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Department Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Adults Only
Languages English
Surgeon No
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.444.7000
Desk:
216.444.3423
Fax:
216.444.6284
Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Advanced Imaging Techniques
  • Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC)
  • Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy (Double)
  • Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy (Single)
  • Biliary Stone Therapy
  • Cancer Center
  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • Colonic Manometry
  • Colonoscopy
  • Deep Enteroscopy
  • Diagnostic Endoscopy
  • Double Balloon Enteroscopy
  • Endoscopic Cancer Therapy
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Endoscopic Therapy of Anastomotic and Crohn's Disease Strictures
  • Endoscopic Treatment Of Strictures
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Celiac Block
  • Endoscopy
  • Enteral Stent Placement
  • Esophageal Band Ligation
  • Esophageal Dilation
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
  • Foreign Body Removal
  • Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • Gastrointestinal Exams
  • Interventional Endoscopy
  • Laparoscopy
  • Pancreatic Stone Therapy
  • Pancreaticobiliary Endoscopy
  • Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
  • Therapeutic Endoscopy
  • Wireless Capsule Endoscopy
View all 34 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Barrett's Esophagus
  • Bile Duct Cancer
  • Bile Duct Diseases
  • Bile Duct Obstruction
  • Bile Duct Stones
  • Biliary Tract Disease
  • Colon Polyps
  • Diseases of the Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas
  • Diseases of the Small Bowel
  • Duodenal Polyps
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Gallbladder Disease
  • Gallstones
  • General Gastroenterological Disorders
  • Heartburn
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Pancreatic Disease
  • Pancreatic Stones
  • Pancreatitis
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Strictures of the GI Tract
View all 21 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
1994

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic
Gastroenterology
Cleveland, OH
1990

Residency - Montefiore Hospital/Univ. Health Center of Pittsburgh
Internal Medicine
Pittsburgh, PA
1988

Medical Education - University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
MD
Rochester, NY
1985

Undergraduate - University of Rochester
Biology
Rochester, NY
1981

Graduate School - Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Cleveland, OH

Additional Training

  • Master of Public Health, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 2003

Professional Highlights

  • American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Career Development Award, 2003

Certifications

  • Internal Medicine

Specialty Interests

advanced endoscopy, advanced imaging techniques, biliary tract disease, Capsule Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, CRCP, deep enteroscopy, deep enteroscopy and interventional endoscopy, Diagnostic and therapeutic EGD (upper endoscopy) and colonoscopy, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, diagnostic/therapeutic endoscopy, diseases of the small bowel, double balloon enteroscopy, Double Balloon Enteroscopy i.e DBE ( Antegrade & Retrograde ) and Wireless Capsule Endoscopy, EMR, endoscopic mucosal ablative and resection techniques, Endoscopic Ultrasonography, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endoscopy, Endoscopic cancer therapy, ERCP, Esophageal Cancer, EUS, gastrointestinal endoscopy, general gastroenterology, Pancreatic Cancer, pancreatic disorders, pancreaticobiliary endoscopy, Pancreatitis, stenting, therapeutic endoscopy, Therapeutic endoscopy including difficult colonoscopy and polypectomy

Awards & Honors

  • University of Rochester Alumni Scholarship, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y., 1977-1981
  • Phi Beta Kappa, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y., 1980 
  • Nominated for application, Cecil Rhodes Scholarship, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y., 1980
  • Marshal, commencement exercises, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y., 1981
  • BA, summa cum laude, University of Rochester, 1981
  • Health Professions Scholarship, United States Navy, 1982-1985
  • Certificate of Merit, American College of Physicians, 1993
  • Letter of Commendation, Office of the Attending Physician, United States Capitol, 1994
  • United States Navy Commendation Medal, 1994
  • Poster of Distinction Award, Digestive Disease  Week for “Nasopharyngeal Versus Transcutaneous Monitoring During ERCP,” 1998
  • Poster of Distinction Award, Digestive Disease  Week for “Gastroenterologist-Administered Propofol for Therapeutic Upper Endoscopy,” 1999
  • Poster of Distinction Award, Digestive Disease  Week for “Graphic Display of Respiratory Activity is Superior to Pulse Oximetry and Visual Assessment in the Detection of Respiratory Compromise During Therapeutic Upper Endoscopy,” 1999
  • Reviewer citation, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 1999
  • Recognized for editorial excellence, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2001
  • Teacher of the Year, Department of Gastroenterology, 2002

Innovations & Patents

  • Use of capnography for patient monitoring during gastrointestinal endoscopy
  • Use of computer-assisted propofol sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy

Memberships

  • American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • American Gastroenterological Association
  • American College of Gastroenterology
  • American College of Physicians
  • Honorary Fellow, Gastroenterology Society of Ecuador
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for John Vargo, MD, MPH.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 4/9/2024, Dr. Vargo has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

140 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.9 out of 5
Explains 4.8
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

45 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2024

I never connected with Dr. Vargo via Zoom. I waited on the system for over 30 minutes, and he eventually called me to let me know he couldn't get the video to work.

