A structured triage system for interventional GI referrals changed the originally requested care plan in nearly 1 in 4 cases, highlighting how frequently referral requests may not align with the most appropriate next step for patients.
Presented at DDW 2026, the study found that specialist review often redirected patients between clinic consultation and direct procedures such as EUS or ERCP, while some referrals were rerouted entirely to surgery. Investigators noted that the process not only improved access and prioritization, but also helped avoid unnecessary high-risk procedures while expediting urgent interventions for patients who needed them most.
The findings reflect a growing operational challenge in GI: as demand for advanced endoscopy rises faster than specialist capacity, intelligent referral management is becoming increasingly important for both efficiency and patient safety.