Finding the right specialist for PBC

Whether you are in search of a diagnosis or have already been diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), there are benefits to working with liver specialists as part of your healthcare team. They have the training and resources to diagnose PBC, are likely to be familiar with treatment options and management techniques, may know of ongoing studies for PBC, and are more likely than primary care physicians to have managed or seen other cases of PBC.

The essential PBC glossary

As you do your research on PBC, you may come across a lot of words that are new to you. We’ve created a glossary of common terms to help you in your understanding of this disease.

Learn key PBC terms

Are you keeping up with PBC?

Take a short, 10-second quiz to see if you’re on track with managing your PBC:

Do you see a liver specialist (gastroenterologist or hepatologist) for PBC?

YESNO

If you think you could have PBC, you should make an appointment with a liver specialist (gastroenterologist or hepatologist) sooner rather than later.

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Have you seen your liver specialist recently
(in the last 3-6 months)?

YESNO

It's ideal to see your liver specialist regularly (usually every 3-6 months). That way, they can keep track of your ALP effectively.

See questions to ask at your next appointment:

Download discussion guide

Nice!

Do you know what your ALP level is currently?

YESNO

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You're on top of things! Did you know there’s also a free app for people living with PBC?

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Make a note to ask about your ALP level next time you see your liver specialist.

Here's a list of other helpful questions to consider asking:

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Gastroenterologists and hepatologists are 2 types of specialists who work with people living with PBC.

  • Gastroenterologist
    • Manages diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder
    • A referral to a gastroenterologist would likely come from a primary care physician
    • A gastroenterologist will perform a clinical examination and may run tests, including liver panel tests
  • Hepatologist
    • Specifically manages conditions of the liver
    • A referral to a hepatologist may come from a primary care physician, gastroenterologist, or another specialist
    • A hepatologist may perform a liver biopsy, if needed, in addition to clinical examination and other liver tests

Both gastroenterologists and hepatologists have the skills to recognize and treat PBC, but it’s important to also find a healthcare team that makes you feel comfortable and cared for. Remember that you are the best advocate for your health.

Your healthcare team may use various imaging tests to help diagnose and monitor PBC.

Learn more about diagnosis & monitoring

Making the most of your appointment time

Once you’ve found your healthcare team, it’s important to make sure you’re getting your questions answered and using your time with them wisely. In this video, Dr. Jennifer Pate, Chief of Psychiatry at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, offers some tips for maximizing every visit.

Living successfully with PBC: A chat with the PBC collaborative

This previously recorded Facebook event features a panel of women who are living with PBC discussing topics such as establishing a trusting relationship with your healthcare team.

Get ready for your next healthcare provider visit by preparing your questions ahead of time.

Download discussion guide

Learn about PBC treatment

All participating parties, including patients, physicians, and experts, were compensated by ICPT.

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