WATERLOO, IA – [4/24/2025] – The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal
medical society, has recently granted a three-year recognition for quality and safety to Cedar Valley Digestive Health
Center (CVDH) of Waterloo as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy in all settings
where it is practiced. CVDH is one of more than 600 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition since 2009. The ASGE
Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that have demonstrated a commitment to patient safety
and quality in endoscopy as evidenced by meeting the program’s rigorous criteria, which includes following the ASGE
guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscope reprocessing, CDC infection control guidelines and ensuring
endoscopy staff competency.
To be recognized by ASGE, a unit, through a peer-reviewed application process, must attest to the continued competence
of all staff relative to their roles, demonstrate the adoption of unit policies specific to ongoing assessment of
performance relative to key quality indicators and attest that the unit has an established infrastructure and personnel
dedicated to infection control and prevention. The program is applicable to all settings where endoscopy is practiced,
including office-based endoscopy units, hospital-based endoscopy units and stand-alone ambulatory surgery centers.
An important component of the program is an educational course entitled, “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy
Unit,” that thoroughly reviews related guidelines. Upon completion of the program, successful applicants are
awarded honoree status in the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program and receive the ASGE Certificate of Recognition
of Quality in Endoscopy. The certificate is granted for a three-year renewable period. For a full list of program
benefits, log on to www.asge.org.
“We are proud to acknowledge these endoscopy units through our Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program for their
commitment to promoting the highest standards of quality and safety,” said Joe Elmunzer, MD, chair, ASGE Quality
Assurance in Endoscopy Committee. “By ensuring infection control principles are adhered to, continually assessing the
competency of staff and monitoring patient satisfaction, ASGE honoree units contribute to the public’s confidence in
endoscopy, a life-saving technology.”
ASGE and Quality
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. The Society continually reinforces the
importance of quality and safety among its members through member communications, such as emails and newsletters
and its courses, including “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit.”
About Cedar Valley Digestive Health
Patients have trusted the specialists at Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center since 1989 for the treatment of digestive
disorders and diseases. Patients commonly see the team of highly qualified providers when irregular digestive symptoms
arise including heartburn, constipation, abdominal pain, ulcers or other stomach or bowel-related issues. Depending
on the diagnosis and the patient, their team develops a treatment plan that may include medication, therapies or
sometimes surgeries. Common procedures performed include colonoscopies, endoscopies and treatments for gallstones,
reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s, hemorrhoids and Hepatitis C. Located at 1015 S. Hackett Road in
Waterloo, patients can call 319-234-5990 to schedule an appointment at Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center.
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About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing
patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with
more than 16,000 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.
About Endoscopy
Endoscopy is performed by 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.