UnityPoint Clinic — Fort Dodge announced on Wednesday a new partnership to provide digestive care in Fort Dodge.

UnityPoint will partner with Cedar Valley Medical Specialists Digestive Health Center, based out of Waterloo.

“Finding a strong, reputable digestive disease and gastroenterology partner for Fort Dodge and our surrounding communities has been a priority for UnityPoint Clinic,” said Leah Glasgo, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge. “In our search to find this type of partner, our four qualities and guiding principles were: outstanding quality and care delivery, commitment to our hospital and community, a focus on outstanding patient experience, and a team that was held in high regard amongst their peers. Having found that, we are extremely excited and honored to welcome CVMS as an extension to our team.”

CVMS is a trusted partner with UnityPoint Health providing similar services to Waterloo and surrounding communities, she said.

The providers at CVMS Digestive Health Center have more 30 years of combined experience in providing quality digestive health care. They take an interdisciplinary team approach to care ensuring the care plan includes input from providers across the care continuum. Additionally, CVMS has strong focus on continuing education, providing quarterly gastroenterology education to all team members.

The partnership with CVMS will start with coverage for UnityPoint Clinic Gastroenterology, including program development and Advanced Practice Practitioner oversight and support.

In the coming months, UnityPoint Clinic and CVMS will develop virtual/telephonic support and consultation, with the ultimate goal of recruiting a full-time gastroenterologist to provide care in the Fort Dodge region.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with oversight from CVMS, UnityPoint Health has secured interim onsite coverage.

“We are excited to expand our services to the Fort Dodge region,” said Dr. Ravindra (Ravi) Mallavarapu, department head, Digestive Diseases & Gastroenterology — Cedar Valley Medical Specialties. “CVMS Digestive Health Center has many established relationships and satellite clinics in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area — we are looking forward to extending our reach to the west and partnering with the Fort Dodge region was a great opportunity for us.”

CVMS Digestive Health Center will work closely with UnityPoint Clinic Gastroenterology’s current providers Amy Faga, ARNP and Jessica Bailey, ARNP.

The satellite clinic will share clinic space with UnityPoint Clinic Gastroenterology located through Trinity’s Main Entrance in Physicians Office Building East on the second floor.

To schedule an appointment, call 515-574-6800.