Kari Ernst, ARNP

Languages:

English

Specialties:

Gastroenterology
Patient Rating
4.8 / 5 (570 Reviews)

Kari Ernst, ARNP, is a gastroenterology nurse practitioner at Medical Associates in Dubuque, Iowa. She provides care for digestive disorders such as GERD, bowel conditions, colon or gastric polyps, difficulty swallowing, esophageal conditions, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Gastroenterology Department

Locations

Credentials

Medical School

Clarke University - 2012

Hospital Affiliations

  • MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center
  • Board Certifications

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center
  • Ratings and Reviews

    Distribution

    5
    115 Comments
    4
    7 Comments
    3
    4 Comments
    2
    0 Comments
    1
    1 Comments

    Question Rating Breakdown

    0.0
    "Seen By Provider In Timely Manner"
    4.7
    "Provider gave enough information "
    4.8
    "Provider Listened"
    0.0
    "Trust Provider With Care"
    0.0
    "Provider Knew Medical History"
    0.0
    "Knew what to do if questions"
    4.8
    "Provider Would Recommend"
    4.9
    "Providers Courtesy and Respect"

    What Patients Are Saying

    5 Stars
    April 30, 2026
    "Everyone very friendly"
    3 Stars
    April 28, 2026
    "I just don't feel like when I ask questions, I'm getting full transparency and I just needed to know more information early on instead of waiting and waiting and waiting for somebody to let me know what's going on. And I just don't feel very knowledgeable of anything that, any tests that are coming up and why they're there. And it just should have been done a lot earlier. Like after my last test I had done, I think I should have been called into the office and explained what's going on next instead of me having to wait months to try to figure out what it is. So that's about it. Thank you."
    5 Stars
    April 28, 2026
    "Staff was courteous and pointed me in the right direction when I didn't know where to go for this department"
    5 Stars
    April 24, 2026
    "No complaints about my visit to the G.I. department. But I do have a complaint about the traffic situation in the front of the building. It's always congested because the circle driveway in the front is too narrow, and whenever a bus, or even another car pull up there to drop off someone or pick up someone, it is impossible to get another vehicle in there which means you have to wait in a long line or get out and walk into the building on the sidewalk. This driveway needs to be at least two lanes wide, or buses need to unload at a different doorway, possibly at the same-day surgery doorway. This traffic congestion is a problem almost every time I come there for an appointment."
    5 Stars
    April 24, 2026
    "Takes very good care of her patients."
    5 Stars
    April 22, 2026
    "Thank you."
    5 Stars
    April 20, 2026
    "Hi, this message is regarding my visit with Kari Ernst. I've been her patient for some time and I really appreciate all her assistance. She's very personable. She listens to you. She tries to suggest alternatives that she feels will help you the most with whatever your digestive issues are. So she's truly personable and professional and I appreciate her being there and feel that she's a definite asset to medical associates. So thank you, Kari."
    3 Stars
    April 20, 2026
    "Dr Ernst was very nice but I didn't feel she was very thorough or knew my health history"
    5 Stars
    April 15, 2026
    "She is very nice and professional. She likes to talk."
    5 Stars
    April 15, 2026
    "Very good appointment!"
    5 Stars
    April 15, 2026
    "Very pleased with provider."
    5 Stars
    April 13, 2026
    "Only a follow up apt."
    5 Stars
    April 13, 2026
    "Kari Ernst took a bit to get in with but she was very thorough, patient and kind along with all her staff."
    5 Stars
    April 07, 2026
    "The check-in staff were very courteous and I had an appointment with Kari Ernst and I just love her she is so kind so sweet listens to what I have to say and I hope to keep seeing her for as long as I need to"
    5 Stars
    April 06, 2026
