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Daniel J. Vargo, MD

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No Rating Available?
In order to provide our patients and visitors with the most accurate and useful information, we only post physician satisfaction data when a physician has received a minimum of 30 returned surveys. For this provider, we have not yet received the minimum.
105 4.8 out of 5 Patient Rating

Languages Spoken: English

Dr. Vargo's clinical practice involves basic general surgery, including gallbladder and hernia surgery. He utilizes basic and advanced techniques in performing these procedures, including minimally invasive surgery/laparoscopy and robotic surgery.

In addition, Dr. Vargo has a specialty practice in complex abdominal wall surgery, including large incisional/ventral hernias, parastomal hernias, and fistulas to the abdominal wall. He has performed more than 500 complex abdominal wall reconstructions and is considered one of the experts in this field. He is currently working to advance the techniques of robotic surgery as they apply to complex abdominal reconstruction.

Clinical Locations

University Hospital
General Surgery, Area E

801-587-7963

50 N Medical Dr
Salt Lake City, UT  84132
E-16

Map

Specialties

  • Hernia Surgery (open and laparoscopic)
  • Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Surgery
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Surgery, General

Board Certification and Academic Information

Academic Departments Surgery - Professor (Clinical)
Academic Divisions General Surgery

Patient Rating

The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

Learn About Our Survey

Likelihood of recommending care provider

4.8/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem

4.8/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions

4.8/ 5

Wait time at clinic

4.4/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries

4.8/ 5

Patient Comments

Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

UofU Patient October 05, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

explained thoroughly what was going on with my issues and options I have for correcting my issue.

UofU Patient September 08, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

3 out of 5 stars

just not enough info it was a very very short visit. not so rushed

UofU Patient August 19, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Vargo was very thorough in his explanation of the problem and his recommendations for treatment. all of my questions were answered in a complete, patient manner.

UofU Patient July 13, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

I felt like I got all my questions answered and felt no pressure to have the surgery.

UofU Patient June 30, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

listened to me, explained my options and treatment. I felt like they were taking time to hear me and not rush back out the door.

UofU Patient May 13, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

I feel Dr Vargo is very knowledgeable and experienced in the procedure I need.

UofU Patient March 06, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Dr Vargo is extremely competent and explained everything very well.

UofU Patient February 17, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

I cant say enough about Dr Vargo. He is extremely caring and informative!

UofU Patient January 12, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

3 out of 5 stars

negative I left the appointment without any information as to what was my health problem.

UofU Patient January 01, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Vargos was very good. he went thru every concern and explained why surgery was not' the answer at this time.

UofU Patient January 01, 2020
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Dr Vargo showed genuine concern for my situation and treatment options.

UofU Patient December 02, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

great

UofU Patient November 09, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

I felt that he was confident and knew what he was doing. He was kind and made me feel comfortable.

UofU Patient September 16, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Doctor Vargo in my mind is the best surgeon you could get. He tells you straight up and goes into detail of how he will preform the surgery to get you back to a normal life. Doctor Vargo knows what he is doing and cares about his performance and capabilities as a surgeon

UofU Patient June 29, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

I have total confidence in Dr. Vargo

UofU Patient June 24, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

dr vargo is very efficient and clearly knows his stuff. he instantly puts you at ease with his knowledge and confidence and ability to answer questions about the surgery. he is a very good provider.

UofU Patient March 10, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

I had A very good experience at the U of U Hospital.

UofU Patient January 15, 2019
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Vargo was thorugh in his explanation of my hernia condition. Showed on the CTScan exactly where the hernia was located, and took all the time necessary to make sure I understood what I was looking at, and then went beyond to explain how it related to an ongoing issue I have had since a previous surgery 18 months ago. He was caring and compassionate, and has a good sense of humor. His intern was also very detailed in his questions and relating my concerns.

UofU Patient December 11, 2018
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

excellent

UofU Patient December 06, 2018
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

4 out of 5 stars

Dr.Wargo. what's great However follow up is very bad I still don't have the results for my ultrasonic so I am mad

UofU Patient September 29, 2018
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

I was very impressed with the knowledge of Dr. Vargo and his interest in my problem.

