History

Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, PC was founded in October, 1990 when the practices of Dr. Dan J. Coyle, Jr. and Dr. Dan E. Merck merged to become one. Dr. Coyle, a colon and rectal specialist, and Dr. Merck, a general surgeon, decided that joining their efforts would be beneficial to both. As partners, they could provide coverage for one another and utilize their skills as surgeons by assisting each other when necessary. Although Dr. Merck is now deceased, it was their vision to have a facility where cost-effective colonoscopy and ano-rectal surgery could be performed as an office-based procedure in a safe environment.

In February, 1997, that vision became a reality when a 5,000 sq. ft. facility was added to the current office for colonoscopy and ano-rectal procedures. Initially, only a limited number of procedures were performed on Saturday mornings, but as the demand increased, additional days of the week were added until it became necessary to utilize the facility five days a week.

Now over 3000 procedures are performed yearly and most insurance carriers realize the cost effectiveness and safety that accredited office-based surgical facilities can offer. Patients also benefit with the convenience of free parking, within a few steps of the receptionist’s desk, and the time-efficient manner that only a single-specialty, office-based facility can provide.