    "What was shared with me during the visit (about lymphocytic colitis) was very striking: 1. All info provided clearly in lay not medical language. 2. Clarification that condition is not linked to increased risk of cancer. 3. Completely different approach offered to condition presented: options for symptom management vs. eat or drink this not that. 4. First mention of drugs that might be interfering. 5. First separation of all poop observations into minor observations (some urgency, some gas, soft) vs major ones (explosiveness, liquid), with the latter being the only ones to focus on. 6. Change in focus from what is happening before major symptoms show up, to what can be done after. 7. First mention (by ALL prior clinicians consulted re this condition--namely, 2 different PCPs, colonoscopy surgeon, and a nutrition consultant at another hospital) of bile acid and its role and a med to reduce it. 8. New assessment not clearly revealed by above clinicians--namely, no known cause, no known cure, no serious health risk. 9. New conclusion that condition is a diagnosis of nuisance -- this was very helpful to hear. Helps me put this diagnosis into a new perspective of simple management meds vs constant worry over "why is this coming back" and "why is this not going away." 10. Sincere encouragement to call her with any questions and with return of major symptoms. Bottomline: I feel so grateful to have been referred to Kari Ernst. I see a new path going forward, re how to live with this condition. Thank you for offering this survery so I could share these thoughts."
    5 Stars
    April 02, 2026
    "I always leave the GI department feeling great! The drs and James are so kind, friendly and helpful! All the staff and check in desk are so awesome!"
    5 Stars
    April 01, 2026
    "very nice. answered all questions with an explaining response. Timely office check in."
    5 Stars
    March 27, 2026
    "This was my first appointment with Kari Ernst. She was extremely pleasant, comprehensive, and a wonderful listener. Her questions generated positive discussions, and I am confident that her suggestions will help me to better manage my condition. She also immediately ordered bloodwork as well as an x-ray to further rule some things out. I could not have been more pleased with this appointment. Thank you, Kari Ernst and Medical Associates!"
    5 Stars
    March 25, 2026
    "She did a very nice job very informative. They're very respectful to any questions or situations that I had brought up as an issue."
    5 Stars
    March 25, 2026
    "Extremely informative and friendly"
    5 Stars
    March 24, 2026
    "I paid a $30 copay for a consultation and to set up 3 future appointments."
    5 Stars
    March 23, 2026
    "I think Kari is an amazing provider and the nurses are always nice. I would recommend her to any of my family members and I think she's a huge asset to medical. Thanks."
    4 Stars
    March 19, 2026
    "This was a waste of my time could have been done all at one visit. Including the EKG. It seemed like a lot of wasted time and a lot of wasted money my insurance had to pay"
    5 Stars
    March 19, 2026
    "Kari Ernst is an amazing provider! She's helped me figure out a good medication regimen and worked easily and efficiently with me! She always messaged me back through the patient portal at timely manner when I had questions or concerns. Very grateful for her and her entire team for helping me figure out my IBS symptoms that I have been dealing with for many years. Would highly recommend her to anyone! Thank you!"
    5 Stars
    March 18, 2026
    "Kari Ernst said she would let me know on how long that K-truda stays in system, being I had issues from last treatment. Have her call me please. Thanks [REDACTED]"
    5 Stars
    March 18, 2026
    "Everyone was extremely personable. They were very nice, willing to listen. I had a fantastic experience with Carrie Ernst and the nurse or the assistant nurse, James Robinson Roberts. James Roberts was wonderful and so was Carrie. I would definitely recommend both of them. Thank you."
    4 Stars
    March 16, 2026
    "I was instructed to have an ultrasound every 6 months for my liver disease. Kari Ernst gave instruction to schedule an ultrasound for now. When making appt they said first available was not until November. This will mean my previous ultrasound would be over a year at that time. I would appreciate if possible to have ultrasound in the next month or so since it has been six months now since the last ultrasound. Just trying to stay proactive for any possible health concerns. Thank you."
    5 Stars
    March 13, 2026
    "Hopefully can get my Barrett's under control and get my diet figured out"
    5 Stars
    March 11, 2026
