Ridgeline Medical · General Surgery
General Surgery in Idaho Falls
Board-certified general surgeon Chance Smith, DO, FACS, an Idaho Falls native, treats hernias, gallbladder disease, endocrine conditions and breast and colon cancer, with minimally invasive da Vinci robotic surgery when it’s the right fit.
- Chance Smith, DO, FACS · Board-Certified General Surgeon
- 2470 Jafer Ct, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
- Surgical consultations: call or text to schedule
Surgical Care Close to Home
Expert General Surgery from a Surgeon Who Grew Up Here
When you need surgery, you want a surgeon who explains every option, answers your questions, and treats you like a neighbor. Dr. Chance Smith was born and raised in Idaho Falls and came home to bring advanced surgical care to the community where he grew up.
He takes time to walk patients and families through their diagnosis, their choices and what recovery will look like, so you feel confident and informed before, during and after surgery. Read Dr. Smith’s full profile.
Hernia Repair
Evaluation and surgical repair of hernias, including minimally invasive options when they fit your hernia and your health.
Hernia signs and when to see a surgeon → about Hernia Repair
Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Repair of large or recurring hernias and weakened abdominal walls, often after previous surgery, to restore strength and comfort.
Gallbladder Surgery
Evaluation and removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) for gallstones and gallbladder attacks, usually with a minimally invasive approach.
Gallbladder pain: when it’s an emergency → about Gallbladder Surgery
da Vinci Robotic Surgery
Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery, with Dr. Smith in control at all times. For many patients it can mean smaller incisions, less pain and a faster return to daily life.
What is da Vinci robotic surgery? → about da Vinci Robotic Surgery
Endocrine Surgery
Surgical care for endocrine conditions, coordinated with your primary care provider.
Breast & Colon Cancer Surgery
General surgical oncology, including breast and colon cancer, as part of your cancer care team, with clear explanations at every step.
Colon cancer screening and surgery → about Breast & Colon Cancer Surgery
Other general surgery needs? These are Dr. Smith’s main specialties. If you don’t see your condition, call 208-715-9990 or text 208-754-5360, and our team can tell you whether a consultation with Dr. Smith is the right next step.
One Clinic, One Record
From First Symptom to Surgical Consult, in the Same Practice
Ridgeline Medical keeps one shared patient record across urgent care, primary care and Dr. Smith’s surgical consultations. If a hernia or gallbladder problem is found during a walk-in visit or a checkup, Dr. Smith can see that visit, your lab work and your X-rays, and your primary care provider stays in the loop through recovery.
- No repeating your history or chasing records between clinics
- On-site lab and digital X-ray results in the same chart
- Your primary care provider follows your recovery
- Spanish-speaking staff are always available
What to Expect
From First Visit to Recovery, in One Practice
Your surgical care starts and ends at Ridgeline Medical, with one shared record the whole way through.
1
It Starts With Any Visit
A walk-in visit, a checkup with your family care provider, or a call to us. If something may need a surgeon, you can see Dr. Smith without changing clinics. To book a consult, call 208-715-9990 or text 208-754-5360.
2
Consult With Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith reviews your symptoms, exam and any lab work or X-rays already in your chart, and explains whether surgery is recommended and which approach fits you best. There’s no pressure to decide that day.
3
Your Surgery
If you choose surgery, Dr. Smith explains the procedure, where it will take place and how to prepare, so you know exactly what to expect.
4
Recovery, With Your Whole Team
Dr. Smith follows your recovery, and because your family care provider uses the same record, they can see your surgery and keep your everyday care on track.
Know the Warning Signs
When to See a Surgeon, and When to Go to the ER
Schedule a Consultation If You Have
- A bulge in your groin or belly that comes and goes
- Pain in the upper right belly after meals
- A hernia that’s growing or getting more uncomfortable
- A breast lump or abnormal screening result
- A colon polyp or cancer found on screening
- A provider recommending a surgical opinion
Call 911 or Go to the ER If You Have
- A hernia bulge that turns red, purple or dark, or can’t be pushed back in
- Severe belly pain with nausea, vomiting or fever
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes with belly pain
- You can’t pass gas or have a bowel movement
- Heavy rectal bleeding or fainting
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
Not sure where to go? Walk in to our urgent care team any time during office hours, or call us and we’ll help you decide. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Your Surgeon
Meet Dr. Chance Smith
Chance Smith, DO, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Born and raised in Idaho Falls, he studied at the University of Idaho and Carroll College, earned his medical degree with honors from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, where he was named Most Outstanding Resident.
He is highly experienced in da Vinci robotic surgery and treats a wide range of conditions, from gallbladder disease and hernias to complex cancer cases.
Common Questions
General Surgery FAQs
Answers to common questions about general surgery with Dr. Chance Smith at Ridgeline Medical in Idaho Falls.
What does a general surgeon treat?
General surgeons treat conditions of the abdomen and its organs, the abdominal wall, the breast, the endocrine glands and the skin and soft tissue. At Ridgeline Medical, Dr. Chance Smith treats hernias, gallbladder disease, endocrine conditions and breast and colon cancer, among others.
What does FACS stand for?
FACS stands for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Surgeons earn it after board certification and a review of their training, experience and professional standing. Dr. Chance Smith is a FACS.
Do all hernias need surgery?
Not always right away. A hernia won’t heal on its own, but a small one that isn’t causing symptoms can sometimes be watched. A surgical consultation helps you weigh the timing, and any hernia that becomes painful, firm or discolored needs emergency care.
What is da Vinci robotic surgery?
It’s a minimally invasive approach where the surgeon operates through small incisions using robotic-assisted instruments that he controls at all times from a console. For many patients it can mean smaller incisions, less pain and a faster recovery, but it isn’t right for every patient or procedure. Dr. Smith will explain which approach fits you.
How do I schedule a surgical consultation?
Call 208-715-9990 or text 208-754-5360 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chance Smith. If you’ve been seen at Ridgeline Medical before, your records are already in your chart for him to review.
Will my primary care provider know about my surgery?
Yes. Ridgeline Medical keeps one shared patient record across urgent care, primary care and surgical consultations, so your primary care provider can follow your care before and after surgery.
Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?
Yes. Spanish-speaking staff are always available at Ridgeline Medical. Sí, siempre tenemos personal que habla español.
General Surgery · Idaho Falls
Ready to Talk with a Surgeon?
Schedule a consultation with Chance Smith, DO, FACS, and get clear answers about your diagnosis and options, close to home in Idaho Falls.
- 2470 Jafer Ct, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
- 208-715-9990
¿Prefiere hablar en español? Llámenos al 208-715-9990 o envíenos un mensaje de texto al 208-754-5360.