Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Gastroenterology Care in Hickory, NC
We are a team of board-certified gastroenterologists dedicated to providing top-tier digestive health care in Hickory, North Carolina. With over 25 years of combined experience, our physicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Our practice emphasizes early detection through advanced procedures like colonoscopies and leverages state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate diagnostics and effective treatments. We maintain the highest clinical standards, with physicians consistently exceeding national benchmarks for adenoma detection rates. Our commitment to personalized care ensures each patient receives tailored treatment plans aligned with their unique health needs.As active members of the American College of Gastroenterology, we integrate ongoing research and education into our practice to deliver evidence-based solutions. Our team includes specialists in inflammatory bowel disease, therapeutic endoscopy, and liver disorders, supported by certified physician assistants and nurse practitioners. We operate an award-winning endoscopy center and infusion therapy suite, offering cost-effective care through partnerships with Blue Cross Blue Shield. By prioritizing accessibility and patient education, we aim to make complex gastrointestinal care approachable and comprehensible for every individual we serve.
Services
Colonoscopy
Upper Endoscopy
ERCP
Infusion Therapy
FibroScan
Capsule Endoscopy
Esophageal Manometry
Hydrogen Breath Test
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
Bravo Reflux Testing
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We maintain adenoma detection rates exceeding national benchmarks for colonoscopies
- Our team includes specialists in inflammatory bowel disease and therapeutic endoscopy
- Award-winning endoscopy center with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment
- Certified providers with decades of combined experience in GI care
- Partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield for cost-effective specialist co-pay plans
Associations and certifications
- American College of Gastroenterology
What people say
Expert medical knowledge
Efficient procedures
Caring staff
Modern facility
Effective treatments
Services
Colonoscopy
Diagnostic examination of the colon using a flexible camera-equipped tube to detect polyps, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. Recommended for adults starting at age 45, this procedure enables same-day polyp removal and biopsy collection. Our physicians maintain detection rates exceeding 30%, significantly above the national average.
ERCP
Combined endoscopic and X-ray procedure for diagnosing and treating bile duct and pancreatic disorders. Allows stone removal, stent placement, and stricture dilation through minimally invasive techniques. Requires specialized training in therapeutic endoscopy for safe execution.
Infusion Therapy
Administering biologic medications and iron supplements for chronic conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Delivered in a comfortable suite with recliners, entertainment options, and experienced nursing staff monitoring infusion reactions and efficacy.
FibroScan
Non-invasive liver assessment using transient elastography to measure fibrosis and steatosis. Provides immediate results without biopsy risks, helping manage fatty liver disease and hepatitis. Covered by most insurance plans for early intervention opportunities.
Capsule Endoscopy
Ingestible camera technology for visualizing the small intestine, detecting sources of bleeding and inflammatory bowel disease. Requires no sedation and captures 50,000+ images during natural digestive passage for comprehensive analysis.
People
Caroll Koscheski
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
Practicing since 1991 with expertise in colorectal cancer prevention. Recipient of the William D. Carey Award from the American College of Gastroenterology and former state governor for North Carolina. Specializes in quality colonoscopy metrics.
John Meier
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology with 30+ years experience. Completed gastroenterology training at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. Focuses on digestive motility disorders and therapeutic endoscopy.
Disha Shah
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
Osteopathic specialist trained at New York Institute of Technology. Completed chief residency and fellowship in Pittsburgh. Expertise in inflammatory bowel disease management and advanced therapeutic endoscopy procedures.
Justin Ellis
Physician Assistant
Certified since 2015 with 15+ years of GI experience. Completed BLS/ACLS certifications and works collaboratively with physicians for patient care coordination and procedural assistance.
Kristie Ennis
Physician Assistant
Master's trained from Wake Forest with 10+ years in gastroenterology. Previously served Charlotte-area hospitals. Specializes in patient education and managing complex GI conditions through multidisciplinary approaches.
Questions
What GI conditions do you specialize in treating?
We treat all digestive system disorders including acid reflux, IBD, liver disease, and colorectal cancer. Specialized programs exist for inflammatory bowel disease and liver fibrosis management.
Do you offer same-day colonoscopy scheduling?
Healthy patients without symptoms can schedule screening colonoscopies directly by calling 828-624-1358 without prior office visit through our Fast Track program.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We participate with Blue Cross Blue Shield specialists co-pay plans and most major insurers. Contact our billing department at 828-328-3300 for specific verification.
Are your physicians board-certified?
All gastroenterologists maintain board certification through the American Board of Internal Medicine. Many hold additional distinctions like Fellow or Master status in professional colleges.
What should I expect during an endoscopy?
Procedures occur in our accredited endoscopy center with sedation administered by trained nurses. Expect 1-2 hours total visit time including recovery, with results explained before discharge.
How do I prepare for a capsule endoscopy?
Follow clear liquid diet the day before and fast for 12 hours. Avoid MRI scans for 7 days post-procedure. The capsule exits naturally within 24-48 hours after transmitting images.
Reviews (4)
Joan Bolick
Jun 22, 2022
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I have nothing but praise for this gastro group. I had numerous staff members and everybody was totally helpful and professional. Many thanks to Dr Meier And I will name the staff I can remember Patricia Stephanie Beth I think my anethetist was Mike and Emily. Sorry if I left anyone out
Lisa Somers
Apr 25, 2022
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I had my very first colonoscopy today and while that is never a fun time, the staff at this facility are ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Every person who walked me through my procedure was kind and sensitive to my anxiety and that was so appreciated. Connie, Beth (best IV cath placer ever!) and Kristy were so kind. Annette was responsible for keeping me comfy during my procedure ( heavy sedation) and she was so incredibly reassuring and calming to me.
She told me she would be watching me closely and she never left my side! Dr Mussari was so sweet and informative. I will definitely be returning to this amazing group of women if the need arises. Wonderful experience and I am so thankful to everyone there even if I missed mentioning you by name!
She told me she would be watching me closely and she never left my side! Dr Mussari was so sweet and informative. I will definitely be returning to this amazing group of women if the need arises. Wonderful experience and I am so thankful to everyone there even if I missed mentioning you by name!
Deborah
Oct 26, 2021
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I'm a patient of Dr. Koscheski and had a Esophageal manometry test July 28th. As of October 7, I have called 4 times to get the results but to no avail. They send you to voicemail and never call back. Also rude staff.
Tyler Crowe
Jul 15, 2021
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Could not more disappointed. Have been seeing Dr Richardson for the last six years and she has been awesome, definitely not the problem with this place. I had to cancel my 6 month check up at the beginning of the year because my daughter had COVID. They told me they would call me back with my new appointment, they never called. I called after about two months to try and get an appointment and they told me the same thing, they would call.
They never called. Waited another two months and called back, finally got one in August - only 7 months later than it was supposed to be. I spent last night in the ER with stomach issues and they recommended I see my GI immediately. I called at 830 this morning to hopefully be seen by anyone today, knowing how difficult this would be, I still thought with the severity of the situation they would fit me in. Guess what? They never called.
They never called. Waited another two months and called back, finally got one in August - only 7 months later than it was supposed to be. I spent last night in the ER with stomach issues and they recommended I see my GI immediately. I called at 830 this morning to hopefully be seen by anyone today, knowing how difficult this would be, I still thought with the severity of the situation they would fit me in. Guess what? They never called.
