FAQs

What is integrative gastroenterology?

Integrative gastroenterology combines conventional gastroenterology, including procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy, with functional medicine, nutrition, and evidence-informed complementary therapies. Instead of focusing only on suppressing symptoms, our physicians look at gut integrity, the microbiome, inflammation, immunity, hormones, and lifestyle to understand why digestive problems started and how to resolve them.

How is your practice different from a traditional GI office?

Our appointments are longer and more comprehensive than a typical GI visit. Your doctor reviews your full medical history, prior test results, diet, supplements, sleep, and stress before making recommendations. Led by Dr. Farshid Sam Rahbar, who has more than 25 years of experience, LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition offers advanced Western diagnostics and holistic, whole-person care under one roof.

What conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of digestive and systemic concerns, including bloating and excess gas, abdominal pain, GERD, SIBO, gastritis, colitis, food sensitivities, fatigue, and gut-related symptoms of Lyme disease. Visit our Conditions page for the full list.

Which diagnostic procedures and tests do you offer?

Our technical services include colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, intestinal breath testing for SIBO, anorectal manometry, and the Rectal Expulsion Device (R.E.D.) test. We also offer advanced cancer screening options and genomic decoding.

Do you accept insurance?

LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition is not contracted with any insurance company. Analytical services such as consultations and functional medicine evaluations are paid at the time of service. For technical services such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, and breath testing, our team checks your insurance benefits and helps you use your coverage whenever possible. Please review our Fees page for details.

Do you see Medicare patients?

Yes, but there are specific guidelines Medicare beneficiaries need to know before scheduling. Please read our Medicare Patient Information page in full, and call our office at (310) 289-8000 with any questions.

Are you a primary care practice?

No. LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition is a specialty consultative gastroenterology practice, not a primary care office. We encourage every patient to keep a primary care physician, and we are happy to share your results and recommendations with your doctor at your request.

Do you offer telemedicine appointments?

Yes. Video and phone consultations are available on a case-by-case basis and are especially helpful for patients who live outside Los Angeles. During a telemedicine consultation, your doctor can review records, discuss your history, and recommend testing and dietary or lifestyle guidance. Prescriptions and formal treatment typically begin after an in-office evaluation.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring or send your medical records, recent lab and imaging results, a list of current medications and supplements, and your written questions and health goals. Completing your registration, medical history, and consent paperwork from our Forms page before your visit lets your doctor spend more time on your care.

How long is a first visit?

New-patient consultations are intentionally longer than a standard GI appointment so your doctor can review your complete history, symptoms, and prior testing in detail. Your scheduling coordinator will confirm the expected length when you book.

Can I order a SIBO breath test kit?

Yes. Patients can order SIBO breath test kits through our website. Breath testing measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine and is one of the most practical ways to evaluate bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits.

Can I order my own lab work?

Yes. You can order labs with a doctor’s help for physician guidance and interpretation, or order labs without a doctor’s help if you prefer to manage your testing independently.

Do you offer colon cancer screening?

Yes. We perform screening and diagnostic colonoscopy and offer additional options on our colon cancer screening page, along with the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test, stomach cancer screening, and EsoGuard esophageal testing.

Do you provide nutrition counseling and supplements?

Yes. Nutrition is central to how we treat digestive disease. Our nutritional services include customized nutrition plans, digestive disorder diets, the elemental diet, and professional-grade nutraceutical supplements, which you can also order online.

What is the Membership Program?

Our Membership Program provides ongoing support and convenience between visits, including discounted follow-up consultations. You can compare options on our membership vs. administrative fee enrollment page.

Can my doctor refer me to your practice?

Yes. We welcome referrals from physicians and other healthcare providers. Your provider can submit our Referral Form, or you can contact us directly at (310) 289-8000 to schedule.

Where is your office located and what are your hours?

Our office is located at 2080 Century Park E, Suite 1804, in Century City, Los Angeles, CA 90067. We are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and closed Saturday and Sunday. We see patients from across Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the surrounding communities.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition at (310) 289-8000 or use our online appointment request form. New patients should review our Policies & Philosophy and Must Read pages before their first visit.