Irritable bowel syndrome evaluation

During your visit, a MinuteClinic provider will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam to determine whether you have IBS. They may recommend lifestyle and dietary changes or medication to help manage your condition. For more severe cases or additional screening, your provider may refer you to a specialist.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

The exact cause of IBS is unknown. However, symptoms have been linked to several factors, including:

• Abdominal infection
• Stress
• Disorder of the gut-brain axis (issues with the communication that happens between your nervous and digestive systems)
• Family history of IBS

Treatment for IBS may differ based on your symptoms. A provider may recommend:

• Dietary changes
• Avoiding certain foods
• Certain medications to relieve symptoms

There is no specific test to confirm that you have IBS. If you are experiencing IBS symptoms, your provider will review your medical history, conduct an examination, and may order tests to rule out other causes and conditions. A provider will make a diagnosis based on the symptoms happening in your digestive system.

If you have noticed a long-lasting change in your bowel movements or stool, or you have other IBS symptoms, you should schedule an IBS evaluation at your local MinuteClinic. A MinuteClinic provider can help determine whether you have IBS or another condition.

If you have the following symptoms, you should seek immediate care:

• Rapid weight loss
• Trouble swallowing
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Abdominal pain that isn’t relieved by bowel movements or passing gas
• Sudden vomiting