Researchers from Mayo Clinic and North Dakota State University have identified troubling trends in digestive disease mortality among Native populations, specifically those classified as American Indian and Alaska Native. Their analysis, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that these populations—particularly women—experience disproportionately high death rates from conditions like chronic liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Barriers such as limited access to gastrointestinal care, vaccine programs, and systemic racism were highlighted as key contributors to these disparities. The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions and policy changes to promote health equity and reduce mortality rates.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Nashville-based Vanderbilt Health has begun notifying patients of potential exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV due to improperly conducted endoscopy procedures at a clinic on its main campus. According to WZTV, affected patients only recently received these alarming notifications, despite the procedures being performed months ago—raising fears about potential transmission to family, friends, or others.Vanderbilt emphasized that the risk of infection is low but is notifying patients out of caution. The issue, traced to the way a solution was administered during the procedures, has since been corrected. The Tennessee Department of Health is currently investigating the incident.
The October issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology brings cutting-edge research on several crucial topics, including insurance-related challenges in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, the impact of bowel prep on colonoscopy outcomes and CRC deaths, and cost-effective follow-up strategies for small hepatocellular carcinoma. Highlighted articles include: This issue also delves into topics like opioid effects on the GI tract, pediatric gastroenterology, eosinophilic esophagitis, and chronic pancreatitis. Stay informed on the latest developments—articles and expert commentary are available upon request from the American College of Gastroenterology.
Cylinder, a leader in personalized digestive health solutions, has teamed up with Brown & Brown, a top insurance brokerage firm, to enhance payer benefits with a focus on GI care. This partnership, launched in June 2024, integrates Cylinder’s app-based digestive health management platform into Brown & Brown’s suite of payer solutions, helping employers reduce rising GI-related healthcare costs.
Keeping up with the evolving field of obesity medicine can be challenging. Dr. Mike Albert, a board-certified specialist in internal and obesity medicine and co-founder of Accomplish Health, breaks it all down in this episode. As the leader of a telehealth practice offering comprehensive obesity care—and with a social media following of over 300,000—Dr. Albert offers valuable insights into the latest trends.In this episode, Dr. Albert explores the rise of GLP-1 medications, powerful new treatments derived from gastrointestinal hormones that regulate appetite and energy. These therapies, enhanced by biotechnological advances, are outperforming natural hormones but raise concerns about quality care…
In this Innovation Series episode, Dr. Parikh sits down with Jeff Glueck, CEO and Co-Founder of Salvo Health, to discuss how the digital health platform is reshaping care for chronic GI diseases. Salvo Health’s patented “Whole Self Science” algorithm integrates digital tools with traditional gastroenterology practices, offering enhanced patient support. Tune in to learn how this innovative approach bridges gaps between virtual care and brick-and-mortar GI clinics, promising better outcomes for patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
UnitedHealthcare launched its national Gold Card program on Oct. 1, promising reduced administrative burdens for providers adhering to evidence-based care. However, gastroenterologists are expressing concerns about transparency, fairness, and the impact on medical judgment.The program, which exempts qualifying providers from prior authorizations for certain services, has so far excluded endoscopy procedures, leaving many questions unanswered. Experts like Dr. Andrew Albert worry that the program may penalize physicians for clinical decisions that diverge from corporate-driven guidelines. Similarly, Dr. Maria Abreu warns that the initiative could favor larger practices with more administrative resources, placing smaller, independent providers at a disadvantage.
AI is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling earlier disease detection and predictive analytics, but it also presents challenges that could threaten physician-owned practices. While AI offers efficiency, it raises concerns about over-reliance, privacy, dehumanization, and the potential for misuse by larger healthcare entities.Physicians must tread carefully—using AI to enhance their expertise, not replace it. There’s a risk that patients may question physicians’ judgment if AI becomes the dominant decision-maker. Additionally, independent practices face increased vulnerability to data breaches due to limited resources for cybersecurity. Choosing ethical AI tools and maintaining strong data privacy measures are crucial to avoid patient trust erosion.
Delays in cancer registry reporting may have skewed the findings of the NordICC trial, which evaluated the long-term impact of screening colonoscopies. The trial, involving over 85,000 adults, excluded 221 participants with pre-existing colorectal cancer (CRC) that hadn’t yet appeared in registries—raising questions about the accuracy of reported outcomes. Researchers estimate that 2-3 year delays may have masked the true effectiveness of colonoscopies, showing a lower impact on CRC prevention than reality. If registration had been timely, risk reductions and outcomes could have been significantly better, suggesting a need for deeper investigation. What else might this delay reveal about the…
While gastroenterology is a low-risk specialty, malpractice claims arise from misdiagnosis, procedural errors, and delayed treatment. Common issues include failing to detect Crohn’s disease, bowel obstructions, or cancer, and complications during colonoscopies or ERCPs. Notable Cases: Key Takeaway: Gastroenterologists must maintain high standards in diagnosis, communication, and procedural care to minimize risks. Timely intervention and collaboration are essential for avoiding costly errors and improving patient outcomes.