John Vargo, MD, MPH
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.444.7000
- Desk:
- 216.444.3423
- Fax:
- 216.444.6284
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
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
Insurance
Is Cleveland Clinic Part of Your Insurance?
Review a list of accepted insurance plans for our Northeast Ohio locations or learn more about purchasing a contracted managed care plan.
View All PlansEducation & 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
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
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
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 12/1/2020, 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.
Consulting and/or Speaking. Dr. Vargo receives fees of $5,000 or more per year as a paid consultant, speaker or member of an advisory committee for the following companies:
- Exact Sciences Corp.
Royalty Payments. Dr. Vargo receives or has the right to receive royalty payments for inventions or discoveries commercialized through the companies shown below:
- Medtronic plc
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.
152 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.9 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.9 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.9 |
47 Patient Comments
© 2022 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be altered, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Cleveland Clinic.
Reviewed on Nov 9, 2021
Dr. Vargo takes very good care of me and always listens.
Reviewed on Nov 8, 2021
Dr Vargo was great, he was well informed about my problems and why I was there.
Reviewed on Nov 1, 2021
Dr. John J Vargo ll went above and beyond. He and the or team were just simply amazing. He said in the or they were going to take very good care of me and I said I know you will and I truly meant that.
Reviewed on Oct 28, 2021
Dr.John Vargo is a great Dr. He explains everything in detail and he talks & explains everything on your level and he doesn't rush you at all he has the best attitude and is a great dr . I was blessed to have him as my Dr . Thank you for being so compassionate at what you do for your patients
Reviewed on Oct 25, 2021
Dr Cargo is an excellent doctor. His office was kind and respectful.
Reviewed on Oct 25, 2021
It is very impressive that you can schedule an immediate appointment with a physician with outstanding credentials.
Reviewed on Oct 25, 2021
Dr. Vargo's care and concern was evident the moment he walked into the door until the time the appointment was over. He did not rush me and took time for all of my questions.
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2021
Dr. Vargo is the best
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2021
Great doctor in every area. The best!!
Reviewed on Sep 27, 2021
I wouldn't have any other doctor do my procedure other than Dr Vargo
Reviewed on Sep 27, 2021
I have been seeing Dr Vargo for over 5 years and can say that he is one of the best Doctors I have seen.
Reviewed on Sep 13, 2021
I consider my visit with Dr Vargo to be a blessing. I would not be able to thank him enough.
Reviewed on Sep 13, 2021
Dr. Vargo was awesome he explained things very well. I don't trust many but I feel very comfortable with him.
Reviewed on Sep 2, 2021
Dr. Cargo was thorough and polite. I was impressed with his bed side manner.
Reviewed on Aug 30, 2021
As as result of the meeting I was expecting a letter with the proposed Test to check the pancreas function. Now 2 weeks later I'm still waiting for this letter or any communication from the doctor.
Reviewed on Aug 30, 2021
The gastro department is SO VERY BUSY. HONORED TO BE ABLE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. VARGO
Reviewed on Aug 23, 2021
Dr Vargo was kind and respectful. Thorough
Reviewed on Jul 30, 2021
Dr. Vargo did an excellent job
Reviewed on Jul 9, 2021
Dr. Vargo has been wonderful the several times I have been under his care. I appreciate his friendliness and knowledge.
Reviewed on Jun 14, 2021
I hate giving bad feedback because I always give the benefit of the doubt but it was just bad. I've seen multiple drs trying to figure out what's going on with my stomach and only four tests have been run out of all the things it could be, four tests. there's at the very least two I can personally think of that should be no brainers but the dr said the prior drs you saw did a good job, very extensive. clearly not if I'm searching out a new dr. with the same issues. he barely made eye contact and he kept interrupting me and I couldn't even get all my symptoms out before he he interrupted me again and said what seemed like he picked a prescription out of a hat and said to try it. his notes said he'd be referring me to functional medicine. I was and am very disappointed in this appt. when you're suffering you want your dr to be like we will figure this out, not pass you off and interrupt you..
