How Innovation is Expanding GI Access at Covenant Health Fort Loudoun

A year after opening its expanded Gastrointestinal (GI) Suite, Covenant Health Fort Loudoun is seeing the impact firsthand: more patients receiving specialized care locally, improved efficiency and expanded access to advanced procedures. The expanded suite officially began serving patients in August 2025 and was designed to meet the needs of a growing community while bringing advanced technology and services closer to home.  

The expansion added a third endoscopy procedure room, two new pre-operative bays and an enlarged nursing station, creating capacity for more patients and supporting a broader range of specialized procedures. 

Meeting a Growing Need 

The need for expansion was driven by both community growth and increasing demand for gastrointestinal services. Greater awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening, combined with national recommendations lowering the screening age from 50 to 45, has increased the number of patients seeking preventive care. At the same time, the recruitment of additional specialists created opportunities to expand services offered locally.  

Today, patients can receive services including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), ERCP, bronchoscopy and advanced SpyGlass technology without leaving their community. Before the expansion, some patients needing specialized procedures had to travel to other facilities farther from home. Now, many can receive that care right here in Lenoir City at Covenant Health Fort Loudoun.  

“Every healthcare decision we make starts with our community,” said Connie Martin, president and chief administrative officer of Covenant Health Fort Loudoun. “This expansion allows us to meet the growing demand for services while keeping care close to home. Patients and families deserve access to advanced services without the burden of traveling outside their community and this investment helps us deliver on that promise.” 

Innovation That Improves the Patient Experience 

The expansion was about more than adding space. It also focused on improving the entire patient journey. 

New technology and workflow improvements introduced alongside the project include electronic scheduling, streamlined registration, appointment text reminders and tools designed to improve communication and efficiency. These changes help patients move through their visit more smoothly while allowing care teams to focus more time on patient care.  

Since opening, the expanded suite has helped increase appointment availability, improve workflow efficiency and support higher patient volumes while maintaining a strong patient experience. Staff members have also benefited from improved patient flow and additional space for preparation and recovery.  

“The expanded suite has allowed us to care for more patients each day while improving the experience for both patients and staff,” said Stephanie Jenkins, surgery nurse manager. “From scheduling through recovery, we have created a more efficient process that helps patients receive timely care in a comfortable environment close to home.” 

Advanced Care, Delivered Locally 

For physicians, the expansion has opened new opportunities to provide more advanced care within the community. 

“The addition of dedicated space and advanced technology has transformed what we can offer locally,” said Christopher Kulisek, MD, gastroenterologist with Covenant Health Fort Loudoun Gastroenterology. “Patients now have access to highly specialized procedures right here at Fort Loudoun. That means faster access to care, greater convenience for families and the confidence of receiving advanced treatment from providers they know and trust.” 

The expanded suite supports advanced procedures such as ERCP and SpyGlass technology, helping physicians diagnose and treat complex gastrointestinal conditions closer to home. 

A Strong Foundation for the Future 

The results since opening have reinforced the value of the investment. Increased patient volumes, improved scheduling processes and stronger patient satisfaction have all demonstrated the need for expanded services. The project has also created a foundation for future growth, including additional facility improvements and continued recruitment of physicians and staff.  

Take the Next Step 

Regular screenings can help detect issues earlier, when treatment is often most effective. Learn more about gastrointestinal services, colon cancer screening, or advanced digestive health care available at Covenant Health Fort Loudoun.