A randomized trial led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Health System has shown that simple behavioral nudges—such as text message reminders and mailed letters—significantly improve participation in mailed colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs. The pragmatic study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, enrolled 5,244 adults aged 50–74 who were overdue for CRC screening. Participants were mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits and randomly assigned to different outreach strategies: Key Findings Why It Matters The findings underscore that low-cost, behaviorally informed communication—like text nudges and mailed letters—can drive meaningful improvements in preventive screening uptake.Fancy packaging, however, adds cost without…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Together with 20 physician specialty organizations, AGA sent a letter to the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight to increase oversight of health plans that are automatically “down-coding” evaluation and management (E/M) claims. Several insurers, including Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, and Humana, have adopted systems that automatically adjust E/M CPT code levels based on time and complexity.
A post-hoc analysis of the TITRATE study showed that personalised infliximab dosing was superior to standard dosing in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (UC) when endoscopies were assessed using an artificial intelligence (AI)- assisted scoring tool. This effect was not observed in the primary analysis, where human readers evaluated endoscopies using the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS).
Scientists at Mass General Brigham and MIT have developed FIREFLI, a swallowable, light-emitting capsule that can detect intestinal inflammation noninvasively. Inspired by fireflies’ bioluminescence, the device lights up the gut and identifies areas of ischemia—where blood flow is restricted—by measuring changes in tissue luminance. In preclinical pig trials, FIREFLI achieved 98% sensitivity and 85% specificity in diagnosing acute mesenteric ischemia, a deadly yet often-missed condition. The innovation could one day help clinicians rapidly diagnose GI emergencies without imaging or invasive procedures.
A Medical Economics feature challenges the one-sided narrative that private equity (PE) harms healthcare. Experts like Jared Rhoads, MS, MPH, and Dr. Paul Berggreen of AIMPA argue that PE can sustain independent physician practices—allowing doctors to retain clinical control while gaining vital business resources. Dr. Paul Merrick and Dan Greenleaf of Duly Health and Care note that PE partnerships enable access to elite healthcare executives and scale without sacrificing care quality, citing 25% lower costs and fewer hospital admissions than health systems.
In an interview with MedTech Dive, Olympus CEO Bob White and Chief Strategy Officer Gabriela Kaynor discussed the company’s renewed focus on quality and innovation following a turbulent year that included an FDA import alert on some Japan-made devices. Despite setbacks, Olympus is investing heavily in AI-powered endoscopy tools and a GI-focused surgical robot through its new venture, Swan Endosurgical, formed with Revival Healthcare Capital. The firm’s recently launched Olysense AI suite includes real-time polyp detection and characterization tools for colonoscopy. White emphasized Olympus’ intent to balance AI, robotics, and single-use scopes while maintaining reusable platforms for specific specialties. Kaynor…
A point-of-care breath test in development can identify people with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease or steatohepatitis with varying degrees of fibrosis as accurately as a biopsy or transient elastography evaluation, according to results from a pilot study. The test (DiaNose, NaNose Medical) overcomes a labor-intensive step with existing breath assays, the complicated process of measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath as biomarkers of hepatic metabolism. Instead, the new nanotechnology-based sensing device relies on a semi-selective chemiresistor sensor array and machine learning technologies to detect liver fibrosis, the investigators reported at the EASL Congress 2025 (abstract WED-469).
A Forbes analysis by neurosurgeon and political scientist Dr. Richard Menger explores the moral tension surrounding concierge medicine amid the U.S. physician shortage. Concierge care offers personalized access and longer visits—often for annual fees of $2,000–$4,000—but also reduces the number of available doctors for the broader population. While it restores autonomy and reduces burnout for physicians, it risks deepening healthcare inequities as hospitals and academic centers expand premium-tier programs. The article ultimately frames concierge medicine as both a pragmatic adaptation and an ethical dilemma, reflecting competing values of equity versus freedom in American healthcare.
A large Yale-led study of nearly 25 million privately insured adults found declining use of colonoscopy and FIT tests and rising adoption of stool DNA screening between 2017 and 2024. Despite universal insurance coverage, disparities emerged: men favored colonoscopy, women more often chose stool DNA tests, and higher socioeconomic or metropolitan areas had greater screening uptake. Researchers say the findings reveal an evolving, uneven screening landscape — and call for tailored interventions to reach the national 80% screening goal.
A new BMJ Open Gastroenterology study comparing colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) with colonoscopy and CT colonography found that only 2% of CCE patients reported pain, versus 21% for colonoscopy and 12% for CT colonography. However, more CCE patients doubted its effectiveness (25% vs 11%) and reported lower satisfaction (74% vs 91%). Researchers say refining patient selection, education, and support will be key to improving confidence in this less invasive diagnostic option.