Name: Dr. Kris V. Kowdley
Specialty: Gastroenterology (Hepatology & Liver Transplantation)
Qualification/Board Certification: Board Certified in Gastroenterology
Affiliation: Kriskowdley
Locations: Seattle, Washington
Languages Spoken: English
Accepting New Patients: Yes
NPI Number: 1699850404
About the Doctor
Dr. Kris V. Kowdley is a board-certified gastroenterologist practicing in Seattle, Washington, with over 21 years of experience. He earned his medical degree from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health), followed by a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Kowdley is currently accepting new patients and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Swedish First Hill Hospital, High Performing in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery and Colon Cancer Surgery, Swedish Medical Center-Cherry Hill, Grays Harbor Community Hospital, MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health-St. Michael Medical Center.
Patient Awards & Recognition:
Patient Experience Summary:
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Fair (2/5) for thoroughness of examination
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Fair (2/5) for ability to answer questions
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Positive (3/5) for clarity of instructions
Education & Training
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Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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Internship: Internal Medicine – Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health), 1985–1986
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Residency: Internal Medicine – Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health), 1986–1988
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Fellowship/Additional Training: Gastroenterology – Tufts Medical Center, 1989–1991
Medical Conditions Treated
Dr. Kowdley specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and intestines. His subspecialty is hepatology and liver transplantation.
Common conditions include:
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Fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease / NAFLD)
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Liver cirrhosis
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Hepatitis B and C
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Autoimmune liver diseases (autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis)
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Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
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End-stage liver disease (cirrhosis complications)
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Liver transplant evaluation and management
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Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Dysphagia (swallowing problems)
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Celiac disease
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Pancreatitis (acute and chronic)
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Gallbladder disease (gallstones, cholecystitis)
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Colorectal cancer screening and prevention
Medical Procedures Performed
Dr. Kowdley performs a range of diagnostic and therapeutic gastroenterology procedures, with a focus on liver-related interventions.
Procedures include:
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Upper endoscopy (EGD) for evaluation of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
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Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis
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Liver biopsy (percutaneous or transjugular) for liver disease diagnosis and staging
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Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for bile duct and pancreatic disorders
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Capsule endoscopy for small bowel evaluation
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Paracentesis (removal of fluid from abdomen for cirrhosis patients)
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Esophageal manometry and pH monitoring for GERD
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Hemorrhoid banding and other anorectal procedures
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Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) management (in coordination with interventional radiology)
Services Offered
Dr. Kowdley provides comprehensive gastroenterology and hepatology services, with particular expertise in liver diseases and liver transplantation. His practice offers thorough evaluation and management of chronic liver conditions, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, as well as pre- and post-liver transplant care. He also provides general gastroenterology services such as colon cancer screening, GERD management, and inflammatory bowel disease treatment. Patients have reported mixed experiences, with fair ratings for thoroughness and ability to answer questions, but positive ratings for clarity of instructions. Dr. Kowdley practices within a network of top-ranked hospitals in Washington state, allowing for access to advanced liver transplant programs and multidisciplinary GI care.
Detailed services include:
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Comprehensive new patient consultations – Full gastroenterology and hepatology history, physical exam, and diagnostic planning
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Liver disease management – Diagnosis and treatment of fatty liver disease, hepatitis B/C, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and cirrhosis
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Liver cirrhosis care – Management of complications (ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy), screening for liver cancer, and referral for transplant evaluation
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Liver transplant evaluation and management – Pre-transplant assessment, listing, and post-transplant care coordination
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) management – Surveillance, diagnosis, and coordination with oncology and interventional radiology
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General gastroenterology – Management of GERD, IBS, celiac disease, pancreatitis, and gallbladder disease
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care – Medical management of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, including biologic therapies
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Colorectal cancer screening – Colonoscopy for average and high-risk patients, polyp removal, and surveillance
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Upper endoscopy – Evaluation of dysphagia, GERD, ulcers, and upper GI bleeding
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Liver biopsy – Percutaneous or transjugular biopsy for diagnosis and staging of liver disease
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Paracentesis – Therapeutic and diagnostic abdominal fluid removal for cirrhosis patients
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ERCP – For bile duct stones, strictures, and pancreatic disorders
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Coordination of care – Referrals to hepatobiliary surgery, interventional radiology, oncology, and transplant surgery
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Patient and family education – Disease progression counseling, medication adherence, dietary guidance (low-sodium for cirrhosis, low-fat for gallbladder), and lifestyle modifications
Accepted Insurances
Dr. Kowdley accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid.
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AK State Medicaid (Medicaid)
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Cigna (PPO)
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Elevance (EPO, HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO)
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ID State Medicaid (Medicaid)
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Kaiser Permanente (PPO)
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Molina (HMO, Medicare)
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Regence Health Plans (PPO)
Practice Locations
Address: 3216 NE 45th Pl, Ste 212, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: (206) 536-3030
Hospital Affiliations
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Swedish First Hill Hospital – Seattle, WA
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Swedish Medical Center-Cherry Hill – Seattle, WA
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Grays Harbor Community Hospital – Aberdeen, WA
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MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital – Yakima, WA
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Virginia Mason Franciscan Health-St. Michael Medical Center – Silverdale, WA
Cardiologist
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