Mirage Health has two offices in the East Valley: one in Chandler and one in Mesa, Arizona. Patients come to us from Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Scottsdale, and across the Phoenix East Valley. Addresses, hours, and directions are on our Locations page.
Most patients do not. Some HMO plans require a referral from your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. Call 480-210-3155 and we will check your plan.
New patient visits are usually available within one to two weeks. If your symptoms are urgent, tell the front desk and we will find a sooner opening.
Yes. Mirage Health accepts new patients at both the Chandler and Mesa offices and by telehealth anywhere in Arizona.
Yes. Video visits are available to patients anywhere in Arizona for consultations, follow-ups, test results, and dietitian appointments. Procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy require an in-person visit.
Bring your photo ID, insurance card, a list of your medications and supplements, and any recent lab results, imaging, or procedure reports from other doctors. You can complete new patient paperwork ahead of time on our Patient Forms page. If another office has your records, we can request them before your visit.
A new patient visit is 30 minutes. Follow-up visits are usually shorter.
Yes. You can book online or call 480-210-3155. Existing patients can also request an appointment through the patient portal.
Mirage Health sees patients age 16 and older. For younger children, we can recommend a pediatric gastroenterologist in the East Valley.
Yes. There is plenty of free parking at both the Chandler and Mesa offices.
Dr. Rajiv Sharma, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the lead physician at Mirage Health. He cares for patients in Chandler, Mesa, and the East Valley and performs colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and other GI procedures.
Screening starts at age 45 for people at average risk. If there is a history of colon cancer in your family, you can get screened earlier. Ask us when to start.
It depends on what Dr. Sharma finds during your colonoscopy. If the exam is normal, the interval is usually longer; if polyps are found, he will recommend a shorter interval and tell you when your next one is due.
A colonoscopy is an exam of the entire colon using a thin, flexible camera. It finds and removes polyps before they can turn into cancer and checks for the cause of bleeding, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Yes. You are sedated for the procedure, so you will not feel or remember the exam. You need a driver to take you home.
The exam itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Plan on two to three hours at the center for check-in, the procedure, and recovery.
Procedures are performed at an accredited endoscopy center a short drive from Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe. You will get the address with your appointment confirmation.
You will follow a low-fiber diet for a few days, switch to clear liquids the day before, and drink a split-dose prep solution the evening before and the morning of the procedure. Your instructions are also on our Procedure Prep page.
You can eat normally after the procedure. Start with something light. If polyps were removed, Dr. Sharma may ask you to avoid alcohol and certain medications.
No. You are sedated for the entire exam. Some people have mild bloating or gas afterward that passes within a few hours.
Current self-pay prices for colonoscopy are listed on our Cash & Self-Pay Pricing page. Call 480-210-3155 for a written estimate that includes the physician, facility, and anesthesia.
Yes. Screening colonoscopy is covered by insurance, including Medicare, as preventive care. Our billing team can check your specific plan before the procedure.
A screening colonoscopy is done when you have no symptoms, as routine cancer prevention. A diagnostic colonoscopy is done to find the cause of symptoms such as bleeding, pain, or a change in bowel habits, or to follow up on a positive stool test.
A positive stool test needs to be followed by a colonoscopy. Call 480-210-3155 and we will schedule it. You do not need a separate office visit first in most cases.
Most polyps are removed during the same exam and sent to a lab. Results take about one to two weeks. Dr. Sharma will tell you what was found and when your next colonoscopy should be.
Healthy patients age 45 and older with no symptoms can often schedule a screening colonoscopy directly after a short phone screening. Call 480-210-3155 and ask about direct scheduling.
Cologuard is a stool DNA test that is better than no screening, but it misses some cancers and most precancerous polyps, and a positive result still requires a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the only test that finds and removes polyps in the same visit. For patients at average risk who will not have a colonoscopy, a stool test every one to three years is a reasonable alternative. See our Colon Cancer Screening page.
Our offices are in Chandler and Mesa, both a short drive from Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Queen Creek. Many of our colonoscopy patients come from these cities.
