Lehigh Valley Health Network and Lehigh Valley Physician Group have announced that Eastern Pennsylvania Gastroenterology and Liver Specialists became a part of LVHN on Dec. 31, 2024.

The first day of service under LVHN was Jan. 2.

The addition of EPGI into the LVHN team offers patients access to a larger network of resources. In addition, it will provide tighter continuity of care across the entire system.

LVHN, which is now part of Jefferson Health, is the largest and most progressive health care provider in the Lehigh Valley region.

“This transition will not change anything for patients who have relied on EPGI for their gastrointestinal medical needs,” said Anthony Auteri, MD, chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, LVHN. “The same clinicians and staff will provide care and the locations of the offices will all remain the same.”

EPGI maintains four offices — in Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe and Lackawanna counties — two of which are already LVPG locations.

Care will be provided by a team of almost 30 gastroenterologists and advanced practice clinicians.

In addition to providing colonoscopy and advanced endoscopy services, EPGI clinicians treat a broad range of gastrointestinal illnesses, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease and many other conditions affecting the liver and gastrointestinal system.

The three endoscopy centers, with locations in Allentown, Easton and East Stroudsburg, will remain joint ventures between LVHN and board-certified gastroenterology clinicians.

“LVHN is continuing its investment of the delivery of high-quality care to our community,” said Timothy Friel, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine. “We have maintained a strong and innovative partnership with EPGI for more than a decade and are taking this relationship to the next level.

“Our patients will now have the advantage of expanded, high-quality gastrointestinal and liver care all under the LVHN umbrella, which means more clinicians, more options and more services.”