Oak Brook, Ill. – January 19, 2009 – The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society since it was founded in 1941, has recognized The Center for Digestive Wellness as part of its new program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy, in all settings where it is practiced in the United States. The Center for Digestive Wellness is one of only 56 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition in 2009, and is the only one in Tennessee or Virginia. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that follow the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscopy reprocessing and CDC infection control guidelines and have completed specialized training on principles in quality and safety in endoscopy.

“We are honored to be recognized by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit,” said Stephen W. Fry, M.D. “The program course on improving quality and safety enhanced our continuing efforts to give our patients the safest and best care possible,” added Jeffrey P. Fenyves, M.D.

The Center for Digestive Wellness, the hub for state-of-the-art procedures serving several regional locations for Tri-Cities Gastroenterology, is located just off I-81 Exit 63 near the Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Doctors, nurse practitioners and staff members are devoted to providing the kind of care they would demand for their own family; in this endeavor, they embrace the newest technologies which they combine with expert attention to patient needs for timely and targeted care. With a strong belief in patient education, they offer an extensive website (www.digestivewellness.net) with information on conditions, procedures, health management and diet. Regional offices, for the convenience of patients for initial and regular appointments, are in Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, Elizabethton and Mountain City.

ASGE is the profession’s leader in setting standards of excellence in endoscopy through its safety guidelines and the training of its members so that patients receive the best and safest care possible. Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system. In many cases, screening or treatment of conditions can be delivered via the endoscope without the need for further sedation, treatment or hospital stay.

The mission of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is to be the leader in advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with nearly 11,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information.

Call The Center for Digestive Wellness, Tri-Cities Gastroenterology, at (423) 279-1400 for more information.

THE CENTER FOR DIGESTIVE WELLNESS IS ONE OF ONLY 56 ENDOSCOPY UNITS IN THE NATION RECOGNIZED FOR QUALITY AND SAFETY BY ASGE, THE LEADING GASTROINTESTINAL MEDICAL SOCIETY