In 2021, colonoscopy screenings in the U.S. cost $23.7 billion, with rising colorectal cancer (CRC) rates contributing to increasing demand. Colonoscopy costs vary by setting, averaging $925 in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and $1,224 in hospitals. Despite this, reimbursements for gastroenterologists have declined, with a 38% drop in colonoscopy-related payments between 2007 and 2022.
Author: Abhay Panchal
A 35-year-old patient at the University of Chicago Medicine became the first person globally to receive Tremfya (guselkumab) after its FDA approval for treating moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. The drug, previously used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, was shown to be effective for ulcerative colitis in a study led by Dr. David T. Rubin at UChicago Medicine.
Experts outline five key strategies to improve colonoscopy performance: enhancing bowel prep with tailored approaches, boosting adenoma detection rates through AI and new tools, adhering to appropriate polyp surveillance intervals, reducing the environmental footprint of GI practices, and incorporating AI to increase efficiency and quality. Dr. Brian Jacobson emphasizes better prep processes, while Dr. Tonya Kaltenbach and others highlight AI’s potential in colonoscopy. These methods aim to improve patient care, efficiency, and sustainability in GI practices.
The rise in private equity (PE) acquisitions of medical practices, particularly in dermatology and gastroenterology, offers financial security and operational efficiency for doctors but comes with risks like loss of autonomy and a focus on short-term profits. While PE firms can modernize practices and provide capital, they may also impose changes that could affect patient care and staff morale. Physicians considering a sale should thoroughly research PE firms and consult advisors to ensure alignment with their long-term goals and maintain high standards of care.
The article from The Medical Futurist outlines seven essential tools for the modern doctor of the 21st century, focusing on how technological advancements are reshaping medical practice. These include portable diagnostic devices, telemedicine capabilities, artificial intelligence for diagnostics, wearable health tech, personalized medicine, digital health literacy, and the ability to integrate big data into clinical decisions. These tools not only improve patient outcomes but also enhance the efficiency and precision of healthcare delivery.
California’s legislature passed AB 3129, which, if signed by Governor Newsom, will require private equity groups and hedge funds to notify and, in some cases, obtain consent from the California Attorney General (AG) for investments in certain healthcare practices and facilities starting January 1, 2025. The bill applies to specific healthcare transactions, but amendments exempt certain entities, such as hospitals, dermatology practices, and county acquisitions, from these requirements.
The Body Roundness Index (B.R.I.) is emerging as an alternative to the Body Mass Index (B.M.I.), offering a more accurate assessment of health risks related to fat distribution. Unlike B.M.I., which considers height and weight, B.R.I. factors in height and waist size, providing better insights into central obesity and associated health risks like diabetes and heart disease. Studies show B.R.I. could be a better predictor of mortality, particularly linked to abdominal fat, and it addresses B.M.I.’s limitations in accounting for muscle mass and body shape.
The FDA recently approved a blood test for colorectal cancer that can detect the disease in its early, more treatable stages. Medicare will cover the test for seniors, but private insurance coverage could take years. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which determines coverage for preventive care, is underfunded and understaffed, causing delays in patient access to new technologies. Critics, including Rep. Anna Eshoo, are pushing for more funding to speed up the process and improve access to life-saving screenings.
Seed Health has partnered with Target for its first major retail expansion, bringing its DS-01® Daily Synbiotic, PDS-08® Pediatric Synbiotic, and the exclusive DS-01® 14 Day Gut Reset to Target stores and Target.com. The company aims to broaden access to its clinically validated probiotics, addressing gut health and occasional digestive disruptions. This collaboration highlights Seed’s commitment to expanding into new channels while maintaining sustainability efforts through zero-waste packaging and rigorous safety standards.
The article highlights the growing physician shortage in the U.S., with an expected deficit of up to 64,000 doctors by year-end, potentially rising to 86,000 by 2036. Key factors include retirement of older physicians, burnout from heavy workloads, and a lack of control over schedules. Solutions discussed involve improving compensation, work-life balance, involvement in decision-making, and better delegation of tasks. Addressing these issues is crucial for healthcare organizations to attract and retain physician talent.