HM
33 Years of Experience
Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Mertz, Gastroenterologist in Nashville, TN?
Dr. Howard Mertz, MD is a Gastroenterologist, who primarily practices in Nashville, TN. He has been practicing for over 33 years and is board certified. Dr. Mertz graduated from Baylor College of Medicine and completed his residency at Johns Hopkins Hosp, Internal Medicine. Dr. Mertz is fluent in English and Spanish, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Mertz’s practice accepts Medicare, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Mertz’s office at (615) 383-0165.
What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Mertz?
Dr. Howard Mertz, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Gastroenterologist known for expertly diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of related conditions and procedures. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices, Dr. Mertz empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Colonoscopy & Polypectomy, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and comprehensive wellness support. Serving the Nashville, TN community, Dr. Mertz is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
Where did Dr. Mertz go to medical school and complete their residency?
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hosp, Internal Medicine | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Program A
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Is Dr. Mertz board certified as a Gastroenterologist?
Yes, Dr. Howard Mertz, MD is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
What languages does Dr. Mertz speak?
Dr. Mertz and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
Spanish
What conditions does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Mertz typically treat?
As a Gastroenterologist, Dr. Mertz diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Mertz. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Acid Reflux
- GERD
- Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
- Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Children
- Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Infants
- Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
ICD-10 Codes:
- K219: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
Also known as:
- Colon Cancer Screening
- Health Screening
- Colorectal Cancer Screening (PDQ®)
- Screening Tests to Detect Colorectal Cancer and Polyps
- Tests to Detect Colorectal Cancer and Polyps
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Colonoscopy Screening
- Bowel Cancer Screening
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z1211: Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon
Also known as:
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Swallowing Disorder
- Dysphagia
- Trouble swallowing
- Painful swallowing
ICD-10 Codes:
- R1310: Dysphagia, unspecified
Also known as:
- High Blood Pressure
- Hypertension
- Primary Hypertension
- Essential Hypertension
ICD-10 Codes:
- I10: Essential (primary) hypertension
Also known as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Spastic Colon
- Functional Bowel Disorder
- IBS
ICD-10 Codes:
- K589: Irritable bowel syndrome, unspecified
What procedures does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Mertz typically perform?
As a Gastroenterologist, Dr. Mertz performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Mertz. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Colonoscopy with Polyp Removal
- Colonoscopy with Biopsy
- Diagnostic Colonoscopy with Biopsy
- Colonoscopy
- Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
- Flexible Colonoscopy with Polypectomy
- Colon Polyp Removal
- Colorectal Lesion Excision
- Flexible Colonoscopy
- Colon Biopsy
- Large Intestine Scope
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Colon Exam with Biopsy
- Lower Endoscopy
- Colon Cancer Screening
CPT Codes:
- 45385: Colonoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique
- 45380: Colonoscopy, flexible; with biopsy, single or multiple
- 45378: Colonoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)
Also known as:
- Diagnostic Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy
- EGD with Biopsy
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- Upper GI Endoscopy
- Stomach Scope with Sample
CPT Codes:
- 43235: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)
Also known as:
- Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy
- Biopsy
- Endoscopy
- EGD with Biopsy
- Gastroscopy with Biopsy
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with Biopsy
CPT Codes:
- 43239: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with biopsy, single or multiple
Also known as:
- Upper Endoscopy with Ultrasound (EUS)
- EGD with endoscopic ultrasound
- Esophageal ultrasound
- Stomach ultrasound endoscopy
- Duodenal ultrasound endoscopy
CPT Codes:
- 43259: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with endoscopic ultrasound examination, including the esophagus, stomach, and either the duodenum or a surgically altered stomach where the jejunum is examined distal to the anastomosis
Also known as:
- Upper GI Endoscopy with Ultrasound Biopsy
- Biopsy
- Endoscopy
- Ultrasound
- EGD with EUS-FNA
- Endoscopic Ultrasound Biopsy
- Esophageal/Stomach Biopsy
CPT Codes:
- 43238: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with transendoscopic ultrasound-guided intramural or transmural fine needle aspiration/biopsy(s), (includes endoscopic ultrasound examination limited to the esophagus, stomach or duodenum, and adjacent structures)
Does Dr. Mertz accept my insurance?
Dr. Mertz accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (615) 383-0165 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Mertz accept in Nashville, TN?
Dr. Mertz in Nashville, TN accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
All Other Third Party
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
Cigna Group
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
Elevance Health Inc. (formerly Anthem)
Humana
Medicare
UMR Administered Payer
UnitedHealth Group
Unknown
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Mertz's office located?
What is Dr. Mertz's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Mertz's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1649278474.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Mertz?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Mertz
What is Dr. Howard Mertz's specialty?
Dr. Mertz is a Gastroenterologist near Nashville, TN.
What does a Gastroenterologist do?
An internist focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system, encompassing the stomach, intestines, liver, and gallbladder. This specialist manages conditions like abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice, and performs intricate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using endoscopes to examine internal organs.
Is this Dr. Howard Mertz affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Mertz is affiliated with Tristar Centennial Medical Center which is a Castle Connolly Top Hospital. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
When to see a Gastroenterologist?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments
Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see a Gastroenterologist. Explore insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Howard Mertz accepting new patients in Nashville, TN?
Yes, Dr. Howard Mertz is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Howard Mertz offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Mertz's office at (615) 383-0165 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Howard Mertz?
Please contact Dr. Mertz's office at (615) 383-0165 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Which board certifications does Dr. Howard Mertz have?
Dr. Howard Mertz is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Other Gastroenterologist Near Nashville, TN
AB
Gastroenterologist
Dr. Allan Bailey, MD is a Gastroenterologist, who primarily practices in Nashville, TN with 1 additional practice location. He is board certified.
Nashville, TN
RP
Gastroenterologist
Dr. Ronald Pruitt, MD is a Gastroenterologist, who primarily practices in Nashville, TN with 1 additional practice location. He is board certified.
Nashville, TN

Gastroenterologist
Dr. Jeffrey Eskind, MD is a Gastroenterologist, who primarily practices in Nashville, TN. He is board certified.
Nashville, TN