The article discusses the anticipated shortage of hepatologists in the United States by 2033 and the need for gastroenterologists to enhance their skills in hepatology. Key points include: Projected Shortage of Hepatologists: According to a 2020 model published in Hepatology, the U.S. is expected to experience a significant shortage of hepatology providers by 2033, with an estimated 35% fewer hepatologists than needed to care for the increasing number of chronic liver disease patients. Role of Gastroenterologists: Edward V. Loftus Jr., MD, from the Mayo Clinic, emphasized the importance of gastroenterologists becoming more proficient in hepatology to help address this shortage.…
Author: Abhay Panchal
A large-scale study in the United States on the practice of cold snare polypectomy for the removal of small polyps (less than 1 cm in size) during colonoscopies. This technique has been recommended for over three years, based on the 2020 guidelines from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Key points include: Cold Snare Polypectomy Usage: Despite the recommendation, only about half of colonoscopists in the U.S. are following it. The study found that the overall use of cold snare polypectomy for small polyps was lower than expected. Variations in Practice: There were significant regional and specialty-related variations…
Several leaders have stepped up to fight for colonoscopy policy reform. In January, 45 members of Congress, led by Rep. Debbie Dingell, authored a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services urging federal agencies to expand access to colorectal cancer screenings by ensuring surveillance colonoscopies are covered as preventive services. This letter was a follow-up to a letter that was sent to HHS in December authored by 90 medical societies and patient advocacy groups. Congress members and advocacy groups aren’t the only ones seeking to reform colonoscopy policies.
A study conducted by Dr. Lisandro Pereyra from the Department of Gastroenterology at Hospital Alemán in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, evaluated the reliability of ChatGPT in providing information on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and surveillance. Key points of the article include: Study Findings on ChatGPT’s Performance: The study used 10 clinical vignettes to assess ChatGPT’s responses, which were found to be often inconsistent and inadequate regarding CRC screening and surveillance. It is important to note that the latest version of ChatGPT was not used in this study, and no ‘fine-tuning’ attempts were…
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)’s new evidence-based guideline on the use of fecal microbiota-based therapies (FMT) for gastrointestinal diseases. The key points from the article are: FMT for Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI): The AGA recommends FMT as a safe and effective treatment option for most cases of recurrent CDI. This recommendation applies particularly to patients at high risk of recurrence following standard-of-care antibiotics and to hospitalized patients with severe CDI who do not improve after standard-of-care antibiotics. Guideline Development Process: The guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. It involved a panel of…
From technology acquisitions to new practices, here are eight partnerships and acquisitions to know that Becker’s has reported on so far in 2024:
The case highlights the tension between healthcare providers’ employment rights and healthcare systems’ business interests, reflecting a broader discussion on the impact of noncompete clauses on healthcare access and physician autonomy. Key points of the article include: Details of the Noncompete Agreement: Dr. Rottenberg’s noncompete clause prohibits him from practicing within a 20-mile radius of his previous CPN locations for two years. This restriction came into effect after he resigned from CPN and was offered a position at Lehigh Valley Physician Group, some locations of which are within the restricted radius. Arguments Against the Noncompete Clause: The lawsuit claims that…
The article discusses the controversy surrounding Oregon House Bill 4130, introduced by state legislator Ben Bowman. This bill aims to close loopholes in the state medical board’s requirement that physician practices be controlled by licensed physicians, addressing the issue of corporate practice of medicine (CPOM). Key points of the article include: Corporate Backlash to the Bill: Despite being a moderate bill, HB 4130 has faced strong opposition from major corporations like Amazon and UnitedHealth Group. These companies, along with the American Telemedicine Association, argue that the bill could disrupt care access and threaten innovative business models in healthcare. Use of…
Computer-aided detection devices (CADe) have been found to improve adenoma detection rates and adenoma per colonoscopy rates. But who benefits most?It might be a broad range of colonoscopists. Lead researcher Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology and the director of outcomes research in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, in New York City, spoke to Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News about her study presented at the 2023 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (abstract P0549), which found that clinicians improved when using CADe…
The article emphasizes the need for collaborative care in managing MASLD to mitigate its progression and complications, highlighting the importance of a well-versed multidisciplinary team in addressing this complex and prevalent disease. Growing Need for Hepatology Providers: There is a predicted shortage of hepatology providers, with an estimated 10% shortage in 2023, increasing to 35% by 2033. This shortage is concerning given the rising prevalence of MASLD, which affects 35% of the North American population. Clinical Burden of MASLD: MASLD, particularly its more dangerous form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is rapidly growing as an indication for liver transplantation. It is…