An upper endoscopy, or EGD, uses a thin camera passed through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It is used for heartburn that does not improve, trouble swallowing, stomach pain, nausea, and to check for ulcers, celiac disease, and Barrett's esophagus.
Yes. The exam is done under sedation and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You need a driver.
You will need to stop eating and drinking for a period before the procedure; exact instructions come with your appointment confirmation and are on our Procedure Prep page. Ask us about which medications to take that morning.
Yes. When both are needed, Dr. Sharma performs them under one sedation. This saves a second prep, a second day off work, and a second facility fee.
Yes. Capsule endoscopy uses a swallowed camera pill to examine the small intestine, an area regular scopes cannot reach.
Yes. Dr. Sharma treats hemorrhoids with diet changes, medication, and in-office hemorrhoid banding, a quick procedure with no surgery or anesthesia. See our Hemorrhoids page. Rectal bleeding should always be evaluated, since hemorrhoids and colon cancer can cause the same symptom.
Mild hemorrhoids often improve within a week or two with more fiber, more water, and not straining. Hemorrhoids that keep bleeding, prolapse, or hurt for more than a couple of weeks usually need treatment. In-office banding takes minutes and resolves most internal hemorrhoids without surgery.
Yes. FibroScan is a painless ultrasound test that measures liver stiffness and fat. It takes about 10 minutes.
Yes. Breath testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), lactose intolerance, and fructose intolerance is done in office.
Yes. H. pylori, the bacteria that causes many ulcers, can be checked with a breath test, a stool test, or a biopsy during endoscopy.
Most pathology results come back within one to two weeks. We will call you or post the results in the patient portal and schedule a follow-up if needed.
IBS is a common condition that causes abdominal pain with constipation, diarrhea, or both. It does not damage the intestine, but it can affect daily life. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and ruling out other causes.
Yes. IBS care at Mirage Health combines medical treatment from Dr. Sharma with nutrition counseling from our registered dietitians, including guidance on the low-FODMAP diet.
It is a short-term diet that removes certain sugars that ferment in the gut and trigger IBS symptoms, then adds them back one group at a time to find your triggers. Our dietitians guide patients through it so it stays practical.
Common causes include IBS, constipation, SIBO, lactose or fructose intolerance, celiac disease, and swallowing air. A visit with a gastroenterologist can sort out the cause and start treatment.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) happens when bacteria that belong in the colon grow in the small intestine. It causes bloating, gas, diarrhea, and pain. It is diagnosed with a breath test and treated with antibiotics and diet changes.
See a doctor if constipation is new, lasts more than a few weeks, or comes with blood in the stool, weight loss, or severe pain. Constipation that starts after age 45 should be evaluated.
Diarrhea that lasts more than two weeks, wakes you at night, contains blood, or comes with fever or weight loss needs evaluation.
Yes. Mirage Health diagnoses and manages inflammatory bowel disease, including biologic and other advanced therapies, with regular monitoring and nutrition support.
Yes. Celiac disease is checked with blood tests and confirmed with a biopsy during upper endoscopy. Keep eating gluten until testing is done, or the tests can miss it.
Yes. The gut and brain are closely connected. Stress can worsen IBS, reflux, and nausea. Treatment often includes diet, medication, and stress management together.
Brown in any shade is normal. Black or tarry stool can mean bleeding higher in the digestive tract. Bright red blood usually comes from the rectum or hemorrhoids. Pale or clay-colored stool can point to a liver or bile problem. Green stool is usually from food or fast transit. Mucus now and then is normal; mucus with blood, pain, or diarrhea is not. Any black, bloody, or pale stool that lasts more than a day or two should be evaluated.
Common causes include acid reflux, gastritis, gallstones, food intolerances, IBS, ulcers, and eating too fast or too much. Pain in the upper right abdomen after fatty meals suggests the gallbladder; burning in the upper middle suggests acid or an ulcer. Pain after eating that happens more than a few times a week should be evaluated. See our Abdominal Pain page.
