What Is a Liver Specialist and When Should You See One?
Your liver performs hundreds of essential functions — from filtering toxins to producing bile and storing nutrients. When something goes wrong, it can affect your energy, digestion, and overall health. That’s where a liver specialist, also known as a hepatologist, comes in.
This article explains what liver specialists do, what conditions they treat, and when you should consider making an appointment.
What Is a Liver Specialist?
A liver specialist (or hepatologist) is a doctor who focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. Hepatology is a subspecialty of gastroenterology, which deals with the digestive system.
Hepatologists are experts in understanding how liver function affects the rest of the body — from metabolism to hormone balance and immune health.
Read on in our full guide to at-home liver tests to learn what your results really mean.
What Conditions Does a Liver Specialist Treat?
A hepatologist diagnoses and treats a wide range of liver and biliary conditions, including:
1. Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD and NASH)
Fat buildup in the liver can lead to inflammation and scarring. Early treatment can prevent progression to cirrhosis.
2. Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)
Viral infections that cause liver inflammation. Chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to long-term damage if untreated.
3. Cirrhosis
Advanced scarring that reduces liver function. A hepatologist helps manage symptoms, complications, and transplant evaluation.
4. Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Excessive drinking can cause fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. A liver specialist develops treatment and recovery plans.
5. Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
Hepatologists diagnose and coordinate care with oncologists for cancer that starts in the liver.
6. Autoimmune Liver Diseases
Including autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
7. Genetic or Metabolic Liver Disorders
Conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) or Wilson’s disease (copper buildup) require specialized management.
8. Liver Transplant Evaluation and Follow-Up
If liver failure occurs, a hepatologist determines whether a patient qualifies for transplantation and oversees care before and after surgery.
Read on to explore our complete guide to at-home kidney function testing and how it works.
When Should You See a Liver Specialist?
Many liver problems develop silently until they’re advanced. Early evaluation by a hepatologist can prevent serious complications.
You should consider seeing a liver specialist if you have:
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Abnormal liver enzyme results (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin).
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Unexplained fatigue or weakness.
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
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Dark urine or pale stools.
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Persistent nausea, bloating, or abdominal pain.
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Swelling in your legs or abdomen.
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A history of hepatitis or heavy alcohol use.
Your primary care doctor may refer you to a hepatologist if initial tests suggest liver inflammation or injury.
Read on in our UTI testing guide to better understand symptoms and treatment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
During your first visit, the hepatologist will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order diagnostic tests to assess liver function.
Common tests include:
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Liver function tests (LFTs): Measure enzyme and bilirubin levels.
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Ultrasound or FibroScan: Evaluate liver size, texture, and scarring.
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MRI or CT scan: Detect tumors, cysts, or structural issues.
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Liver biopsy: Confirms diagnosis if scarring or cancer is suspected.
Read on in our article about glucose in urine to learn about causes and symptoms.
Treatment Approaches by Liver Specialists
Depending on your diagnosis, a hepatologist may recommend:
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Lifestyle changes: Such as a low-sodium diet, weight loss, and alcohol avoidance.
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Medications: To reduce inflammation, manage infections, or prevent further scarring.
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Regular monitoring: Blood work and imaging to track liver function.
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Coordinated care: Working with dietitians, transplant surgeons, or addiction specialists.
The goal is to preserve remaining liver function and prevent complications like cirrhosis or cancer.
How to Find a Liver Specialist
Ask your primary care provider or gastroenterologist for a referral. You can also find board-certified hepatologists through:
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The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) directory.
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Major hospitals and academic medical centers.
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Liver foundations or transplant centers.
When choosing a hepatologist, look for one who has experience managing your specific condition and works within a multidisciplinary team.
Read on in our overview of the Ribbon Checkup urine test to see how home testing can support your health.
When Liver Transplantation Is Considered
If cirrhosis or liver failure advances, your hepatologist will evaluate you for a transplant. Criteria typically include:
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End-stage liver disease (ESLD).
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Liver cancer confined to the organ.
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Failure of other treatments to stabilize the disease.
Hepatologists guide patients through the entire transplant process, including evaluation, surgery, and lifelong post-transplant care.
The Bottom Line
A liver specialist (hepatologist) is essential for diagnosing and managing liver conditions early — before they progress to serious disease. Whether you’re dealing with elevated enzymes, fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis, expert care can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
If you’ve had abnormal liver test results or ongoing digestive symptoms, don’t wait — seeing a hepatologist could be the key to protecting your long-term liver health.
Want to check your liver health from home?
You can take an at-home liver function and metabolic health test through Ribbon Checkup and get results instantly.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. National Center for Health Statistics FastStats. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/liver-disease.htm
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, August 19). Hepatologist (liver doctor): What they treat & training. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/hepatologist
Devarbhavi, H., Asrani, S. K., Arab, J. P., Nartey, Y. A., Pose, E., & Kamath, P. S. (2023). Global burden of liver disease: 2023 update. Journal of Hepatology, 79(2), 516-537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.017
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Hepatology (liver care). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology-hepatology/specialty-centers/hepatology
Mayo Clinic. (2025, October 15). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
Rinella, M. E., Neuschwander-Tetri, B. A., Siddiqui, M. S., Abdelmalek, M. F., Caldwell, S., Barb, D., Kleiner, D. E., & Loomba, R. (2020). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Common questions and answers on diagnosis and management. American Family Physician, 102(10), 603-612. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1115/p603.html
World Health Organization. (2016). WHO guidelines on hepatitis B and C testing. World Health Organization. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442292/