UofU Patient August 24, 2018
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

5 out of 5 stars

This is the first time I met with Dr. Vargo. I was 100% happy with him. He was professional and personable. Thank you Dr. Vargo!

UofU Patient June 29, 2018

good experience

UofU Patient May 14, 2018

Dr Vargo was very good at answering my question and describing in detail also using drawings to get his point across very good Surgeon he cares and he does not leave you in the dark

UofU Patient March 14, 2018

I am in good hands with Dr Vargo. He knew all about my situation and was very willing to work with me.

UofU Patient January 26, 2018

Excellent explaination the procedure that I need. Doctor made me feel very confident of the surgery that I need.

UofU Patient January 01, 2018

Dr Vargo and his PA both listened to my concerns and understood my health problems

UofU Patient July 24, 2017

Dr. Vargo came with a high recommendation from my medical oncologist, so I was expecting him to be great . . . I wasn't disappointed! This consult put my mind at ease and allowed me to move ahead to schedule the surgery. I wish I didn't need it, but at least I'm not concerned about it now.

UofU Patient July 18, 2017

Dr. Vargo and his in house doctors have been a blessing. Helped solve an issue that has been bothering me for 3 years with the most knowledge, treatment plan and kindness I have seen in a medical office.

UofU Patient July 07, 2017

I was seen first by Dr Vargo's assistant who was very patient and went over my questions and exam with me

UofU Patient May 13, 2017

I got sick of waiting and I wanted to leave

UofU Patient April 25, 2017

Dr Vargo is wonderful. Love him:)

UofU Patient April 04, 2017

Dr Vargo and his staff were awesome

UofU Patient March 27, 2017

from the first visit, through surgery and post op visit, we really appreciated that we were given time to remember all our questions and not once felt rushed. this is so different from previous experiences with other doctors and facilities, it totally changed how comfortable we were going through this very complicated situation.

UofU Patient March 13, 2017

outstanding overall

UofU Patient March 06, 2017

Dr. Vargo was very good in explaining to me about my problem and showing and explaining to me about my CT Scan. Helped me understand what was going on.

UofU Patient February 26, 2017

I was impressed with the doctor. I can tell he is at the top of his game

UofU Patient December 19, 2016

Dr. Vargo and Dr. Slade were very nice, knowledgeable, and made me comfortable and confident in them about my upcoming surgery. They showed me the scan and where the area is that needs surgery. They made me feel like I understood exactly how this issue happened and what will happen during the surgery. Thank you!!

UofU Patient December 13, 2016

very impressed with Dr. Vargo

UofU Patient October 28, 2016

I trust Dr Vargo completely, I am so glad I was referred to him, I praise him and his team often!

UofU Patient September 07, 2016

Dr Vargo is great:)

UofU Patient August 01, 2016

Dr Vargo- has not been the best at helping me with what to look forward to or any guidance at all. i usually leave his office very upset and frustrated.

UofU Patient July 18, 2016

I'm taking ideas from your practice and trying to include it in mine.

UofU Patient July 01, 2016

I have had Dr Vargo's excellent surgical knowledge and skills work on me before with a very tricky KY situation and surgery. I recommend him all of the time and would not want another surgeon.

UofU Patient April 15, 2016

I felt trust in Dr Vargo, he explained what the surgery would be like, time in hospital, care at home, etc. He left me with a feeling of confidence. I am very thankful that I connected with him as my doctor. Thank you Dr Vargo.

UofU Patient April 11, 2016

Excellent visit with Dr. Vargo. Very impressed with his explanations.

UofU Patient April 05, 2016

felt well taken care of

UofU Patient March 01, 2016

I felt very comfortable about the time the Doctor allowed us to understand what would be happening and answering our questions.