Reviewed on Jun 4, 2021
GREAT, GREAT DOCTOR & a person.
Reviewed on May 18, 2021
Dr. Vargo is excellent in his care and treatment. He listens and explains all procedures very thoroughly. I am having good results with his treatment, and have great confidence in his endoscopic skill. His staff are reassuring and very professional.
Reviewed on May 17, 2021
dr cargo was extremely kind compassionate and helpful in relaying information and answering my questions. I appreciate his professionalism
Reviewed on May 17, 2021
thank you to dr vargo the charge nurse the nurse anesthetist etc
Reviewed on May 10, 2021
The Dr. was just great with me
Reviewed on May 4, 2021
will request this physician next time. really liked him and his demeanor.
Reviewed on Apr 19, 2021
Dr. Vargo is simply the best.
Reviewed on Apr 13, 2021
Fantastic experience from start to finish. Dr. Vargo was wonderful!
Reviewed on Apr 7, 2021
Dr Vargo is the best doctor ever. Very know and informative.
Reviewed on Apr 2, 2021
Dr Vargo and his entire team had been heaven sent...In my troubled times when I needed medical help Dr Vargo was there for me.
Reviewed on Apr 2, 2021
Dr.Vargo's competence had been so reassuring and had explained everything in a simple but comprehensive way, and from beginning to the end of the process I felt well connected and understood everything .We will certainly give a very high recommendation for Dr. Vargo to any of of our family and friends
Reviewed on Mar 31, 2021
I would definitely recommend Dr. Vargo. He thoroughly explained the entire procedure and the results of my procedure.
Reviewed on Mar 29, 2021
Dr. Vargo is the BEST. I trust him and appreciate his care!
Reviewed on Mar 29, 2021
it saved me a long drive downtown while I was having digestive issues. Ivory, who is Dr. Vargo's secretary was instrumental in swapping out my sons appointment so I could use it. i really appreciate her care and concern.
Reviewed on Mar 11, 2021
very explanatory before and after the procedure. made an appointment to keep my GI dr.
Reviewed on Mar 2, 2021
Dr. John Vargo is the BEST.
Reviewed on Mar 1, 2021
Dr Vargo is one of the finest physicians I've ever had! His bedside manner is exemplary! While I expect intelligent, experienced caregivers at the Cleveland Clinic, he goes far far beyond expectations. He is truly one of your finest, and my hope is that the institution fully appreciates him and shows their appreciation to him!
Reviewed on Mar 1, 2021
Dr. Vargo was very thorough, empathetic, and compassionate. He took his time gathering history and explained everything very well. All staff we encountered were pleasant and helpful.
Reviewed on Feb 22, 2021
Doc seemed genuinely interested and concerned about me as a person and a patient. He's incredibly personable and easy to talk to. This was only our first visit, but he exudes confidence and capability.
Reviewed on Feb 22, 2021
Great experience! Dr Vargo spent an hour with me making sure he completely understands my conditions. He also took the time to explain my options going forward.
Reviewed on Feb 5, 2021
Dr. Vargo is very kind, compassionate & detail oriented.
Reviewed on Feb 1, 2021
Dr Vargo was the most amazing doctor. most professional I have worked with in 83 yrs
Reviewed on Jan 25, 2021
I felt very comfortable with Dr Vargo from the beginning of my visit to the end. I am confident I am in the best hands to treat my condition.
Reviewed on Jan 18, 2021
Dr. John Vargo is excellent! One of the best gastroenterologist currently practicing. I appreciate that he is at the Cleveland clinic and that I have access to his tremendous expertise.
Reviewed on Jan 8, 2021
Dr. Vargo is very professional and compassionate. Took the time to answer all questions.
Reviewed on Jan 4, 2021
Dr. was well prepared and answered questions about the issue.
Reviewed on Jan 4, 2021
Dr was excellent, objective, professional, addressed the whole person.