“I went to work for GIA in October of 1985, and I was employee number 15 doing patient care for office endoscopy,” Gina Rains shares. “Back then, the scopes were rigid, and we were so limited Now I’m retired from full-time work and am so blessed to be a PRN. After years of being a manager, it’s good to just … Read More
Employee Spotlight: Mary Garner, Certified Medical Coder
Mary Garner started in the GIA business office working in the insurance department in 1991. Today, she works full time as a certified medical coder, and at age 80 is considering her retirement – perhaps this July on her 30th anniversary. “I’m thinking about getting a dog when I retire,” she shares. “My sister has a dog that I’m in … Read More
Employee Spotlight: Terry Brooks, Pre-Certification Coordinator
Terry Brooks started working 33 years ago at GIA in the transcription department when doctors would dictate everything on a recorder. She would transcribe their notes from patient visits and procedures, along with other correspondence. Now, Terry works in the pre-certification department, coordinating with insurance companies to get approval for patient procedures. Self-described as dedicated, this trait is evident in … Read More
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Help GIA end colon cancer!
When Gastrointestinal Associates started in 1971, the medical community was still learning how to best prevent and treat colon cancer. Many risk factors and contributing causes remained unknown with rudimentary diagnostic equipment available. The use of screenings as a means of prevention was just emerging in the field. Since then, gastroenterology has made major strides in the prevention and treatment … Read More
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!
March is a good time to spread awareness about this disease, a diagnoses that only recently has become a widespread topic of conversation. Last year, “Black Panther” actor Chadwick Boseman’s passing started many conversations regarding colorectal cancer, particularly around the shock of Boseman dying at the age of 43 from the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, although the … Read More
Employee Spotlight: Debbie Simerly, Operations Director
On March 1, 1982, Debbie Simerly joined GIA, and after 39 years with the company, she remains passionate about promoting the importance of colon screenings and gastrointestinal health. That commitment is fueled both by her love for her work and losing a younger family member to colon cancer. “I love helping patients,” Debbie said. “The field and the technology have … Read More
Diet: A breakdown of a polarizing word
For many people, the word diet is a four-letter word – one that is lumped with other unpleasant words and has negative connotations. However, diet is simply the food and drink that a person regularly consumes. Our culture offers a laundry list of quick fixes, vilification of certain food groups, emotional triggers and societal “norms” that are tied to diet … Read More
Gastrointestinal Associates welcomes Dr. Kevin Patrick Meyers
Dr. Kevin Patrick Meyers has joined Gastrointestinal Associates, one of the leading GI practices in the Southeast. Meyers is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. “Dr. Meyers’s expertise, especially in endoscopic treatment, is a … Read More
Gastrointestinal Associates welcomes Dr. Hannah Jones
Dr. Hannah Jones has joined Gastrointestinal Associates, one of the leading GI practices in the Southeast. Jones is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Gastroenterological Association. “GIA welcomes Dr. Jones to our practice and to our community,” said Jeff … Read More
Telehealth now available
As the number of COVID-19 cases increase, Gastrointestinal Associates has implemented additional precautions to protect patients and employees. We now are offering telehealth appointments, so our patients can be seen from the safety of their home. Please call us at 865-588-5121, and choose option #2 to learn more or request a telehealth appointment. For essential procedures and office visits, we … Read More