In this podcast episode, Brad Stillman, executive director of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), explores how the GI landscape is evolving and shares insights on preventing physician burnout. He discusses the role of organizations like ACG in equipping physicians with the right tools to support patient care, along with structural challenges in GI practices, the need for innovative education reforms, and the importance of addressing the shortage of gastroenterologists. Stillman also reflects on his journey from law to healthcare leadership, the evolution of ACG during his tenure, and offers a glimpse into the organization’s upcoming strategic plan for 2024.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Ker Leader Medical, a new ASC development company, aims to protect physician autonomy by bypassing private equity and working directly with investment groups. John Webb, one of Ker’s founders and president of MMC Capital Markets, explained that the company was formed to address the challenges ASC leaders face when selling to private equity—where original stakeholders often lose control, and key employees are left behind.Ker’s model consolidates several ASCs under shared management while allowing physicians to retain decision-making authority. “We eliminate the middlemen,” Webb said, likening their approach to Costco by leveraging direct financial partnerships to reduce costs and maintain control.With…
Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology (RMG) is under scrutiny following an October 21, 2024, report by SuspectFile alleging a potential data breach involving three separate cyberattacks. If confirmed, the breach could affect sensitive information of approximately 169,000 patients, including names, Social Security numbers, medical records, and insurance details, spanning from 2015 to 2019.Two of the alleged hacker groups told SuspectFile their attacks were unrelated, though leaked samples of patient data were obtained by the publication. RMG has not yet responded to inquiries, and further investigation is ongoing. If the breach is validated, RMG will be required to notify all affected individuals.
As colorectal cancer cases rise, gastroenterologists are urging patients to undergo screenings, but insurance loopholes are creating barriers. Two key colonoscopy “loopholes” causing concern: Bowel Prep Costs: A recent study led by Dr. Eric Shah of the University of Michigan revealed that many patients face out-of-pocket expenses for colonoscopy prep. Only 17% of patients reported no cost, while others were directed toward non-FDA-approved over-the-counter options. Medicare patients are particularly affected, with just 36% of prescription preps fully covered, and only 25% of Medicare Part D claims seeing no out-of-pocket fees. Dr. Shah warns that even minor costs could delay screenings:…
Cleveland Clinic has partnered with Ayble Health to enhance care for chronic digestive diseases through an AI-enabled digital platform. The Ayble Health platform integrates brain-gut programs—like mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy—personalized nutrition tools, and AI-powered wellness tracking. Patients receive tailored care plans following a virtual assessment and can coordinate with both Ayble’s virtual care team and Cleveland Clinic providers.Dr. Miguel Regueiro, Chief of the Digestive Disease Institute, emphasizes the importance of holistic, patient-centered care, noting that behavioral health and nutrition play critical roles in managing conditions like IBD. Dr. Stephen Lupe, a gastrointestinal psychologist, collaborated with Ayble to develop…
Microsoft is rolling out new AI-powered features in Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, including healthcare AI models in Azure AI Studio and advanced data tools in Microsoft Fabric. The upgrades aim to enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and ease administrative burdens for clinicians. A standout feature is Nuance’s DAX Copilot, integrated with Epic EHR, which is already helping doctors reduce note-taking time and see more patients. Microsoft is also advancing AI tools for nurses through voice-powered documentation, in collaboration with major health systems like Advocate Health and Northwestern Medicine. With healthcare-specific AI safeguards and multimodal medical imaging models, Microsoft is empowering…
United European Gastroenterology’s (UEG) report, Enhancing Transitional Care in Digestive Health, highlights the need for early, structured support as young patients transition from pediatric to adult care. Key recommendations include starting transition planning by age 12, improving coordination between care providers, offering personalized emotional support, and ensuring treatment continuity between pediatric and adult guidelines. UEG calls for a coordinated effort to empower patients for lifelong health management.
Physicians play a critical role in hospital finances through their decisions on treatments, technologies, and resource use. However, only a few health systems currently align physician incentives to manage costs effectively. This article outlines key principles for creating incentive programs that empower physicians to cut costs while maintaining high patient outcomes.Incentives can be broad, focusing on managing the overall cost of procedures, or narrow, rewarding physicians for specific cost-saving actions like switching to lower-cost supplies. Broader incentives offer more autonomy and allow physicians to find innovative ways to reduce costs without compromising care.
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.
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.