A study at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center demonstrated that using an AI-based patient navigator called MyEleanor significantly improved colonoscopy completion rates among underserved communities. By re-engaging patients who previously missed appointments, the tool nearly doubled the completion rate from 10% to 19%. MyEleanor helped address common barriers like transportation and cost, while also freeing up time for human navigators. The program shows promise in reducing disparities in colorectal cancer screening and may extend to other cancer screenings in the future.
Author: Abhay Panchal
The battle against colorectal cancer (CRC) is evolving, and a new blood-based test using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) brings hope. But how well does it really perform compared to the gold-standard colonoscopy? While the test shows promise in detecting late-stage cancers, its struggle to identify early-stage tumors raises critical questions. With the stakes so high in catching CRC early, could this new test revolutionize screening, or is it just another tool in the arsenal?
Will Generative AI replace doctors? That’s the burning question explored in this thought-provoking piece. While AI can now pass medical exams and perform specific tasks with incredible accuracy, there’s more to the story. Dive into the complexities of AI’s limitations, like its inability to build human connections, handle unpredictable medical situations, and make nuanced ethical decisions. Yet, there’s a twist—AI could become an essential tool for doctors who are ready to embrace it. But how will this shift change the future of medicine?
Choosing the right qualified retirement plan (QRP) is crucial for physicians, with options like defined contribution and defined benefit plans. These plans offer tax-deductible contributions, tax-deferred growth, and asset protection, but come with drawbacks such as contribution limits, mandatory employee inclusion, and management liability. Physicians must balance the benefits of tax savings and retirement security with the administrative and regulatory challenges of QRPs. Understanding the pros and cons helps tailor retirement planning to individual needs and financial goals.
On September 1, UnitedHealthcare announced a list of gastroenterology procedures that will be eligible for its new physician gold-card program, launching on October 1. This program is designed to streamline the prior authorization process for qualifying providers, allowing them to bypass it for certain procedure codes. It aims to reduce administrative burden and expedite patient care by enabling quicker access to necessary treatments. Here are the gastroenterology procedures, and their codes, that will be eligible for the new program:74261: CT colonography DX image post process without contrast74262: CT colonography DX image post process with contrast…
Hoag Digestive Health Institute has appointed Dr. Jennifer Phan, a board-certified gastroenterologist, as Medical Director of the Hoag Irvine Advanced Endoscopy Center. Dr. Phan, an expert in endoscopic and bariatric procedures, will also serve as Director of Bariatric Endoscopy and Program Director of the Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship. She specializes in treating obesity, metabolic disorders, and pancreaticobiliary diseases, utilizing advanced procedures like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
Helicobacter pylori is a widespread infectious disease linked to dyspepsia, ulcers, and gastric cancer. The American College of Gastroenterology’s clinical practice guidelines recommend bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) for 14 days as the first-line treatment, particularly when antibiotic resistance is unknown. Rifabutin triple therapy or potassium-competitive acid blocker dual therapy is suggested for patients without penicillin allergies. The guidelines also emphasize post-treatment testing for eradication, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and specific salvage treatments for persistent infections. Future research priorities are outlined to address gaps in current H. pylori management.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, but despite its rising rates, particularly in younger individuals, it remains underfunded and less known compared to other cancers. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s “Project Cure CRC” aims to invest $100 million in innovative research to tackle this issue. Recent grants fund groundbreaking studies targeting advanced CRC therapies, early detection, and treatment options for BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer. The project emphasizes urgency in research, seeking novel, effective treatments and partnerships to combat CRC.
In the latest Tech Optimist podcast, Jeff Glueck, CEO of Salvo Health, discusses their digital platform aimed at managing chronic gut and metabolic conditions like IBS. Salvo Health partners with local practices to provide patients a comprehensive care team, including dietitians and GI-trained nurses. Their app focuses on lifestyle adjustments like diet, stress management, and microbiome health, bridging the gap between doctor visits. Jeff invites gastroenterologists, particularly those in private practice, to connect with Salvo Health to expand its innovative care model.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) released a Clinical Practice Update to guide the use of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The update reviews IUS techniques, current use in clinical practice, and strategies to overcome implementation challenges. IUS is a noninvasive, cost-effective method for assessing disease activity in IBD patients, though it has limitations in visualizing certain areas. This update also compares IUS with other imaging and endoscopic modalities, outlining their risks, costs, and capabilities.