Gastroenterology Associates Practice Marks 25-Year Milestone

Hickory Daily Record – September 12, 2021 – Gastroenterology Associates of Hickory marks a major milestone celebrating 25 years in private practice serving western North Carolina as board-certified specialists in gastrointestinal and liver disease.

Founded in 1996 by Dr. Caroll Koscheski and Dr. John Meier, the practice began with only two doctors and three employees. Gastroenterology Associates now lists thirteen providers, including seven physicians plus six advanced practice providers. More than seventy-five full-time and part-time employees complete the staff.

In addition to Doctors Koscheski and Meier, gastroenterologists at the practice also include Doctors Simon Allport, Gaa Richardson, Susan Nikrooz, Kristen Mussari and Disha Shah.

“Against national trends of doctors working for large health-care organizations, we have strived to remain independent, since that allows us to provide both quality and economical care in the best interests of our patients,” said Dr. Meier, president of the group.

"One of the biggest changes we’ve seen in 25 years is patient acceptance for colonoscopy,” explained Dr. Koscheski. “Patients are very proactive today. They understand that screening saves lives and can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 70-80%. Now that the age for screening has dropped to 45, patients call us and say let’s get the process started.”

Colon cancer has decreased more than 30% over a ten-year time span in our area. Much of this progress can be attributed to colonoscopy and increased screening efforts, according to Dr. Koscheski.

A major development in the growth of Gastroenterology Associates was the opening of the first in-office endoscopy center in the greater Hickory area in 2005. Most endoscopy procedures for the practice are performed on-site in the award-winning facility.

“Patients like the privacy of our office setting, and our caring staff creates a comfortable atmosphere for each and every patient,” said Dr. Meier. The practice has safely performed tens of thousands of examinations in the facility.

With continued growth came the need for additional office space. Today, the practice occupies two floors in the Medical Specialties Center.

“It has been exciting to see major advancements within the GI specialty. We offer a broad range of services not usually available in a community of this size,” said Dr. Koscheski. “We look forward to serving patients in Hickory and the Unifour area for many years to come.“

About Gastroenterology Associates, P.A.
Founded in 1996, Gastroenterology Associates, P.A. specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive and liver diseases. The practice provides advanced evaluation and treatment of diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, biliary system (gallbladder and bile ducts) and liver.

The practice includes seven board-certified physicians and six advanced practice providers. All physicians and advanced practice providers are affiliated with Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. The gastroenterologists are GI specialists committed to delivering quality health care, expertise, and advanced techniques in endoscopy in a comfortable, compassionate environment.

Gastroenterology Associates features a 3,500 square foot endoscopy center recognized for outstanding quality measures by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). It is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc (AAAHC), and licensed by Medicare and the State of North Carolina.

Gastroenterology Associates serves patients in a multi-county 50-mile region, including Greater Hickory and the Unifour area. The practice is in the Medical Specialties Center at 415 North Center Street, Suite 300 in Hickory, NC. To learn more, call 828-328-3300.