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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 (Single and Double)
  • Biliary And Pancreatic Stone Therapy
  • Cancer Center
  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • Colonic Manometry
  • Colonoscopy
  • Deep Enteroscopy
  • Diagnostic Endoscopy
  • Double Balloon Enteroscopy
  • Endoscopic Cancer Therapy
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Ablative and Resection Techniques
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
  • Endoscopic Therapy Of Anastamotic 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
  • Pancreaticobiliary Endoscopy
  • Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
  • Stents
  • 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
  • Colon Polyps
  • Diseases of the Liver Biliary Tract and Pancreas
  • Duodenal Polyps
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Gallbladder & Biliary Tract Disease
  • Gallbladder Disease
  • Gallstones
  • General Gastroenterological Disorders
  • Heartburn
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Pancreatic Disease
  • Pancreatic Stones
  • Pancreatitis
  • Small Bowel Disease
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Strictures Of The Gi Tract
View all 21 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Review a list of accepted insurance plans for our Northeast Ohio locations or learn more about purchasing a contracted managed care plan.

View All Plans
Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
1994

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic
Gastroenterology
Cleveland, OH USA
1990

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

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

Undergraduate - University of Rochester
Biology
Rochester, NY USA
1981

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

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 1/4/2023, Dr. Vargo has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. 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

183 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 4.9
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 5
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

45 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2023

Dr. Vargo was very thorough and confident. This is the first time we met and I am confident he can help me with my pancreatitis.

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2023

I really like working with Dr. Vargo-he listens and explains well.

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2023

Dr Vargo was following the orders of Dr Gabbard. We wanted a more aggressive approach but Dr Vargo said he would only complete the procedure as described by Dr Gabbard.

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2023

Dr Vargo is excellent. Communicates thoroughly and in terms you can easily understand He Is just the best

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2023

Dr cargo is so caring and takes to explain everything. He really goes the extra mile

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2023

My responses in this section apply to the doctors. As always, they are exceptional.

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2023

Dr. Vargo is by far, the very best doctor that is part of my health care team. I've been his patient for 10 years and have received nothing short of excellence from him.

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2023

I would have liked to get an appointment sooner, but I understand that good doctors have full schedules.

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2023

Excellent Doctor! Top Notch!

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2023

I was able to speak to 3 different professionals including the Doctor and they were All very thorough!

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2023

My experience with Dr Vargo was terrific. He was so professional, kind and caring I knew I was in the right place and in the right hands.

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2023

Absolutely the best doctor ever!

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2023

Dr. Vargo showed nothing but professionalism

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023

Dr. John Vargo was not very good - he was excellent!!

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2023

Dr Vargo is always professional and compassionate. He takes his time and listens to all questions and concerns. It is obvious that he works well with his team.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2023

I wish I could have met with Dr Vargo in person rather than a virtual visit. This wasn't possible until February.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2023

Dr. Vargo has always been very kind to my husband and me. He says he gives a great deal of thought to my complex case. He decided to do cryotherapy instead of radio frequency as he said the cryotherapy would mean less pain.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

Dr. Vargo was very thorough and answered all of my questions. He was easy to talk with and genuinely seemed to care about my worries. I highly recommend Dr. Vargo.

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023

What I really appreciate of the Cleveland Clinic is how well organized and smooth my appointment was , from making the appointment to my Doctor's visitDr Vargo is so easy to talk with and explained everything ,so was the resident Dr

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023

Doctor Vargo was very easy to talk with. He listened to me and explained what and how my upcoming procedure would be done. He reassured me when I asked him my concerns. I left my appointment with complete confidence in his judgment and ability. I give him a 10 star out of 10 and will highly recommend him!

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023

I had some issues with getting scheduled for my much needed procedures; however, in the end all worked out as Dr. Vargo, whom I preferred to have the procedures done by, was able to do them!

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023

Both my wife & I were exceptionally pleased with the personal pre and post-procedure care, consultations, and information I was given regarding my procedures and the outcome of the procedures by Dr. Vargo and his support staff!

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023

Although there were a few issues with the scheduling of my procedures, my wife and I were exceptionally pleased with the care I was given by Dr. Vargo, his staff, and the Anesthesiologist prior to and during the procedures! I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for Dr. Vargo's knowledge and understanding of my situation that led to my needing these procedures, along with his caring personal and professional skills, as a Gastroenterologist!

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2023

Dr J Vargo is just excellent in every aspect of my care

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022

Dr. Vargo and his entire team were great!!

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022

Outstanding experience, especially with Dr. Vargo.Compassionate, courteous, extremely professional, and caring.

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022

Can't say enough about Dr. Vargo and his team.Nothing could have been improved upon!

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2022

Dr. Vargo is excellent. He is the kindest most empathetic doctor. He helped me out tremendously by doing 2 procedures in one day. He is so nice and down to earth. He speaks to you and laymen's terms and gives you all the time necessary. I had him years ago and thankfully he's still the same. He is absolutely fantastic. He's very humble and Is a fantastic ambassador for the CCF. He has a great sense of humor and puts you at ease. Give him a raise!!!

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2022

Having to go through the procedure is zero fun. Dr. Vargo and his staff made it as pleasant as possible!

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2022

Dr. Vargo was very interested in me and very informative

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2022

We love Dr. Vargo.!!!!

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2022

Dr. Vargo has an excellent presence and thus conveys confidence from the patient.

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2022

Dr Vargo was very professional, courteous and made the experience very comfortable. He listened to all of my questions and concerns and took the time to explain things to me in a way I could easily understand.

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2022

Dr. Vargo put me at ease as soon as he entered the room. He did his research on my medical history and quickly made my stress level go way down. He explained my medical issue in terms I could understand and gave me an opportunity to ask questions never making me feel rushed.

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2022

I had never met Dr Vargo prior to the morning of my colonoscopy. My goodness, he is incredible. I wish every doctor I've ever had was blessed with his bedside manner and temperament. He embodies best demonstrated practices when dealing with a patient and their family. An absolute gem of a human.

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2022

Dr. Vargo was very friendly and easy to talk to. He was very honest and walked me through my options. I will be scheduling an appt. For the procedure.

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2022

Dr Vargo was fabulous! He put me at ease, talked in a way I could understand and was clear about a path forward, which was perfect!

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2022

Dr. Vargo was very friendly and very professional. His demeanor makes you feel like you have known him for a long time.

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2022

Dr. Vargo was very personable and assuring. He makes you feel like you have been his patient for many years.

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2022

Dr Vargo is very personable and caring

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2022

Dr. Vargo is an amazing person who took time to make sure I knew all the options and was genuinely interested in my care.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2022

Dr. Vargo is an excellent doctor, extremely knowledgable, skilled, and compassionate.

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2022

Had a extremely good experience with Dr.John Vargo I highly recommend him to anyone and I did My Husband has became as patient of his also plus I have told family members about him excellent Dr he explains stuff very well he's talks on my level to understand everything and his bedside manner's can't be beat his personality is wonderful and you can tell he's concerned about you and he gives comfort in his tone with you he has been such a blessing to me and I just can't say enough good things about him you can really tell he loves what he does and loves helping people

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2022

I would recommend Dr John Vargo to anyone that needs his services I highly feel comfwith him and we have built a trust level I just can't say enough about him & the staff

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2022

Dr. Vargo is amazing. He spent time with my husband and I before explaining the procedure and then after letting us know what they found. Very kind and compassionate. I felt very confident that I was in great hands.

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