For fast relief: walk after meals, avoid carbonated drinks and gum, eat slowly, and try simethicone or peppermint. For bloating that keeps coming back, the cause is usually IBS, constipation, SIBO, or a food intolerance such as lactose or fructose. Our dietitians can identify triggers, and breath testing can check for SIBO.
Ongoing nausea can come from acid reflux, gastritis, slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis), gallbladder problems, medications, pregnancy, or migraine. Nausea that lasts more than a week, comes with weight loss, or includes vomiting blood needs evaluation.
For some conditions, yes. Specific probiotic strains can help IBS symptoms, antibiotic-related diarrhea, and some cases of ulcerative colitis. Most over-the-counter products are not studied for the condition on the label. Ask Dr. Sharma or a dietitian which strain fits your situation before buying.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine and is diagnosed with blood tests and biopsy. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes similar symptoms without intestinal damage, and there is no test for it. Get tested for celiac before going gluten-free, because the tests only work while you are eating gluten. See our Celiac Disease page.
Diverticulitis is inflammation of small pouches in the colon wall. It causes lower left abdominal pain, fever, and a change in bowel habits, and is treated with rest, a liquid or low-fiber diet during the flare, and sometimes antibiotics. Once it settles, a high-fiber diet helps prevent another attack. Repeated attacks may need a colonoscopy to check the colon
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequent acid reflux that causes heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, a sour taste, or a chronic cough. It is treated with diet changes, medication, and in some cases procedures.
Heartburn more than twice a week, heartburn that does not improve with over-the-counter medicine, trouble swallowing, or heartburn with weight loss should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist.
Proton pump inhibitors are safe for most people when they are needed. Long-term use should be reviewed by a doctor, who can confirm the dose is right and check whether it is still needed.
Barrett's esophagus is a change in the lining of the esophagus caused by long-term acid reflux. It raises the risk of esophageal cancer and is monitored with periodic upper endoscopy.
Trouble swallowing can come from a narrowing of the esophagus, acid damage, a muscle disorder, or eosinophilic esophagitis. It should always be checked, usually with an upper endoscopy.
Yes. Most hiatal hernias are managed with reflux treatment. Large or symptomatic hernias may be referred for surgical repair.
The usual triggers are fried and fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, tomato sauce, citrus, mint, and large late meals. Eating smaller meals, finishing dinner three hours before bed, and raising the head of the bed help as much as any single food change. Our dietitians can build a reflux-friendly plan. See our GERD page.
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. An ulcer is an open sore in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Both cause burning upper abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating, and both are most often caused by H. pylori infection or regular use of ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. They are diagnosed with H. pylori testing or upper endoscopy and treated with acid-reducing medication and antibiotics when H. pylori is present.
Fatty liver disease (MASLD, formerly NAFLD) is fat buildup in the liver, usually linked to weight, diabetes, or high cholesterol. It often has no symptoms but can progress to scarring. It is treated with weight loss, diet, exercise, and in some cases medication.
Elevated liver enzymes on a blood test have many causes, including fatty liver, medications, alcohol, and viral hepatitis. A gastroenterologist can find the cause with a history, more blood work, and imaging or FibroScan.
A Mediterranean-style diet works best: vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains, fish, olive oil, and nuts, with little added sugar, sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol. Losing 7 to 10 percent of body weight reduces liver fat and inflammation. Coffee, two to three cups a day, is linked to less liver scarring. Our dietitians build fatty liver plans patients can keep. See our Fatty Liver Disease page.
Yes. Hepatitis C is curable with a course of oral medication. Hepatitis B is managed with monitoring and antiviral treatment when needed.
Yes. Mirage Health manages cirrhosis with regular monitoring, cancer screening, and treatment of complications, and coordinates with transplant centers when needed.
Gallstones can cause pain in the upper right abdomen after eating, especially fatty meals, along with nausea. Pain that is severe, lasts hours, or comes with fever or yellow skin needs urgent care.
Yes. We evaluate and manage acute and chronic pancreatitis, identify the cause, and work with patients on diet and alcohol changes to prevent recurrence.
Mirage Health accepts Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and most major PPO plans. Call 480-210-3155 to confirm your specific plan.
