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Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD

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Specializes in: Adult Gastroenterology

University of Minnesota Medical School

Professional interests include: gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric (stomach) ulcer, acid reflux (GERD), and more.

400 E 3rd Street
Duluth, MN 55805

(218) 786-3985

Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD is a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN specializing in adult gastroenterology. He graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD is affiliated with Essentia Health.

Office Locations

400 E 3rd Street
Duluth, MN 55805

(218) 786-3985

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Some issues Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD can help you with:

Anemia

Anemia is the most common blood disorder. It occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. Blood loss, insufficient red blood cell production, and red blood cell destruction are the three main causes of anemia. These issues may arise from such conditions as iron deficiency, heavy periods, ulcers, kidney disease, as well as some forms of cancer.

An individual with anemia will have the following symptoms: shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, cold hands or feet, paleness, and irritability. Anemia is diagnosed when blood tests show low counts for hemoglobin, which is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen to different tissues throughout the body.

Treatments for anemia are dependent on the kind of anemia an individual has. For example, iron supplementation may correct iron deficiency anemia. For anemia caused by chronic kidney failure, chemotherapy treatments, and HIV/AIDS, a group of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be prescribed.

Autoimmune Diseases

An autoimmune disorder happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues of its own body, causing symptoms of illness. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. While some are very rare, others are fairly common. Combined, autoimmune disorders are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, affecting approximately 24 million people.

A properly working immune system identifies foreign substances in the body that might cause illness, such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system then creates antibodies which attack the foreign substances, neutralizing them and keeping the body safe. In people with autoimmune disorders, something goes wrong with this process. For reasons that are not fully understand, the immune system creates antibodies to attack the patient's own tissues.

Symptoms of an autoimmune disorder depend on which tissue is being attacked by the immune system, but common symptoms of autoimmune disease include fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of just not being well. Autoimmune disorders are more common in women than in men, and they may run in families. Autoimmune disorders can affect various parts of the body such as blood vessels, connective tissue, endocrine glands, joints, muscles, red blood cells, skin, and many others.

It is common to have more than one autoimmune disorder at a time. Most are chronic, or life-long illnesses, although they may come and go in flares. Treatment for autoimmune disorders depends on which part of the body is being attacked. For example:

A type 1 diabetic whose pancreas has been damaged will need insulin.
A person with Hashimoto's whose thyroid has been damaged will need replacement thyroid hormones.
Someone with Sjogren's syndrome will need eye drops and mouth rinses to replace tears and saliva.

Many autoimmune disorders of all kinds are treated with immune-suppressing medications, such as corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) to reduce the effect of the immune system.

Gastrointestinal Problems (Digestive Disorders)

The gastrointestinal system, or GI tract, is the name given to a collection of organs that work together to digest food. These organs fit together in a long tube, running from the mouth to the anus, and include the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, among others. With so many parts working together, complicated by today's busy lifestyles and diets, digestive problems are common. As many as 1 in 3 Americans have a digestive or GI disorder. There are a huge variety of digestive problems, but the most common are IBS, constipation, GERD, hemorrhoids, and ulcers.

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, happens when the muscles surrounding the colon contract too easily or frequently. The result is abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating. IBS attacks can often be brought on by specific triggers, so a key part of treatment is learning which foods trigger IBS attacks and avoiding them. Treatment also includes exercise, avoiding stress, and medications if needed.

Constipation, or large, hard, or infrequent stools, happens to everyone at some point. It can be caused by a disruption in routine or food, or by eating a diet without many fresh fruits and vegetables. Although it is uncomfortable, constipation is common and usually not serious, but it can sometimes become chronic. Adding fiber to the diet, exercising, and taking medications may help.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a severe form of chronic heartburn where stomach acid spills back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, the acid may even eat away at the esophagus and cause serious damage. Treatment includes changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, losing weight if needed, medications, or even surgery.

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels around the rectum that become irritated, swollen or torn while straining during a bowel movement. They are most often caused by constipation, but can also be caused by pregnancy, diarrhea, or simply a genetic predisposition towards hemorrhoids. Treatment involves first treating any constipation issues, then keeping the area clean and soothed until it has healed. If these measures are ineffective, surgery is sometimes used.

Peptic ulcers are sores or spots of inflammation in the lining of the stomach or close to the stomach in the small intestine. Usually this area is coated with a protective lining that shields the tissue from the strong stomach acid, but a break in the lining can let acid in, causing the sores. It used to be thought that stress caused ulcers, but now it is known that is not the case. Most often, they are caused by an infection by H. pylori bacteria, but ulcers can also be caused by alcohol abuse or overuse of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDS. The symptoms of an ulcer are pain, hunger, nausea, and fatigue.

