit.

What can I expect at the first visit?

During the first visit, our provider reviews your child’s medical history, discusses current symptoms, and performs a thorough evaluation. First visits are typically longer than follow-ups because we take the time to understand your child’s needs and begin building the right care plan.

Will my child need testing?

It depends on your child’s symptoms. In some cases, the provider may recommend blood work, stool tests, imaging, or procedures such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy. Any recommended testing will be fully explained to you beforehand.

Are colonoscopies and endoscopies safe for children?

Yes. These are safe, well-established procedures performed with your child’s comfort and safety as the top priority. Most children receive general anesthesia so they sleep comfortably throughout, and our team explains each step in advance.

How should my child prepare for a procedure?

Preparation depends on the procedure. For a colonoscopy, this typically involves cleaning out the colon with oral medication and following a clear liquid diet beforehand. Detailed pre-procedure instructions are available on our Patient Information page, and our team will review them with you.

Can I stay with my child during the exam?

Yes. We encourage parents and guardians to be present and involved throughout the visit. Our providers speak directly with both children and their families so everyone understands what is happening and why.

Do you provide nutritional guidance?

Yes. Because many digestive conditions affect a child’s growth and nutrition, we provide ongoing dietary guidance and long-term management alongside medical treatment. We partner with families and pediatricians to create individualized care plans.

How do I know if my child’s symptoms are serious?

Warning signs that warrant an evaluation include persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea or constipation lasting more than two weeks, blood in the stool, difficulty swallowing, poor weight gain, or unexplained weight loss. When in doubt, it’s best to have your child evaluated.

What insurance do you accept?

We work with many insurance plans. Because coverage varies, we recommend confirming with your insurance provider, and our staff can help answer questions about coverage when you call (708) 581-4911.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by calling (708) 581-4911 or by requesting one online through our website. Our staff will help you choose the most convenient location and the right provider for your child’s needs.

How can I get educational resources about my child’s condition?

Our Patient Information page offers helpful pamphlets, guidelines, charts, and pre-procedure instructions for many common conditions. If you have questions about any of these materials, our team is glad to help.

Do you treat both common and complex conditions?

Yes. Our providers care for everything from common concerns like constipation to complex, chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Whether your child needs a one-time evaluation or ongoing specialized care, our team is here to help.