    "I don't not remember the nurses name other than she was rn was very efficient, friendly and professional. As far as Kari Ernst, it doesn't get any better than her. She's outstanding in her field so incredibly knowledgeable kind and patient she's amazing. I hope medical Associates knows how lucky they are to have her."
    5 Stars
    March 09, 2026
    "Friendly and competent Staff and Doctor."
    5 Stars
    March 09, 2026
    "Always curious and informative."
    3 Stars
    March 04, 2026
    "I had to take my paperwork home. I should have been able to fill out all applicable paperwork during the appointment. I feel the appointment was unwarranted and could have been an email or a phone call."
    5 Stars
    March 04, 2026
    "I knew when I called back in January it would take a bit to get in, but 2 months was a bit long as many of my symptoms went away or changed, but she went over all my previous and current symptoms and concerns to come up with a plan for testing to figure out what is going on. She listened and was very professional and courteous."
    5 Stars
    March 04, 2026
    "All good"
    5 Stars
    March 02, 2026
    "Kari Ernst was professional, knowledgeable, took the time to get to know my situation and had a very approachable interpersonal style. I was very impressed with her capabilities. I feel she offered me good options to address my concerns."
    5 Stars
    February 27, 2026
    "Everyone was very helpful and courteous."
    5 Stars
    February 27, 2026
    "The people I saw were so polite and friendly they made you feel at home. They listened and explained things great, I felt comfortable telling them my problems."
    5 Stars
    February 26, 2026
    "satisified"
    5 Stars
    February 24, 2026
    "Always very good experience"
    5 Stars
    February 19, 2026
    "Kari Ernst was very patient with my list of questions and concerns. She took my troubling condition seriously and has requested the tests and treatments necessary to get answers. I truly appreciated how thorough she was with my treatment."
    5 Stars
    February 17, 2026
    "Always very helpful and nice"
    5 Stars
    February 06, 2026
    "Entire staff was Professional and thorough."
    5 Stars
    February 03, 2026
    "Really good people."
    5 Stars
    January 26, 2026
    "Kari Ernst is great and good"
    5 Stars
    January 22, 2026
    "Love Kari Ernst!!"
    5 Stars
    January 20, 2026
    "New provider, very happy with her"
    5 Stars
    January 15, 2026
    "They were all very friendly and caring! Made me very relaxed!"
    5 Stars
    January 14, 2026
    "It was a good experience with Kari as it always is. Quick and very helpful and listened to my issues."
    5 Stars
    January 13, 2026
    "Always courteous and helpful"
    5 Stars
    January 13, 2026
    "Kari is so kind and really listens to my concerns and is willing to work with me on treatment options. I would highly recommend her to anyone!!"
    5 Stars
    January 12, 2026
    "Kari is very knowledgeable and friendly"
    4 Stars
    January 07, 2026
    "Kari Ernst is very thorough, and listens to me to decide what would be the best route to go with treatment. Thanks"
    5 Stars
    January 07, 2026
    "Kari explained the tests she was planning to do in a way that I could easily understand. I appreciated the written copy of the directions I was given. She was very kind and listened to my concerns."
    5 Stars
    December 31, 2025
    "This was a first time visit with Kari. She was very personable and professional and took plenty of time answering my questions and explaining future treatment. Kari's nurse was very good at his job."
    5 Stars
    December 22, 2025
    "Very pleased."
    5 Stars
    December 18, 2025
    "I would highly recommend Kari Ernst. She is personable, caring and knowledgeable about my care. Excellent care!"
    5 Stars
    December 15, 2025
    "The environment was clean, comfortable temperature, and receptionist spoke clearly and politely in asking their questions, the Nurse conducted the preliminary procedures professionally & compassionately. Kari Ernst ARNP reviewed with me the reasons why I was referred to her; explained what health plan would benefit me; asked if there were any questions. I asked several questions, and she was going to "investigate a concern I had and get back with me". (That response I found impressive & refreshing."
    5 Stars
    December 05, 2025
    "I received good information"
    4 Stars
    December 05, 2025
