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Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS

(50 Ratings)

Specializes in: General Surgery

University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine

Professional interests include: parathyroid disease, colorectal surgery procedures, breast cancer surgery, and more.

2121 E. Harmony Road Building A-1, Suite 250
Fort Collins, CO 80528

(970) 482-3921

Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS is a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO specializing in general surgery. He graduated from University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine. Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS is affiliated with UCHealth and UCHealth Surgical Clinic - Northern Colorado.

Office Locations

2121 E. Harmony Road Building A-1, Suite 250
Fort Collins, CO 80528

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Some issues Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS can help you with:

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the upper abdomen, underneath the liver. Its purpose is to store bile, which is used to digest fat. Occasionally, the gallbladder can develop mineral stones, called gallstones. If they are large enough, gallstones can block the ducts in the gallbladder and cause swelling and infection. Gallstones can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, but sometimes this is not enough. In these cases, it is best to remove the gallbladder before it can cause more serious problems. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

Today, most gallbladder surgeries are done laparoscopically. Four tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and small tools are inserted through these tiny incisions to perform the surgery. Because the incisions are much smaller, recovery time is much faster with this type of surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day. Sometimes, open surgery is used to remove a gallbladder. In this type of surgery, a cut about six inches long is made in the upper right abdomen. After the gallbladder is removed, it is sutured or stapled closed. With open surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for two to three days to recover before they are discharged.

Gallbladder removal, like any surgery, carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or the development of blood clots. Doctors will tell patients how to minimize their risk for complications. After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for several days. They should not soak in a bath until their sutures or staples have been removed. Patients should wash hands before touching the area around the incision. It will take a couple of days until patients feel like themselves again and a few weeks until their scar has healed and faded.

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.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a kind of minimally invasive surgery using a thin, narrow tube called a laparoscope. Usually performed on the abdomen or the pelvic region, the surgeon makes a few very small incisions instead of one large one.

During the procedure, the surgeon inserts the laparoscope, which contains a light and camera that allows the surgeon to see what is happening inside the body. Then tiny tools are placed through the small openings and used to perform the surgery.

The most common laparoscopic surgery is gallbladder removal, but laparoscopic surgery may also be used for the removal of a kidney or appendix, to treat certain cysts and tumors, for bariatric surgery, for some GERD treatments, or for hernia repairs, among others.

Because laparoscopic surgery only uses a few tiny incisions, the scars are minimal and recovery is easier than with open surgery.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Affordability:

catheter ablation

endovenous ablation

endovenous laser ablation

laser ablation

In 2023, Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS had a list price for catheter ablation, endovenous ablation, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and laser ablation that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of providers in related specialties within Colorado. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Top 25%

By Volume:

laser treatment

By Affordability:

deep lymph node biopsy

lymph node biopsy

open lymph node biopsy

sentinel lymph node mapping

surgical lymph node biopsy

In 2012, among providers in related specialties within Colorado, Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS performed more laser treatment procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of them and he also had a list price for deep lymph node biopsy, lymph node biopsy, open lymph node biopsy, sentinel lymph node mapping, and surgical lymph node biopsy that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2012 were ultrasound (sonogram), vascular procedures, minimally invasive procedures and catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	14
catheterization	14
doctor visit	117
gastrointestinal procedures	14
minimally invasive procedures	14
ultrasound (sonogram)	26
vascular procedures	26

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2013 were catheterization and device removal.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

catheterization	19
device removal	13
doctor visit	84

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	52
Female	70

**Age**
From 65 to 74	56
From 75 to 84	35
85 and over	15
Less than 65	16

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2013

Hypertension	47
High Cholesterol	39
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	16
Dementia	0
Cancer	29

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2014 were catheterization, minimally invasive procedures, abdominal surgery and gastrointestinal procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	11
catheterization	15
doctor visit	119
gastrointestinal procedures	11
minimally invasive procedures	11

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	62
Female	78

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	124
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	74
From 75 to 84	28
85 and over	16
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2014

Hypertension	44
High Cholesterol	31
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	21
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	17
Dementia	9
Cancer	22

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2015 were ultrasound (sonogram), vascular procedures and catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

catheterization	13
doctor visit	125
ultrasound (sonogram)	56
vascular procedures	56

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	100
Female	138

**Age**
From 65 to 74	126
From 75 to 84	64
85 and over	22
Less than 65	26

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2015

Hypertension	49
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	17
Dementia	0
Cancer	26

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2016 were vascular procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), minimally invasive procedures and abdominal surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	17
ablation	16
doctor visit	112
gastrointestinal procedures	17
laser treatment	16
minimally invasive procedures	49
ultrasound (sonogram)	52
vascular procedures	68

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	55
Female	66

**Age**
From 65 to 74	63
From 75 to 84	35
85 and over	11
Less than 65	12

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2016

Hypertension	53
High Cholesterol	36
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	17
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	18
Dementia	0
Cancer	21