UofU Patient February 29, 2016

My only concern is that while Dr. Vargo was very knowledgable and friendly at this appointment, I was disappointed that he didn't bother to see me after surgery or come to see me when I was admitted to the hospital when I developed a complication after surgery. It would have been nice to at least have a phone call letting me know how things went and about my complication rather than having residents try to address my concerns.

UofU Patient January 27, 2016

Dr. Vargo was very helpful and friendly. He took time to answer all my questions and concerns. He explained my procedure very well and really took the time to make sure I felt comfortable with it. Would definitely recommend this doctor.

UofU Patient January 11, 2016

Dr. Vargo was prompt, professional and exhibited excellent bedside manner. He answered my questions and provided a very thorough description of the procedure I was going to have.

UofU Patient November 27, 2015

Dr. Vargo demonstrated his real concern by asking that I phone the office in a few days to let him know how I was doing.

UofU Patient November 16, 2015

Dr. Vargo spent time to explain the nature of the hernia repair surgery that I had.

UofU Patient October 12, 2015

This was my first encounter with Dr. Vargo and I found him very friendly and provided great explanations about hernia and treatment. Nathan, his resident was also friendly and provided great explanations.

UofU Patient September 08, 2015

Waited for Dr. Vargo in waiting room for over 45 min. This was a post-op check and visit from Dr. should have only taken 5 min. I ended up leaving without seeing Dr. Vargo due to the length of wait and disrespect for my time.

UofU Patient August 03, 2015

DR. VARGO MADE ME FILL REALY COMFERTABLE.

UofU Patient July 24, 2015

This care provider was recommended by another care provider who told me he is the best at what he does.

UofU Patient May 23, 2015

Dr. Vargo is great

UofU Patient March 30, 2015

Very Good

UofU Patient February 16, 2015

I would recommend the Doctor because I feel he is very capable but would caution them they cannot expect timely care.

UofU Patient February 03, 2015

Dr. Vargo has wonderful patient interaction, though when it came to giving me reasons or solutions for the pain I am feeling I did not get any. I am coming back to have a CT scan next week but I was never told what that may, or may not diagnose. I am interested to know what may have caused my pain and what I can be doing to make it better. Waiting two weeks to see him again causes me anxiety about my pain.

UofU Patient December 01, 2014

Very compassionate and kind provider given the diagnosis of malignancy. I would definitely recommend Dr. Vargo to anyone having the need of a General Surgeon.

UofU Patient October 27, 2014

My husband has had surgery performed by Dr. Vargo with a beautiful scar less result. He is the first name people mention when someone needs a General Surgeon.

UofU Patient September 24, 2014

Showed a great deal of care and compassion.

UofU Patient August 04, 2014

Care provider needed results from a diagnostic test before making a reasonable evaluation.

UofU Patient June 17, 2014

I was extremely comfortable with Dr. Vargo - all the good things we had heard about him were true!

UofU Patient June 17, 2014

yes it was great and yes I would tell my friends.

UofU Patient May 28, 2014

I received a surgery from Dr Vargo on May 9th however he said he would call me to let me know how things went and never called. Then on my follow up visit he was out of town and had someone at the last minute fill in for him that didnt know anything about my case and all they did was pull up the post op note and read it. Also Dr. Vargo ordered an L Spine MRI and follow up on that was completely absent.

UofU Patient April 21, 2014

My experience was exceptional and I would recommend your facility to anyone needing treatment

UofU Patient March 16, 2014

He was excellent. Good communicator, empathetic, and kind. Prompt response to my concerns.

UofU Patient February 09, 2014

Dr Vargo was friendly, professional and made me feel confident regarding upcoming surgery. I heard nothing but wonderful reports on his skill, and how I was lucky to have him for my surgeon. I totally agree

UofU Patient January 03, 2014

Not one of the doctors who did the surgery, didn't really know much about my case, didn't explain any continuing restrictions, seemed only mildly interested in my case.

UofU Patient January 02, 2014

It would have been a little better if the care provider would have know more about my surgery or used the computer in the room to find more information to answer my questions instead of leaving the room to find information.

