Gastroenterology

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

Karen Johnson, M.D., Ernest Steinle, M.D. and T. Angel Wright, 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 contracts additional GI services through 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 (Dr. Johnson, Dr. Steinle or Dr. Wright) or HRRMC's gastroenterology nurse practitioner (Ms. Leslie Monagle) 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