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2017 were vascular procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), minimally invasive procedures and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

ablation	18
breast procedures	11
cancer surgery	11
doctor visit	116
excision	11
laser treatment	18
minimally invasive procedures	36
ultrasound (sonogram)	51
vascular procedures	69

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	53
Female	75

**Age**
From 65 to 74	81
From 75 to 84	29
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2017

Hypertension	52
High Cholesterol	26
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	20
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	17
Dementia	0
Cancer	28

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2018 were vascular procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), minimally invasive procedures and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

ablation	13
doctor visit	114
laser treatment	13
minimally invasive procedures	26
ultrasound (sonogram)	61
vascular procedures	74

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	59
Female	92

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	140
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	80
From 75 to 84	48
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2018

Hypertension	47
High Cholesterol	32
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	17
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	17
Dementia	0
Cancer	23

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2019 were vascular procedures, minimally invasive procedures, ultrasound (sonogram) and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

ablation	21
doctor visit	50
laser treatment	21
minimally invasive procedures	42
ultrasound (sonogram)	27
vascular procedures	48

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	49
Female	62

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	94
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	67
From 75 to 84	27
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2019

Hypertension	53
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	21
Dementia	0
Cancer	29

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2020 were vascular procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), minimally invasive procedures and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

ablation	18
doctor visit	88
laser treatment	18
minimally invasive procedures	36
ultrasound (sonogram)	61
vascular procedures	79

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	40
Female	78

**Age**
From 65 to 74	66
From 75 to 84	34
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2020

Hypertension	48
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	20
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	23
Dementia	0
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2021 were vascular procedures, minimally invasive procedures, ultrasound (sonogram) and excision.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

abdominal surgery	13
ablation	25
breast procedures	18
cancer surgery	18
diagnostic procedures	15
doctor visit	125
excision	33
gastrointestinal procedures	13
laser treatment	25
lymph node procedures	29
minimally invasive procedures	63
open surgery	15
ultrasound (sonogram)	58
vascular procedures	83

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	53
Female	89

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	125
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	83
From 75 to 84	41
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2021

Hypertension	49
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	10
Dementia	0
Cancer	24

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO during 2022 were vascular procedures, minimally invasive procedures, ultrasound (sonogram) and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

ablation	39
breast procedures	20
cancer surgery	20
doctor visit	104
excision	20
laser treatment	39
minimally invasive procedures	78
ultrasound (sonogram)	47
vascular procedures	86

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	47
Female	73

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	106
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	72
From 75 to 84	31
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS in 2022

Hypertension	50
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	17
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	10
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	12
Dementia	0
Cancer	30

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Fort Collins, CO were vascular procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), minimally invasive procedures and lymph node procedures.

abdominal surgery	13
ablation	21
breast procedures	16
cancer surgery	16
catheterization	15
device removal	13
diagnostic procedures	15
doctor visit	104
excision	21
gastrointestinal procedures	13
laser treatment	21
lymph node procedures	29
minimally invasive procedures	39
open surgery	15
ultrasound (sonogram)	48
vascular procedures	65

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Female	74
Male	51

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	53
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	5
75 to 84	33
Less than 65	6
65 to 74	69

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer and depression.

Hypertension	44
High Cholesterol	36
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	19
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	5
Osteoporosis	4
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	15
Atrial Fibrillation	6
Dementia	0
Cancer	22

Education & Training

Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS graduated from University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine. He completed residency at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, American Board of Medical Specialties, General Surgery and has a state license in Colorado.

Medical School: University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine

Residency: Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, American Board of Medical Specialties, General Surgery (1999)

Licensed In: Colorado

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

UCHealth

UCHealth Surgical Clinic - Northern Colorado

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 50 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS from all over the web to help you find the right in Fort Collins, CO.

4.96

Overall Rating

(50 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Craig R. Clear, MD, FACS. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Pfizer Inc.	$151 ELIQUIS $110	ZYVOX $41
Davol Inc.	$86 SorbaFix Absorbable Fixation System $37	$49
Ethicon US, LLC	$64 Mesh $64
AngioDynamics, Inc.	$60 VenaCure 1470 Pro $60
TEI Biosciences Inc	$20 SurgiMend $20
Other	$67 Varithena Administration Pack $15	BioSurgery - TISSEEL $14	MarginProbe $13	SUR - SIS $13	CVI $11

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$448

Biography

Dr. Craig Clear, who practices in Fort Collins, CO, is a medical specialist in general surgery. He graduated from the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine. Dr. Clear's residency was performed at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver. Areas of expertise for Dr. Clear include breast cancer surgery, hernia surgery, and hernia. On average, patients gave him a rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). In addition to English, Dr. Clear speaks Spanish. He is professionally affiliated with UCHealth.