This study explores the correlation between stool characteristics measured by AI and physicians with inflammation in patients hospitalized with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). Using AI and manual scoring, the study found that certain stool characteristics, like the Bristol stool scale and stool consistency, significantly correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker of inflammation. The findings suggest that smartphone-based AI tools could serve as noninvasive methods for monitoring UC disease activity in clinical settings, potentially improving patient care through more precise monitoring.
Author: Abhay Panchal
A recent study in npj Digital Medicine explored the potential and limitations of GPT-4V, a multimodal AI model, in healthcare diagnostics. While the AI tool outperformed doctors in accuracy (81.6% vs. 77.8%) on a set of diagnostic questions, it struggled with image interpretation and providing reliable justifications for its diagnoses. The findings emphasize that AI can support but not replace human expertise, highlighting the need for cautious integration of AI into clinical practice and further research to understand its limitations and potential in real-world scenarios.
Dexcom has launched Stelo, the first over-the-counter glucose biosensor in the U.S., now available for purchase. Stelo is designed for people who want to monitor their glucose levels more conveniently without requiring a prescription. The product is aimed at enhancing the accessibility of glucose monitoring and empowering users to take better control of their health. This move represents a significant step forward in making health monitoring tools more accessible to the general public.
Gastroenterologists have launched the Gastro AI Academy in partnership with Fujifilm India as their academic partner. This academy aims to advance education and training in artificial intelligence (AI) applications within the field of gastroenterology. The initiative seeks to enhance the understanding and implementation of AI tools in clinical practice, helping professionals improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in gastroenterology.
In this episode of the Maximal Being podcast, Dr. Erica Barnell, founder of Geneoscopy, discusses leveraging stool RNA testing to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. She shares her journey from microbiome research in Africa to developing an FDA-approved colorectal cancer screening test, and now focusing on personalized medicine for IBD. The conversation explores the potential of RNA biomarkers in improving patient outcomes, especially for young IBD patients.
An estimated 80% of physicians are now employed by larger entities like hospitals and health systems, driven by factors such as administrative burdens, capital demands, and financial incentives. A key yet underappreciated factor is the shift from fee-for-service to value-based payment models, which require significant resources for small independent practices. The need for investments in technology and regulatory expertise to participate in these models is accelerating corporate consolidation, a trend that policymakers should consider as they promote value-based care.
In 2023, physician owners earned more than employed physicians, but the earnings gap between the two narrowed, according to Medical Economics’ 2024 Physician Report. The report also noted a rise in malpractice premiums, with 45% of physicians reporting an increase, up from 39% the previous year. Data for the report was collected from physicians during the first and second quarters of 2024, covering various aspects of the profession including salaries, productivity, and the state of the profession.
According to Medscape’s 2024 Physicians and RVUs Report, the majority of physicians are dissatisfied with how Relative Value Units (RVUs) are used to determine their performance and compensation. About 60% are unhappy with the financial impact, and 70% believe RVUs are poor productivity measures. The report highlights concerns that the RVU system pressures doctors to increase patient volume, possibly leading to rushed care and unethical practices. Many physicians advocate for alternative models that include qualitative data and better account for time spent on patient care and administrative tasks.
Walgreens is considering selling VillageMD, its $5.2 billion acquisition, due to challenges in generating profit amid economic pressures and changing pharmaceutical demands post-pandemic. Despite earlier efforts to cut costs by closing clinics, the company faces continued financial strain. Walgreens is exploring various options, including a potential sale or restructuring. This reflects a broader trend of difficulties faced by major companies like Walmart and CVS in the healthcare delivery sector, highlighting the complex economics and challenges of primary care ventures.
A recent study found that telehealth-delivered outpatient care for veterans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was not associated with an increased risk of IBD-related hospitalizations. Analyzing data from 534 patients with IBD, the study showed that a higher percentage of televisit-based care (via video or phone) was linked to a slightly reduced likelihood of hospitalization. These findings suggest that telehealth can be an effective and safe option for managing complex chronic conditions like IBD.