UofU Patient December 29, 2013

Both Dr. Vargo and the post-doc fellow spent quite a bit of time making sure I understood what can be known of causes of the condition and the range of outcomes from surgery. I appreciated that he was realistic about expectations without being discouraging.

UofU Patient December 11, 2013

As usual, Dr Vargo was very professional and friendly. I enjoy my interactions with him and feel as though he genuinely cares about my well-being.

UofU Patient October 21, 2013

I was very impressed with his gentle and caring mannerisms in the exam, his explanations of my condition and the complications involved, though extremely challenging are not impossible. I was impressed with the ease of including my husband in on the visit by speaker phone as he clearly laid out the plan of action and answered the few extra questions I had.

UofU Patient October 21, 2013

Dr. Vargo gave very very good care when NO other doctor would even try to treat my problems. I have every confidence in his ability and care he gave me.

UofU Patient September 30, 2013

I really like Dr. Vargo - he is professional, courteous, and shows genuine concern for his patients and their needs.

UofU Patient September 09, 2013

Really pleased with Dr. Vargo's referral to another physician and the immediate follow up by the referred physician

UofU Patient September 09, 2013

the care provider seemed rushed. when he was through talking he stood by the door while I finished asking questions.

UofU Patient August 07, 2013

I was so impressed with the Resident/Intern doctor. He didn't seem to be rushed and gave me a very thorough examination before making any recommendations. He truly seemed concerned about my situation and took the time to listen. He also emphasized that Dr. Vargo would make the final recommendations. Now to Dr. Vargo -- I continue to sing his praises. He provided me with more simple day to day recommendations which have been a great help. I would not have known about these helps had it not been for Dr. Vargo. I continue to be impressed with his professionalism, friendliness and excellent "bed-side manners". Dr. Vargo goes the extra mile to show his sincere concern for me as a patient and the best possible out-come for future surgery. I would go as far as to say Dr. Vargo is my HERO and CHAMPION.

UofU Patient July 22, 2013

I was extremely impressed with Dr. Vargo's knowledge and skill as well as his bedside manner. I was also impressed with his teaching skills and his relationship with the students under him.

UofU Patient July 17, 2013

I didn't complete the survey from the initial consultation with Dr. Vargo. However, I feel obligated to comment on the professionalism of him and his staff. In that initial consultation, I was very impressed with how patient and courteous Dr. Vargo was, and how thoughtful and attentive he was in thoroughly answering all my questions. One of the most professionally courteous physicians I've ever encountered.

UofU Patient July 15, 2013

excellent experience for a hospital visit

UofU Patient June 03, 2013

My experience with follow up was excellent

UofU Patient May 07, 2013

dr. Vargo was very informative. he is an excellent doctor. We hope to not need his services again but would definitely recommend him.

UofU Patient April 18, 2013

good

UofU Patient April 01, 2013

initial visit was a good experience with all questions answered and noted by Dr. Vargo. Followup was also a very good experience. I would highly recommend Dr. Vargo to anyone with a surgical procedure.

UofU Patient March 11, 2013

I believe Dr. Vargo to be a great doctor who is very accommodating to my surgery and FMLA needs.

UofU Patient March 08, 2013

This was a bad experience from the Saturday night visit to the ER to the Monday morning surgery follow-up visit. The only good experiences was with a nurse in the ER (can't remember her name) and another ER individual by name of Todd Ashby (he was great).

UofU Patient February 25, 2013

Dr. Vargo is the finest surgeon I could have ever chosen. I have full confidence in his abilities, and I recommend him to others constantly. This past visit was the best one I have ever had with him as he took the time to explain everything to me in a comprehensive way.

UofU Patient January 28, 2013

I am so grateful to have been referred to Dr. Vargo a few years ago. He truly is the VERY BEST!!

UofU Patient January 08, 2013

The whole visit was great. Ontime, got me in for ultrasound same day.

UofU Patient December 31, 2012

my first experience with this doctor would certainly again lead me to contact him if I needed to, or to refer others to him for care.

