Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance
Colonoscopy and other screening options from age 45, polyp removal, and follow-up exams on the schedule that fits your history.
Screening and surveillance
Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles
Expert digestive care. A more personal approach.
Thoughtful, comprehensive gastroenterology care tailored to you. Dr. Michael Pimienta takes the time to hear your concerns, explains your options in plain language, and cares for your digestive and liver health in English or Spanish.
- Medicare accepted
- In person or by video
- English and Spanish
Patient-centered careTime to listen at every visit
GI fellowship trainingStanford University
Se habla españolCare in English and Spanish
How we can help
Comprehensive gastroenterology services
From preventive screening to the evaluation of complex digestive symptoms, the goal is to help you feel informed, comfortable and confident in your care.
Upper endoscopy (EGD)
A close look at the esophagus, stomach and small intestine for reflux, trouble swallowing, upper abdominal pain and other concerns.
About upper endoscopyDigestive health consultations
A careful evaluation and a personal plan for abdominal pain, bowel changes, bloating, bleeding and other digestive symptoms.
All servicesAcid reflux and GERD
Evidence-based care for heartburn, regurgitation and related symptoms, and a clear answer on when an endoscopy makes sense.
Reflux and GERDLiver and GI conditions
Assessment and ongoing care for fatty liver disease, abnormal liver tests, inflammatory bowel disease and more.
Conditions we treatMedical weight management
Obesity medicine care from a physician board-certified in it: nutrition, activity, medicines when they fit, and attention to digestive health.
Weight management
Meet your physician
Get to know Dr. Michael Pimienta
Michael Pimienta, MD, is a gastroenterologist in Los Angeles who cares for patients with digestive and liver conditions. He completed his internal medicine training at LAC+USC and his fellowship in gastroenterology at Stanford University, and he is triple board-certified in gastroenterology, obesity medicine and internal medicine.
Dr. Pimienta focuses on personalized, evidence-based care. He believes good care begins with listening: understanding what you are feeling and what matters to you before deciding on a plan together.
- Internal medicineLAC+USC
- GI fellowshipStanford University
- Board certificationTriple board-certified
- LanguagesEnglish and Spanish
Featured in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Top Doctors list.
Procedures
Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy in Beverly Hills
Dr. Pimienta performs colonoscopy and upper endoscopy (EGD) at Specialty Surgical Center of Beverly Hills, less than a mile west of the office on Wilshire Boulevard.
Lower digestive tract
Colonoscopy
A look at the lining of the colon with a thin, flexible camera, for colorectal cancer screening, follow-up after polyps, or to find the cause of bleeding or a change in bowel habits. Polyps can usually be removed during the same exam.
What to expectUpper digestive tract
Upper endoscopy (EGD)
A look at the esophagus, the stomach and the first part of the small intestine, often for reflux, trouble swallowing, upper abdominal pain or bleeding. Small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken if needed.
What to expectProcedures
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 directionsAreas of focus
Conditions we treat
Careful evaluation and individualized care for common digestive and liver concerns. Choose a topic to learn more.
Insurance and payment
How payment works
We accept Medicare. With other insurance, visits are self-pay, and our team calls to explain pricing before anything is booked.
Medicare Accepted
We accept Medicare, including patients who have a secondary (supplemental) plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call us before booking so we can check your plan.
Other insurance and self-pay
The practice is out of network with PPO and other commercial plans, so these visits are self-pay. Our team calls you to explain pricing and how out-of-network benefits may work.
Superbills for self-pay visits
After a self-pay visit you receive a superbill, a detailed receipt you can send to your insurance company to ask for out-of-network reimbursement.
Visits
In person on Wilshire, or by video anywhere in California
The office is in Mid-City West, near the Miracle Mile and Beverly Hills, and patients come from across Los Angeles County.
In person
6333 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 200, a few blocks west of the Metro D Line Wilshire/Fairfax station. Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Video visit
A secure video visit for patients who are in California at the time of the visit. New-patient video visits are not same-day.
Areas we serve
Mid-Wilshire and the Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills and patients across Los Angeles County.
Articles
Digestive health, explained
Plain-language guides to common questions, from screening at 45 to heartburn that keeps coming back.
Turning 45? Your guide to colorectal cancer screeningWhy screening now starts at 45, how to choose between a stool test and a colonoscopy, what a positive result means, and how family history changes the plan.Read the articleHeartburn that keeps coming back: when to see a GI doctorEveryday triggers, how long it is reasonable to treat heartburn on your own, the warning signs that need a doctor, and calm answers about long-term acid medicine.Read the articleFatty liver: what your liver tests may be telling youALT and AST in plain words, what "fatty liver" on an ultrasound means, how a FIB-4 score checks for scarring, and the steps that help your liver most.Read the article
Questions
Before your visit
Something else on your mind? Call the office at (424) 281-7392, or see all questions and answers.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept Medicare, including patients who have a secondary plan. Other insurance, including PPO and commercial plans, is out of network: those visits are self-pay, and our team explains pricing before your appointment is booked. We provide a superbill you can send to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
Do I need a referral?
Original Medicare does not require a referral to see a specialist, and self-pay patients can request a visit directly. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call us before booking so we can check your plan’s rules.
How do video visits work?
Video visits are for patients who are in California at the time of the visit. You join a secure video visit from your phone or computer. New-patient video visits are not offered the same day you ask.
Where are colonoscopies and endoscopies done?
At Specialty Surgical Center of Beverly Hills, 8670 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 300, Beverly Hills. You will need someone to drive you home after your procedure.
When should I start colorectal cancer screening?
Most adults at average risk should start at age 45. You may need to start earlier, or be checked more often, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or symptoms such as bleeding. Read more about screening and surveillance.
Does Dr. Pimienta speak Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Pimienta sees patients in English and Spanish, and our team can help you in either language. To read this website in Spanish, choose “Español” at the top of any page.
Visit us
Office and procedure locations
Call (424) 281-7392, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Referring offices can fax (424) 440-2716.
Office
Wilshire office
6333 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 200Los Angeles, CA 90048
Mid-City West, near the Miracle Mile and Beverly Hills
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Phone
- (424) 281-7392
- Fax
- (424) 440-2716
- Languages
- English and Spanish
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 directionsFeel better. Live healthier.
Request an appointment online or call the office. Care in English and Spanish, in person on Wilshire Boulevard or by video anywhere in California.