Gastrointestinal problems, perhaps more than any other area, are markedly affected by lifestyle. Many disorders can be prevented or treated at least in part by eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and limiting alcohol intake. Still, the frequency of digestive disorders means that even the healthiest person can be affected by them. Anyone who notices blood in their stool, experiences abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or any significant change in bowel movements should see a doctor.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“Dr. Robert Erickson, right, walks through the new entrance at Essentia Health during a tour of the Vision Northland project April 4, 2023, in Duluth.”—"Blood cancer treatment options expand in Duluth", Duluth News Tribune, March 2024

“"That's huge for infectious disease," said Dr. Robert Erickson, physician lead for Vision Northland.”—"Essentia offers glimpse into new hospital in Duluth", Duluth News Tribune, January 2023

“Dr. Robert Erickson, left, physician lead at Essentia Health, talks about the new operating rooms on the seventh floor as Pat Mullen, vice president of public policy at Essentia Health, listens...”—"Vision Northland construction nears halfway point", Duluth News Tribune, September 2021

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2012 were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	126
gastrointestinal procedures	201
hospital care	189
inpatient care	189
minimally invasive procedures	201
preventive care	50
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	126

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2013 were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	92
doctor visit	20
gastrointestinal procedures	145
hospital care	119
inpatient care	119
minimally invasive procedures	145
preventive care	34
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	92

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	110
Female	103

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	201
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	97
From 75 to 84	52
85 and over	21
Less than 65	43

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2013

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	21
Diabetes	32
Dementia	8
Cancer	8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2014 were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	116
doctor visit	32
gastrointestinal procedures	156
hospital care	144
inpatient care	144
minimally invasive procedures	156
preventive care	22
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	116

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	103
Female	135

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	220
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	91
From 75 to 84	58
85 and over	24
Less than 65	65

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2014

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	34
Dementia	6
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2015 were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and diagnostic procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	138
doctor visit	46
gastrointestinal procedures	203
hospital care	107
inpatient care	107
minimally invasive procedures	203
preventive care	43
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	138

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	296
Female	242

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	508
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	208
From 75 to 84	142
85 and over	44
Less than 65	144

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2015

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	29
Dementia	7
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2016 were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and diagnostic procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	116
doctor visit	37
gastrointestinal procedures	147
hospital care	55
inpatient care	55
minimally invasive procedures	147
preventive care	14
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	116

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	94
Female	110

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	191
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	98
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	51

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2016

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	21
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	30
Dementia	0
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2017 were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and diagnostic procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	91
doctor visit	50
gastrointestinal procedures	149
hospital care	83
inpatient care	83
minimally invasive procedures	149
preventive care	27
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	91

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	106
Female	118

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	208
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	94
From 75 to 84	55
85 and over	22
Less than 65	53

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2017

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	34
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	28
Dementia	11
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2018 were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	62
doctor visit	45
gastrointestinal procedures	93
hospital care	86
inpatient care	86
minimally invasive procedures	93
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	62

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	87
Female	99

**Age**
From 65 to 74	60
From 75 to 84	43
85 and over	30
Less than 65	53

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2018

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	45
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	46
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	38
Dementia	12
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2019 were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and diagnostic procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	50
doctor visit	32
gastrointestinal procedures	69
hospital care	33
inpatient care	33
minimally invasive procedures	69
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	50

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	56
Female	58

**Age**
From 65 to 74	52
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	35

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2019

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	25
Dementia	11
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2020 were hospital care, inpatient care, minimally invasive procedures and gastrointestinal procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	31
doctor visit	45
gastrointestinal procedures	47
hospital care	99
inpatient care	99
minimally invasive procedures	47
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	31

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	70
Female	75

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	133
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	12

**Age**
From 65 to 74	53
From 75 to 84	33
85 and over	12
Less than 65	47

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2020

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	46
Depression	46
Chronic Kidney Disease	52
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	22
Heart Failure	34
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	21
Diabetes	33
Dementia	17
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2021 were hospital care, inpatient care, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and minimally invasive procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	31
doctor visit	16
gastrointestinal procedures	31
hospital care	71
inpatient care	71
minimally invasive procedures	31
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	31

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	59
Female	67

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	109
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	48
From 75 to 84	29
85 and over	12
Less than 65	37

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2021

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	44
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	31
Dementia	11
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN during 2022 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	16
hospital care	17
inpatient care	17

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	49
Female	41

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	77
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	34
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	27

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD in 2022

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	70
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	22
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	33
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated as a gastroenterologist in Duluth, MN were minimally invasive procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, hospital care and inpatient care.

diagnostic procedures	85
doctor visit	33
gastrointestinal procedures	124
hospital care	91
inpatient care	91
minimally invasive procedures	124
preventive care	31
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	85

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD.

**Gender**
Female	95
Male	93

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	149
Native American / Alaskan Native	1
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	15
75 to 84	37
Less than 65	50
65 to 74	75

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	1
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	8
Osteoporosis	8
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	28
Atrial Fibrillation	14
Dementia	7
Cancer	9

Education & Training

Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School. He completed residency at Hennepin County Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology and has a state license in Minnesota.

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Residency: Hennepin County Medical Center

Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology

Licensed In: Minnesota

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Robert V. Erickson, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Essentia Health

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Biography

Dr. Robert Erickson is a specialist in adult gastroenterology. He works in Duluth, MN. Dr. Erickson's clinical interests include liver failure, crohn's disease, and hepatitis C. He is affiliated with Essentia Health. Before completing his residency at Hennepin County Medical Center, Dr. Erickson attended medical school at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He welcomes new patients at his office in as reported by Essentia Health.