    "I had labs and xray done but haven't heard back from Dr. On results"
    5 Stars
    December 04, 2025
    "Kari was Jim we're excellent today. Listened, provided feedback and I left feeling pleased about my care."
    5 Stars
    December 03, 2025
    "Very helpful on explaining where we are at with treatment, what we are doing next and what I can expect going forward."
    5 Stars
    December 02, 2025
    "She walked me to the door and opened it for me as I have to use a walker."
    5 Stars
    November 25, 2025
    "Very kind, personal and professional!They answered all questions! Excellent...."
    5 Stars
    November 21, 2025
    "Excellent service"
    5 Stars
    November 20, 2025
    "I was given special care"
    5 Stars
    November 13, 2025
    "Good appointment."
    5 Stars
    November 12, 2025
    "Everything went super good for my appointment."
    5 Stars
    November 04, 2025
    "All staff I encountered where very courteous, respectful, and joyful personalities! This was at the Cari Ernst Office."
    5 Stars
    October 31, 2025
    "The main thing is she asked me how the two medical were working. She just did not take it for granted that they were working. This showed me anyways that she was actually concerned about my health. I know these surveys are to be all hush-hush, however, please tell EARNST I enjoyed our visit and appreciate her professional behavior."
    5 Stars
    October 30, 2025
    "She addressed all of my symptoms"
    5 Stars
    October 29, 2025
    "Hi, I was impressed that Carrie had read through my records and the tests that were sent there from [REDACTED]. I thought she was well informed of what was happening in my situation and so that we could best treat and test for some various things. I was impressed with my first visit. Thank you."
    5 Stars
    October 29, 2025
    "Getting right in was very nice."
    5 Stars
    October 29, 2025
    "The only hang up was took 2 and a half months to get the appointment"
    5 Stars
    October 21, 2025
    "Kari is very respectful, kind and knowledgeable. I always appreciate her concern and recommendations."
    5 Stars
    October 20, 2025
    "Great new staff at the infusion center. Kari Ernst also is really good!"
    5 Stars
    October 20, 2025
    "This was an initial visit with provider. Liked her very much. Professional, kind and thorough."
    5 Stars
    October 16, 2025
    "Kari E. Is excellent. Warm & compassionate willing to listen."
    5 Stars
    October 09, 2025
    "efficient"
    5 Stars
    October 08, 2025
    "Always helpful experience"
    4 Stars
    October 06, 2025
    "I am frustrated that treatment is progressing so slowly."
    5 Stars
    October 01, 2025
    "Kari was very attentive to my issue. Asked questions , took notes, looked at my health record and clarified my explanation to assist with a diagnosis. I felt very comfortable talking with her."
    5 Stars
    October 01, 2025
    "Provider took the time to listen to my thoughts concerning my stomach issues. Very impressive."
    5 Stars
    October 01, 2025
    "I did the pre registration online. When I arrived I just had to go in and complete registration so they knew I was there. My appointment was for 8 Am. I arrived early, about 7:45. I was called in before 8, which I was surprised."
    5 Stars
    September 26, 2025
    "Satisfied!"
    5 Stars
    September 26, 2025
    "Kari is so easy to talk to and she's very thorough and professional."
    5 Stars
    September 22, 2025
    "They are very nice."
    4 Stars
    September 15, 2025
    "Nice dr but talked very fast"
    5 Stars
    September 10, 2025
    "Kari Ernst is very competent!!!"
    5 Stars
    September 09, 2025
    "Kari provided me with the information I needed and supported my decision."
    5 Stars
    September 08, 2025
    "Couldn't ask for a better treatment providers team."
    5 Stars
    August 27, 2025
    "Everything went well"
    5 Stars
    August 27, 2025
    "Joe got me right in and was very thorough in making sure all my info was up to date before Kari Ernst came in."
    5 Stars
    August 26, 2025
    "Kari Ernst is always Pleasant and explains things very well. She spends quality time with you I would always recommend her"
    5 Stars
    August 26, 2025
    "I was early for appointment As a result, I was able to be seen early Refreshing experience"
    5 Stars
    August 26, 2025
    "Did not receive any written Material about going forward !!"
    5 Stars
    August 26, 2025
    "Good experience"
