David Collins, MD, in Chattanooga: Board-Certified Gastroenterologist with Direct-Access Endoscopy Services

David Collins, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist in Chattanooga who performs diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures at an on-site facility, treating conditions from acid reflux to colon cancer screening without requiring a hospital referral or separate procedural center appointment.

What He Actually Does

Collins practices as an independent gastroenterologist focusing on both procedural endoscopy (upper endoscopy, colonoscopy) and office-based management of reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, and functional GI disorders. The practice operates its own endoscopy suite within his clinic, a setup that reduces scheduling friction and separate facility fees compared to gastroenterologists who perform procedures exclusively at hospital outpatient departments or independent surgery centers. He accepts new patients without a primary-care referral, though many insurance plans technically require one for coverage purposes.

Procedures and Service Scope

Collins offers upper endoscopy (for acid reflux symptoms, difficulty swallowing, and diagnostic biopsies), colonoscopy for cancer screening and polyp removal, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Office visits address chronic heartburn, gastroparesis, food sensitivities, and irritable bowel syndrome management. The on-site endoscopy suite means procedures are typically scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks for non-emergency cases, versus a 3 to 6 week wait at larger hospital systems during peak demand. Prices for screening colonoscopy (without polyp removal) run roughly $1,200 to $1,800 in-network with major Chattanooga insurers, though therapeutic procedures add $400 to $800 depending on findings. Verify current rates with his office; facility fees and anesthesia charges shift seasonally based on supplier contracts.

How This Compares to Other Chattanooga Gastroenterologists

Chattanooga has three primary gastroenterology practices: Collins's independent practice, two gastroenterologists affiliated with Erlanger Health System, and Gastroenterology Associates at CHI Memorial. Erlanger-affiliated providers schedule procedures at Erlanger's endoscopy centers, which handle higher volume and shorter waits during off-peak seasons but may carry longer delays during winter months when screening demand peaks. Gastroenterology Associates at CHI operates from CHI's downtown endoscopy facility and accepts a slightly narrower range of insurance plans. Collins's advantage lies in schedule flexibility and direct control over facility overhead, which sometimes translates to faster appointment booking for established patients and fewer insurance-pre-approval delays since he manages the endoscopy suite directly. The drawback: if a patient requires hospitalization or complex inpatient procedures, Collins refers to either system, creating a brief handoff. Choose Collins if your priority is a single-visit office and procedure location with rapid scheduling; choose Erlanger or CHI if you want integrated hospital backup and you anticipate needing inpatient services.

Who This Practice Suits, and Who It Does Not

Collins suits patients with uncomplicated reflux, screening colonoscopies, or functional GI concerns who prefer a single-provider relationship and faster procedure access. He is also appropriate for those with active Crohn's or ulcerative colitis if ongoing medical management without hospitalization meets their needs. He does not suit patients with suspected or confirmed bleeding ulcers requiring urgent hospitalization, severe pancreatitis, or other acute conditions requiring hospital-level observation. Patients with poor insurance coverage for independent physician practices should verify in advance; his office handles most major plans (BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, United, Aetna, Medicare), but some HMO variants require a hospital-system provider.

First Visit: What to Expect

New patients receive a 60-minute initial appointment covering medical history, family history, and a physical examination. Collins asks about current medications, prior endoscopy or colonoscopy results, and symptom timeline. If a procedure is being scheduled, the office reviews sedation options (conscious sedation with midazolam and fentanyl is standard) and explains pre-procedure fasting and bowel-prep instructions. Insurance verification and pre-authorization paperwork are typically completed before the visit. If a procedure is recommended, it is usually scheduled 1 to 3 weeks after the initial visit. Bring a photo ID and insurance card; the office will request records from any prior GI specialists.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Collins's office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours one evening per week (typically Wednesday until 6:30 p.m.). Procedures are performed Tuesday through Thursday mornings. Free on-site parking is available in a dedicated lot; no valet service. The clinic is accessible from downtown Chattanooga via Highway 27 (Hixson Pike), with approximately 15 minutes' travel from the Southside. Patients undergoing sedation must arrange a driver; no exceptions for same-day discharge. Verify current hours by phone before scheduling, as holiday closures or facility maintenance occasionally shift the weekly schedule.

Collins's independent structure and on-site endoscopy capability make him a practical choice for Chattanooga residents seeking efficient screening or reflux management without navigating hospital system referral bureaucracies.