Gastroenterology

HRRMC employs three board-certified surgeons and contracts with additional board-certified, fellowship-trained gastroenterologists that all provide gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures.

Our team of general surgeons - Karen Johnson, M.D., Jeremy Hedges, M.D., Zachary Green, M.D. and Stefan Iverson, D.O. - have offices at the hospital's main campus in Salida, performing many types of gastroenterology and surgical procedures at HRRMC.

HRRMC's gastroenterology nurse practitioner Marion Toll, NP-C sees patients in our clinic.

Other procedural services are supported by Associates in Gastroenterology (AG) of Colorado Springs. AG's fellowship-trained gastroenterologists perform procedures at the hospital, but do not see patients in clinic. A referral is required through HRRMC's surgeons or HRRMC's gastroenterology nurse practitioner for these procedures.

What exactly does a GI doctor do?

Here is a brief list of conditions you may be treated for and procedures your physician may suggest.

• Upper Endoscopy/EGD -­ This is a scope of the upper gastrointestinal tract (i.e. esophagus, stomach and duodenum) to determine the existence of ulcers and other problems.
• Lower Endoscopy/Colonoscopy -­ This is a scope of the lower gastrointestinal tract (i.e. colon and rectum) to determine if there are precancerous polyps, cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy -­ This scope looks at the lower colon and rectum for precancerous polyps and cancer.
• Bernstein/Tensilon Tests -­ These two tests show the tendency of stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus causing heartburn and pain.
• Gastritis Test -­ This test indicates if potentially ulcer-causing bacteria are present in the system.
• Barium studies (done in conjunction with the Medical Imaging Department)
  • These tests are additional indicators of disease in the gastrointestinal system

To schedule an appointment: (719) 530-2481
Fax: (719) 530-2011