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Expanded General Surgery Care – Close to Home

Wickenburg Community Hospital & Clinics (WCH) is excited to announce the expansion of our general surgery services to bring more availability to expert care closer to home. Residents now have more frequent access to routine and specialized procedures without the need to travel long distances.

Our expanded surgical team includes four additional board-certified general surgeons, each with decades of experience in their respective fields.

These new surgeons join Dr. Robert Ripley, a long-standing surgeon and key member of the WCH team, who has been offering excellent patient-centered care since the surgical center’s opening in 2016. Dr. Ripley’s dedication to the community has set a high standard for surgical services, and the addition of these skilled professionals further strengthens WCH’s ability to meet the growing healthcare needs of residents.

This development underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to the Wickenburg community.

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Meet Our Expert General Surgery Team

Dr. Robert Ripley, MD, FACS
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Ripley specializes in abdominal disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, and in-office procedures for skin cancers and minor tumors.

Dr. Tanja Lea Gunsberger, DO, FACOS
Dr. Gunsberger brings over 20 years of expertise in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries. She also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Chair of Surgery and Anesthesia.

Dr. Antonino Cammarata, DO
A founding member of Phoenix Unified Surgeons, Dr. Cammarata has 19 years of experience in minimally invasive surgery. His background as a Special Forces weapons sergeant adds precision and discipline to his practice.

Dr. Debora Fox-McClary, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS
Dual board-certified in general and colorectal surgery, Dr. Fox-McClary brings over 25 years of experience with expertise in complex colon procedures, inflammatory bowel disease, and fecal incontinence.

Dr. J. Brian Brizendine, MD
Dr. Brizendine has 15 years of expertise in wound care, gallbladder surgery, and minimally invasive hernia repair. His research background enhances the care provided to patients.

Comprehensive Surgical Services

Our expanded team diagnoses and treats various conditions. Examples below show associated symptoms one may experience with each condition:

  • Gallbladder Issues: Pain or nausea after eating may signal gallbladder problems or gallstones, often requiring surgery.
  • Digestive Disorders: Diverticulitis, rectal bleeding, or bowel changes require evaluation and possible treatment.
  • Hernias: Umbilical and inguinal hernias can be treated with advanced minimally invasive techniques.
  • Breast Health: Lumps or abnormalities in breast tissue may need surgical evaluation and intervention.

Our team performs a variety of procedures, including:

  • Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries
  • Colonoscopies and endoscopies
  • Hernia repairs with advanced techniques
  • Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy)
  • Appendectomies
  • Skin cancer removal and biopsies

When to Consult a General Surgeon

Patients experiencing symptoms such as digestive discomfort, gastrointestinal issues, chronic or severe pain in the abdomen, groin, or rectum, anal or pelvic discomfort, unusual lumps or swelling in the abdomen or skin, recurrent digestive tract problems, or concerns related to post-weight loss or excess skin, or for skin cancer screenings should consult a general surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Emergency Preparedness & Accessibility

With our surgeons readily available in Wickenburg, most procedures can now be done locally, reducing travel burdens for patients and families. To ensure comprehensive care, we’ve partnered with nearby hospitals for ghost bed arrangements, allowing seamless transfers for higher-level emergencies, and work with families to perform follow up care in Wickenburg.

Exceptional Care, Close to Home

This expansion means community members have increased access to expert healthcare without the inconvenience of traveling far. Our surgeons bring advanced training from prestigious institutions and work collaboratively to provide the best possible care.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that may require surgical attention, don’t wait. To schedule an appointment, call 928-668-1833. Most major insurance plans are accepted.

 

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The place to find key patient and community member notices, or answers to frequently asked questions.

Healthcare billing delays often arise from extended insurance claim processing. These insurance delays can lead to confusion and financial strain for patients, who may not receive their bill until weeks or months after care is provided, making it harder to plan financially.

At Wickenburg Community Hospital & Clinics, we strive for timely and accurate billing. However, we cannot bill our patients until the organization has received full and accurate payment from insurance companies, a process that is often protracted and beyond our control. Once we are confident that the patient’s claims are processed and paid accurately by the insurance company, then we move forward with issuing a bill to the patient. Rest assured, we are committed to clear communication and our patient’s well-being.

For further questions, please call at 928-684-4365 or email us at financial.counselor@wickhosp.com.