UofU Patient December 31, 2012

I'm glad I chose Dr. Vargo as my surgeon.

UofU Patient November 19, 2012

There was no medications involved nor any more follow-up appointments. The doctors were very nice and thorough.

UofU Patient November 05, 2012

The sx f/u visit was comprehensive: Dr. Vargo was clear, kind, thorough, and a good teacher of the medical student who was present. Exceptional.

UofU Patient October 08, 2012

The care providers were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, concern, and caring

UofU Patient July 25, 2012

I felt the Dr. felt some of my questions were ridiculous. He did not give me any instructions about follow up care, i.e. recuperation time, lifting restrictions, etc.

UofU Patient July 23, 2012

I was very impressed with Dr. Vargo, and he had an excellent bedside manner. I am 100% comfortable with him doing my surgical procedure.

UofU Patient July 09, 2012

Dr. is amazing. I've referred many of my friends to him because of what a wonderful doctor he is.

UofU Patient July 05, 2012

The doctors and nurses were very nice and did everything possible to make mw comfortable.

UofU Patient April 27, 2012

I have recommended Dr. Vargo to other Doctors in the Idaho Falls, Idaho area. I am told they have referred patients to Dr Vargo on my recommendations.

UofU Patient February 17, 2012

I would recommend Dr. Vargo and his staff to anyone needing this kind of surgery.

UofU Patient January 13, 2012

This visit marked the end of a difficult and complicated surgical procedure that was successfully completed by Dr. Vargo and his staff. No other surgeon in the Salt Lake City area was willing to attempt this surgical task.

Dr. Vargo's clinical practice involves basic general surgery, including gallbladder and hernia surgery. He utilizes basic and advanced techniques in performing these procedures, including minimally invasive surgery/laparoscopy and robotic surgery.

In addition, Dr. Vargo has a specialty practice in complex abdominal wall surgery, including large incisional/ventral hernias, parastomal hernias, and fistulas to the abdominal wall. He has performed more than 500 complex abdominal wall reconstructions and is considered one of the experts in this field. He is currently working to advance the techniques of robotic surgery as they apply to complex abdominal reconstruction.

Academic Locations

School of Medicine

801-587-7963

30 N 1900 E
General Surgery, 3B-312
Salt Lake City, UT  84132

University Hospital

801-587-7963

50 N Medical Dr
Salt Lake City, UT  84132

Board Certification and Academic Information

Academic Departments Surgery - Professor (Clinical)
Academic Divisions General Surgery

Research Interests

  • Competency in Medical Education
  • Resident Selection for Surgery
  • Complex Abdominal Wall Defects

Education History

Diploma University of Michigan
Education
MHPE
Fellowship University of California - Davis
Surgical Critical Care
Fellow
Residency University of Wisconsin
Surgery
Resident
Internship University of Wisconsin
Surgery
Intern
Professional Medical Baylor College of Medicine
Medicine
M.D.
Undergraduate University of Michigan
Chemistry
B.S.

News Articles

Hernias 101 - What Is a Hernia and What Can Cause One?

Surgical Simulation Center Receives National Accreditation

The Scope & Other Podcasts

  • Preparing Your Body for Surgery Can Make Your Recovery Faster and More Painless
  • The Evolution of Fluid Resuscitation in Trauma Patients - Daniel Vargo MD -12/14/2012
  • Surgical Education Update - Dan Vargo MD - 06/06/12
  • Video Message from Program Director
  • Leadership Elective in General Surgery
  • Rural Health Residency Program
  • General Surgery Training Philosophy
  • Residency Program Global Surgery 2013

Videos

Residency Program Global Surgery 2013

Rural Health Residency Program

Surgical Education Update - Dan Vargo MD - 06/06/12

The Evolution of Fluid Resuscitation in Trauma Patients - Daniel Vargo MD -12/14/2012

General Surgery Training Philosophy

Leadership Elective in General Surgery

Video Message from Program Director

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