Hepatologists are gastroenterology doctors who further specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, and most have also completed additional study in the area of liver transplantation. Hepatologists may perform many specialized tests to diagnose liver disease or obtain liver biopsies.

Hepatology is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties as a distinct subspecialty. Most hepatologists are board-certified by the Board of Internal Medicine, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.