A questionnaire survey including hepatic function test values was performed to elucidate the medical treatment of hepatic diseases by gastroenterologists and general internists. Serum ALT level was considered to be an index of destruction of hepatic cells in 94 and 80% of gastroenterologists and general internists, respectively. Serum gamma-GTP values were used as an index of bile stasis and destruction of the bile duct cells by 93% and 70% of the gastroenterologists, respectively and in 61% and 49% of the internists, respectively. In addition, for hepatitis C, gastroenterologists considered the mean serum ALT values (standard values for drug therapy introduction) as > or =62IU/L, while general internists considered it as > or =79IU/L. In the case of fatty liver, the mean serum ALT values considered by gastroenterologists and general internists were > or =93IU/L and > or =90IU/L, respectively. These survey results suggest that there is a need for research-based clarification of hepatic function test values regulating therapy and unification of guidelines for standard values in medical treatment.