    5 Stars
    August 22, 2025
    "Kari is the best! If she doesn't have the answer she will find someone that does! Highly recommend her!"
    5 Stars
    August 20, 2025
    "Kari is very knowledgeable and helpful. She always listens and has an answer for questions that I have. She us very helpful."
    5 Stars
    August 19, 2025
    "Kari is absolutely wonderful. I have been with her since she first came to MA and she is by far the best GI dr I've ever had in my life. She is so personable and easy to talk to about my issues. She always makes me feel comfortable to open up to. When I am struggling she is right on top of the problem and getting to the bottom of it as quickly as humanly possible. I can't possibly say enough positive things about her. She is definitely a 1000/10!!!!"
    5 Stars
    August 18, 2025
    "great response on pt station as well"
    5 Stars
    August 11, 2025
    "Kari is Wonderful! Fabulous provider !"
    1 Stars
    August 05, 2025
    "It was horrible meds I was given caused problems."
    5 Stars
    August 05, 2025
    "Dr. was very helpful and kind."
    5 Stars
    August 04, 2025
    "I like kari Ernst very much. You can tell that she really cares about her patients"
    4 Stars
    August 01, 2025
    "All went well"
    5 Stars
    July 29, 2025
    "I was very thankful for them to get me in quick as I know they are very busy."
    5 Stars
    July 29, 2025
    "Great, as usual!"
    5 Stars
    July 22, 2025
    "Kari Ernst has always been so helpful to me. The frustration is not her fault or the office fault in any way. It's just so hard to get in to see someone at a decent amount of time these days. Thank you."
    5 Stars
    July 22, 2025
    "Kari Ernst is an amazing medical professional. She makes it so easy to speak about gastro issues that can tend to make most people feel uneasy. She listens and provides great medical advice and direction. My life is so much better than it was 12 months ago before starting Entyvio. I want to thank Kari Ernst, [REDACTED] from the U of I, the infusion staff and her nurse and CMA. You brought me back to living my best life again! Thank you ?"
    5 Stars
    July 22, 2025
    "Listened, concerned, and answered all of my questions."
    5 Stars
    July 21, 2025
    "Very friendly, kind and helpful."
    5 Stars
    July 11, 2025
    "It was quick and very pleasant"
    5 Stars
    July 11, 2025
    "Dr. Ersnt took alot of her time to listen to my condition and she was very informative on things I can do to help out my condition"
    5 Stars
    July 10, 2025
    "Kari is wonderful, kind, and patient!"
    5 Stars
    July 10, 2025
    "The doctor and staff were great!"
    5 Stars
    June 30, 2025
    "I completed the text checkin. I sat for over 35 minutes waiting. I approached the receptionist to see if there was an issue. With my appt where as he should He should have approached me after see me sit there. 7-10 patients went in before me."
    5 Stars
    June 26, 2025
    "Kari and her staff are all very knowledgeable and helpful. Always listen to concerns I may have. So pleasant"
    5 Stars
    June 24, 2025
    "I have seen Kari Ernst for 5 years and she has been so important to me in my recovery. She understands me and has made good decisions with me regarding my treatment. I value my time with her."
    5 Stars
    June 23, 2025
    "Completely satisfied"
    3 Stars
    June 20, 2025
    "I was wondering why I was referred to a Nurse Practitioner instead of a Doctor. I was not aware that I will see a nurse practitioner."
    5 Stars
    June 19, 2025
    "Kari Ernst was very caring and listened. She took time to help me and even printed off drug rebate card to help with copay. 5 stars!"
    5 Stars
    June 18, 2025
    "I felt comfortable. Felt that I could ask questions"
    5 Stars
    June 18, 2025
    "Kari Ernst is the best! And listens and gives the best care! Love going to her! Highly recommend!"
    5 Stars
    June 16, 2025
    "Awesome nurse."
    5 Stars
    June 13, 2025
    "They missed my chart and forgot me in the waiting room and took several patients ahead of me. I finally asked the receptionist why the people who had appointments later than mine got in first."
    5 Stars
    June 12, 2025
    "Ms. Ernst is a very valued Staff member and should be highly valued by Medical Associeates ! S. witt"
    5 Stars
    June 12, 2025
    "Kari and staff are the best! Caring and knowledgeable!"
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