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

Satisfied with virtual visit rather than driving into Cleveland Clinic.

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

Dr. Vargo seemed very patient friendly and had a relaxing personality.

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2024

As always. An excellent appointment. Enjoyed talking to the doctor. Was very informative and answered my questions and concerns.

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2024

Best provider assessment and interaction I have had in a very long time. He took the time to be familiar with my case long before I arrived at the appointment and was able to offer a proper diagnosis after a thorough exam. Had I had the thorough of an exam prior I would not have had the issues that I did.

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2024

Dr Vargo has set himself up with a wonderful team and they all care about him and his work and as such that reflects in their care for the patient. It is clear that everyone loves to work with him.

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2024

Dr. Vargo was well prepared, informative, professional, and kind.

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2024

Very happy with my doctor

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2024

Excellent care by all especially Dr. Vargo

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2024

First time I went to Dr Vargo! Excellent Dr I wish more of the Cleveland clinic doctors can be like him!

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2024

My appointment was great, Dr. Vargo explained everything to me and was kind, courteous and caring.

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2024

Dr. Vargo is one of the nicest doctors I have. Always great conversation, concern for my health and explains everything thoroughly.

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2024

Dr. Vargo and his staff are great! I would highly recommend him to anyone that needed a gastroenterologist

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2024

Always a long wait to get in to see Dr Vargo. He must see a lot of patients.

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2024

I hesitate to give a 5 on recommending Dr Vargo to others. Not because he not a good doctor. Only because if he saw more patients, I'd be waiting over 4-6 months for a appointment. It's bad enough now.

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

You couldn't ask for a better Doctor. Dr. Vargo makes you feel comfortable and that he really cares about you. I would recommend him to anyone.

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

I came from Austin TX just for Dr. Vargo. He is the best.

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Everthing went very well Excellant service by Dr John Varga & his staff

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

Dr Vargo is a master clinician I have been with for over 20 years. He is careful, thorough and explains the procedures in detail.

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

Excellent experience in getting my colonoscopy. I would highly recommend Dr Vargo and his clinical team.

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024

Dr Vargo has been doing my scopes for years. I wouldn't have any other doctor do them. He has the greatest personality. He is very thorough from start to finish

Reviewed on Apr 8, 2024

Dr vargo is allsome

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2024

I absolutely love Dr. Vargo he's the most caring person and very CALMING

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Dr. John Vargo was excellent!! I had questions about the procedure that was scheduled for me, and he even brought out a book with pictures and explained exactly what would be done, and all the other questions I had a long the way!! He was most pleasant, and very polite!!

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

Ridiculous that already a patient of the Dr and had a hard time getting an appointment when wanted. After discussing with the receptionist, she was considerate enough to find and earlier appointment or I would have had to wait until June

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

Excellent Dr and very attentive to my concerns.

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024

Dr. Vargo is a caring compassionate care giver!

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024

Excellent Doctor very good at explaining everything to me

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2024

Dr. Vargo is obviously an expert, yet he is caring and very much engaged in solving the patient's problems.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024

I really feel comfortable with Dr Vargo

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2024

Excellent. Came all the way from Austin, TX just to be treated by Dr. Vargo.

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2024

Dr Vargo is always excellent in every area

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2024

Dr. Vargo is a very caring Doctor Who is personable and makes you feel understood

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2024

I really appreciated Dr. Vargo's thoroughness, kindness and touch of humor.

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

Dr Vargo explains everything, listens and is one of the best Doctors I have encountered.

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2023

Dr. Vargo is the man!

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2023

I have the best Doctor period. More caring than anyone else I have ever had.

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2023

Dr Vargo is the only one I trust to do my colonoscopy.

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2023

Dr Vargo is a very kind empathetic doctor with a wonderful heart. His bedside manner is above and beyond anything I have experienced before, and he inspired confidence that the procedure would be a success.

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023

Excellent care! Felt truly cared for and everything explained in detail. Truly felt that the Doctor and team cared fory well being every step!!!

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023

Dr.Vargo kept me informed, gave complete and informative explanations, and answered all questions. He was polite and caring.

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023

It was obvious the staff worked well together and Dr. Vargo's team were comfortable working with each other. Their collaboration made me comfortable and they all were caring and kind.

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2023

Dr Vargo is one of the kindest, professional and knowledgeable doctors I have ever seen. I've seen him twice now and both times he was prepared. He knew why I was coming in and took the time to explain what is going on with me medically and gives me a chance to ask questions.

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2023

Dr was on time for the call. This was my first televisit.

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2023

Dr Vargo is the best

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