Gastroenterology

HRRMC has three board-certified physicians on our medical staff and five board-certified, fellowship-trained gastroenterologists that provide gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures.

Jian-zhe Cao, M.D., FACS, Jeremy Hedges, M.D., and Karen Johnson, M.D. have offices at the hospital's main campus in Salida. They see patients by appointment as well as perform surgical procedures at HRRMC.

HRRMC's gastroenterology nurse practitioner Leslie Monagle, FNP-BC, also sees patients in the Specialty Clinic.

HRRMC has contracted additional GI services through Associates in Gastroenterology (AG) of Colorado Springs. AG's four fellowship-trained gastroenterologists see patients at the hospital's Specialty Clinic and perform procedures at the hospital.

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

Gastroenterologists

HRRMC's nurse practitioner Leslie Monagle sees patients on a regular basis in Salida. HRRMC has also contracted GI services through Associates in Gastroenterology of Colorado Springs. These board-certified, fellowship-trained gastroenterologists see patients at the hospital's Specialty Clinic and perform procedures at the hospital.