Yes. Mirage Health accepts Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
No. Mirage Health does not accept AHCCCS. Patients without other coverage can use our self-pay pricing; see the Cash & Self-Pay Pricing page.
We offer upfront self-pay pricing for office visits, telehealth, dietitian visits, and procedures, with no surprise bills. See the Cash & Self-Pay Pricing page or call 480-210-3155.
Current self-pay rates for new patient and follow-up visits are on our Cash & Self-Pay Pricing page.
Yes. Payment plans are available, CareCredit is accepted, and self-pay prices are listed upfront on our Cash & Self-Pay Pricing page. Ask our billing team about options.
For procedures, you may receive separate bills from the endoscopy center and the anesthesia group in addition to the physician bill. We can give you an estimate for each before your procedure.
You can pay online through the patient portal, by phone at 480-210-3155, or at either office.
Concierge care gives you faster access to Dr. Sharma and the dietitians, direct communication, and care built around your schedule, in person or by video. It is popular with patients who want to skip long waits and confusing billing. See our Concierge page.
Mirage on Demand is a paid service that gives you direct access to a GI provider for questions and symptoms without waiting for a scheduled visit. Pricing and details are on our Mirage on Demand page.
Yes. Dr. Sharma reviews outside records, imaging, and pathology and gives an independent opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan, in person or by video. See our Medical Second Opinions page.
Yes. Patients from other states and countries come to Chandler and Mesa for colonoscopy, endoscopy, and consultations with upfront cash pricing. Phoenix Sky Harbor is about 20 minutes away. See our Medical Tourism page and the Cash & Self-Pay Pricing page.
Mirage Health lists flat, upfront cash prices for colonoscopy, endoscopy, and other procedures so patients without insurance or with high deductibles know the cost before booking. See the Cash & Self-Pay Pricing page.
Yes. Peptide therapy is available through our concierge and wellness services for gut healing, recovery, and metabolic health. See our Peptide page.
Our wellness program includes nutrition counseling, medical weight loss, peptide therapy, and preventive GI care, in person or virtually. See our Wellness page.
Yes. Dr. Sharma's recommended supplements are available through our Fullscript store, shipped directly to you.
The Lifestyle Program is Mirage Health's monthly care coordination program for Medicare patients with two or more chronic conditions. A care coordinator checks in with you each month, helps with medications and referrals, tracks your goals, and keeps Dr. Sharma updated between visits.
Medicare patients with two or more chronic conditions expected to last at least a year, such as GERD, IBS, fatty liver, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
It is covered by Medicare. Depending on your plan, a small monthly copay may apply; many supplemental plans cover it in full.
Your care coordinator calls or messages you each month. Calls take about 15 to 20 minutes and cover symptoms, medications, upcoming appointments, and your health goals. No office visit is required.
Ask at your next visit or call 480-210-3155. Enrollment takes one conversation and your verbal consent.
Yes. You can stop at any time by telling your care coordinator or calling the office.
A gastroenterologist treats the digestive system: esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Common reasons to visit include heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abnormal liver tests, and colon cancer screening.
See a GI specialist for symptoms that last more than a few weeks, blood in the stool, trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, abnormal liver tests, a positive stool test, or when you are due for colonoscopy.
A small amount of bright red blood is often from hemorrhoids, but it should be evaluated. Heavy bleeding, black tarry stools, dizziness, or bleeding with severe pain needs emergency care.
Mirage Health serves Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley from two offices, with telehealth across Arizona. Call 480-210-3155 or book online.
Results are posted in the patient portal and we call for anything that needs discussion. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of a test, call the office.
Request refills through the patient portal or by calling your pharmacy, which will send the request to us. Allow two business days.
Complete a records release form at either office or through the patient portal. Records are usually sent within 5 to 10 business days.
Yes. Dr. Sharma provides Arizona medical marijuana card certification evaluations for qualifying conditions in a private, professional setting. Details are on our Medical Marijuana Certification page.
Dr. Sharma speaks English and Hindi. Interpreter services are available for other languages.
For severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or vomiting blood, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Do not wait for an office appointment.