Dr. Michael Pimienta is a gastroenterologist (a GI doctor, sometimes called a stomach doctor) who cares for adults with problems of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. His office is on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, and he sees patients from across Los Angeles County.
Most care starts with a conversation. Dr. Pimienta believes good care begins with listening, so your first visit is about your story: what you feel, how long it has been going on, and what you want from your care. From there, he may suggest tests, a procedure, a change in medicines, or simply a plan to watch and follow up. You can be seen in person or by secure video, in English or Spanish.
What we offer
Digestive and liver consultations
Visits for heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, IBS, IBD, fatty liver and abnormal liver tests.
Colonoscopy
A look at the colon to screen for cancer, check symptoms, and remove polyps or take biopsies during the same exam.
Upper endoscopy (EGD)
A look at the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine, with biopsies when needed.
Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance
Screening from age 45 for most adults, and follow-up exams after polyps or with a family history.
Preparing for your procedure
A day-by-day guide to bowel prep, medicines, clear liquids and what to bring.
Medical weight management
Care from a doctor board-certified in obesity medicine, including nutrition, habits and medicines when they fit.
Video visits
Secure video visits for patients who are in California at the time of the visit.
What a first consultation looks like
A first visit usually takes place in the office or by video. Dr. Pimienta will ask about your symptoms, past medical problems, surgeries, family history and medicines. He will review any records, lab results, scans or past procedure reports you bring. If you are in the office, he may also examine your abdomen.
By the end of the visit, you should know what he thinks is going on, what the possible causes are, and what the next steps look like. Those steps might include:
- Blood tests or stool tests
- Imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, done at an outside facility
- A colonoscopy, an upper endoscopy, or both on the same day
- Changes to your diet or medicines, with a plan to check how you are doing
Your plan depends on your health; Dr. Pimienta will talk with you about what fits you. If you are not sure which condition matches your symptoms, the conditions we treat page is a good place to start.
What to bring: a list of your medicines and doses (including vitamins and supplements), your Medicare card if you have Medicare, and any recent lab, imaging or procedure reports. New patients get a link to the patient portal and forms before the visit.
Procedures at Specialty Surgical Center of Beverly Hills
Dr. Pimienta performs colonoscopy and upper endoscopy (EGD) at Specialty Surgical Center of Beverly Hills on Wilshire Boulevard, less than a mile west of the office. You can have one procedure or both on the same day. During a colonoscopy, he can remove polyps and take biopsies in the same exam. During an upper endoscopy, he can take biopsies.
Procedures
Specialty Surgical Center of Beverly Hills
8670 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 300Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy are done here, less than a mile west of the office on Wilshire Boulevard.
Get directionsYou go home the same day. Because you receive sedation, you will need an adult to drive or ride home with you. Our team gives you written instructions before your procedure, and the preparation guide walks you through each day so nothing is a surprise.
In person or by video
You can choose the visit that works for you:
In person
Visits at 6333 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 200, in Mid-City West near the Miracle Mile, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Secure video
Video visits work well for many consultations and follow-ups. You must be in California at the time of the visit. New-patient video visits are not same-day.
Procedures always happen in person at the surgery center. You can start with a video consultation and come in later if you need a procedure. Learn more about your first visit on the new patients page.
Medicare and self-pay
Dr. Pimienta accepts Medicare, including patients with a secondary (supplemental) plan. For other insurance, the practice is out of network, so visits are self-pay; our team calls you to explain pricing and how out-of-network benefits may work before anything is booked. See insurance and payment for details.
Questions patients ask
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Pimienta?
Original Medicare does not require a referral to see a specialist. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, please call us before booking so we can check your plan.
Can I see Dr. Pimienta in Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Pimienta speaks English and Spanish, and you can have your visit in either language.
Where are colonoscopies and endoscopies done?
At Specialty Surgical Center of Beverly Hills, 8670 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 300, Beverly Hills, less than a mile west of the office.
Can a video visit replace an office visit?
Often, for a first consultation or a follow-up, as long as you are in California at the time of the visit. If Dr. Pimienta needs to examine you, or you need a procedure, he will ask you to come in.