Our Philosophy

HISTORY

IGA was established in 1976. The practice has grown with the Treasure Valley community and is now the largest Gastroenterology practice in the state of Idaho. Our referral area is broad and comprises southern Idaho, eastern Oregon and northern Nevada.

GASTROENTEROLOGY AS A SPECIALTY

Colon Polyp

A gastroenterologist is a specialist in diseases and symptoms of the digestive tract which includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, biliary tract and pancreas. Common complaints include bleeding, heartburn, abdominal pain, hepatitis, diarrhea, constipation, family history of cancers, incontinence and irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterologists receive specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of this system which may include special procedures including colonoscopy and upper endoscopy.

After completing college and medical school, a gastroenterologist receives three years of training in general internal medicine and an additional three years of specialized training focused on the digestive system, which includes specific and intensive training in the safe and effective performance of endoscopic procedures.

Our physicians are all fellowship trained and certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and have fulfilled the requirements for the sub-specialty Board of Gastroenterology.

A typical gastrointestinal evaluation usually involves an interview with a physical examination, and may include specialized studies such as x-rays or other imaging studies. Endoscopic procedures involve the passage of flexible lighted instruments to view the inside of the digestive tract. Endoscopy allows the physician to evaluate for precancerous lesions, inflammation or sources of bleeding. During endoscopy a variety of therapeutic interventions can also be performed including biopsies, control of bleeding, removal of precancerous lesions (e.g. polyps), injection of medications and stretching or dilation of narrowings in the GI tract.

Our patients are usually referred to us by another provider for a specific evaluation or treatment. When this is completed, we will correspond with that physician or provider, summarizing our findings and recommendations. We may assume care of a specific digestive problem, but we will usually refer you back to your physician or provider for ongoing care. We see adult patients 18 and older.

All of our doctors are staff in good standing at several hospitals in the Treasure Valley area.

PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY /MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of Idaho Gastroenterology to provide quality care to all patients in a warm and compassionate environment that results in patient satisfaction. We will develop and support an organization that lends itself to mutual physician and staff support, while achieving a healthy balance between personal and professional pursuits. We support a strong commitment to continuing education and the educational growth of our staff. We will provide a safe working environment for all staff and ensure the basic human rights of all patients.

Locations

Our physicians see new patients, established patients and consultations from other providers at our two offices. In addition, one of our IGA physicians is readily available to provide urgent medical care in the hospital setting. Our Endoscopy Centers are state-of-the-art outpatient healthcare facilities which provide diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies. At these locations we offer all routine endoscopic services including screening for colon cancer, colonoscopies and upper endoscopies. For more complex patients or indications, procedures are also offered at St. Luke’s Hospitals.