October marked a breakthrough month for gastroenterology — one defined by fresh FDA approvals, promising IBD trial data, and pivotal updates from ACG 2025. Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) can now be prescribed earlier in the IBD treatment sequence when TNF blockers aren’t suitable, expanding therapeutic flexibility for patients. Meanwhile, mirikizumab (Omvoh) gained approval for a simplified single-dose monthly regimen in ulcerative colitis, with new four-year data from the LUCENT-3 study showing durable benefit even among patients who failed prior biologics. Beyond IBD, the American College of Physicians issued new guidance on colorectal cancer screening performance measures, and ACG 2025 sessions spotlighted persistent…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Clinicians are increasingly stepping beyond the bedside to shape healthcare at scale—and this in-depth guide shows exactly how. Drawing from interviews with leaders at Curology, K Health, Doximity, and Oshi Health, the piece maps out four proven paths for clinicians moving into non-direct care roles: evolving within startups, shifting into care-adjacent roles, advising digital health companies, or upskilling into business and product functions. The author underscores how clinical skills—decision-making under uncertainty, empathy, and systems thinking—translate powerfully into strategy, operations, and leadership. Real-world stories reveal how clinicians have navigated transitions, reframed their experience in business terms, and overcome industry biases. More…
A new study has intensified scrutiny of UnitedHealth Group’s vertical integration strategy, alleging that UnitedHealthcare pays its sister company, Optum, 17% more than non-Optum providers — and as much as 61% more in markets where UnitedHealthcare holds major market share. Researchers from Brown University and UC Berkeley say the findings suggest UnitedHealth may be circumventing federal “medical loss ratio” (MLR) rules, which require insurers to spend most premium dollars on patient care rather than profit. By paying its own providers through Optum, the study argues, UnitedHealth can effectively recycle premiums internally, reporting them as care expenses while boosting corporate revenue.…
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and Chicago-based innovation hub MATTER have launched the inaugural AGA Incubator: Improving GI Care, the first program dedicated to advancing innovation in digestive disease care. Over the next six months, 11 pioneering startups will receive custom mentorship, industry connections, and growth support, culminating with presentations at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026 in Chicago. The selected cohort reflects the breadth of innovation transforming gastroenterology — from AI-driven diagnostics and fibrosis therapies to biofeedback devices and next-generation wearables.
A new round of data breaches has struck multiple healthcare entities — from specialty clinics to a national RCM firm — underscoring the industry’s ongoing cybersecurity challenges. Pittsburgh Gastroenterology Associates suffered an August ransomware attack by the Sinobi group, resulting in the theft of 198 GB of data containing patient demographics and treatment details. The clinic has since tightened its security protocols. In Maine, NAHGA Claims Services — a national third-party claims administrator — reported unauthorized network access in April 2025 that may have compromised sensitive client data. The company is offering credit monitoring and identity theft protection to affected…
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Medicare will reduce payments for GI endoscopy services in ASCs by about 8%, while boosting reimbursement for office-based E/M visits — a shift that could significantly affect independent gastroenterology practices. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) shared five key strategies to prepare. AGA also urged practices to run financial models, update compensation thresholds, and prioritize documentation accuracy before January 2026 to stay ahead of reimbursement shifts. Must read: CMS finalizes payment policies for 2026
In a landmark move, the U.S. FDA has approved Linzess (linaclotide) for pediatric patients aged 7 years and above with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) — making it the first-ever therapy approved for children with this condition. The approval was based on adult efficacy data supported by a 12-week clinical trial in children aged 7–17, which showed significant reductions in abdominal pain and improved bowel movement frequency. Safety outcomes mirrored adult results, with diarrhea being the most common side effect. The recommended dosage for children is 145 mcg once daily. However, Linzess is not approved for patients under 2…
At the ACG 2025 Annual Meeting, researchers from Boston Medical Center revealed that targeted education and workflow changes between emergency and GI teams dramatically improved diagnosis rates for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). By training ED clinicians to better recognize dysphagia and esophageal food impaction, and introducing a rapid outpatient referral system, biopsy rates during index endoscopy jumped from 44% to 100%. Referrals from the ED for endoscopy also rose from 1.2% to 16.2%. “These findings show that simple, coordinated interventions can expedite EoE diagnosis and care,” said Dr. Rosa Yu, the study’s lead investigator. “Biopsies are safe and should be performed…
In a major appointment, Dr. Steven Wexner, one of the world’s most cited and respected colorectal surgeons, has joined MedStar Health as Physician Executive Director and System Chief of Colorectal Surgery. Based at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Dr. Wexner brings nearly four decades of clinical, academic, and research leadership to the role. A pioneer in the field, he is known for developing the Wexner Incontinence and Constipation Scores, surgical techniques that reduce the need for stomas, and for training over 800 surgeons worldwide. Previously at Cleveland Clinic Florida, Dr. Wexner has authored more than 1,200 publications, amassing over 43,000 citations.
Jacksonville, Fla.-based Borland Groover is positioning for its next era of growth through a leadership realignment and a focus on patient-centered innovation. The gastroenterology group, founded in 1947, recently announced four new C-suite leaders as part of its restructuring. The move is designed to strengthen operational leadership, enhance efficiency and expand service lines across Florida. Becker’s spoke with Dinesh Madhok, MD, who has been appointed CEO after nearly three decades with Borland Groover. Dr. Madhok, a gastroenterologist who joined the organization in 1997, also serves as chief of gastroenterology for the graduate medical education program at HCA Florida Orange Park…