A real-world study of 1,984 adults using an app-connected breath analyzer found that just one week of low-FODMAP eating significantly lowered breath hydrogen and methane and reduced bloating, abdominal pain, and flatulence, with the biggest absolute gains in those starting with moderate/severe symptoms—hinting that simple, nonfasting breath-gas tracking could personalize who benefits most from FODMAP restriction.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Democrats are sounding alarms over CMS’s 2026 pilot that will let AI companies decide prior authorizations for Medicare. Lawmakers worry it could incentivize denials and harm patients — critics have dubbed it an “AI death panel.” Physicians and legal experts echoed concerns at a congressional hearing, urging independent oversight before rollout.
A large national study published in JAMA Surgery shows that GLP-1 use after bariatric surgery is rising sharply, especially among women, Black patients, and those with sleeve gastrectomy or less-than-expected weight loss. Nearly 14% of 113,000 patients turned to GLP-1s post-surgery, with uptake climbing from 1.7% in 2015–2019 to 12.6% by 2025. Physicians note it’s “logical” to combine surgery with GLP-1s, though questions remain about timing, dosing, and outcomes—fueling ongoing debate on whether these drugs will become a standard adjunct to bariatric care.
A new Medical Economics piece highlights how Management Services Organizations (MSOs) are becoming a powerful growth strategy for physician groups. By spinning off non-clinical staff, assets, and contracts into a separate entity, MSOs let non-physician executives take ownership of operations—boosting recruitment, aligning incentives, and streamlining practice management. Physicians retain control of clinical services while the MSO handles billing, HR, IT, and more, often at scale by contracting with multiple practices. Experts caution, however, that MSOs must be carefully structured to comply with complex tax, state, and federal regulations.
A new modeling study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that offering $100 rideshare rides to patients with abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) results nearly doubles colonoscopy completion rates, cutting colorectal cancer (CRC) deaths and saving healthcare costs. By raising completion from 35% to 70%, the intervention reduced CRC incidence by 26%, deaths by 33%, and saved over $330,000 per 1,000 people screened—making rideshare support not only effective but cost-saving. Researchers note real-world trials are still needed to validate these findings.
The surge in GLP-1 prescriptions is transforming obesity and liver disease care but raising new challenges for gastroenterology. Physicians weigh in with concerns over mounting GI side effects — from slowed motility and difficult colonoscopy prep to gallstones and pancreatitis — while long-term risks like nutritional deficiencies or thyroid cancer remain uncertain. Some highlight compounded versions causing severe reactions, while others note GLP-1’s potential in treating MASLD and reducing liver cancer risk. The consensus: these drugs are a breakthrough, but their widespread use demands vigilance, tailored care, and close monitoring.
A JAMA Oncology study of over 86,000 patients found that GLP-1 users had reduced overall cancer risk, with particularly lower rates of endometrial, ovarian, and meningioma cancers. Researchers also noted a possible rise in kidney cancer risk, leaving open the question of whether the benefit comes from the drug itself or the weight loss it triggers. Long-term follow-up is needed to understand the full impact.
It’s been a turbulent week in U.S. healthcare policy: the House dropped Trump’s proposed $18B NIH cut but slashed HHS and CDC budgets; Florida moved to eliminate all vaccine mandates; the Trump administration agreed to restore health information pages removed earlier this year; over 1,000 HHS staff demanded Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s resignation; and CMS unveiled a $50B Rural Health Transformation Program. With so many shifts colliding at once, the big question is—how will these changes reshape care access and costs in the years ahead?
A ransomware group called Sinobi has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Pittsburgh Gastroenterology Associates, raising alarms over potential exposure of sensitive patient data ranging from Social Security numbers to medical records. While full details of what was stolen remain unclear, the breach could impact thousands of patients across multiple affiliated hospitals. With lawsuits already under investigation, the real question is: will this case become a turning point in how GI practices protect against rising cyber threats?
From symptom trackers to multidisciplinary app-based platforms, evidence-based digital therapeutics are expanding access to brain-gut behavioral care for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr. Peter Buch sits down with Dr. Iris Wang to discuss the spectrum of available tools and explore strategies for aligning them with individual patient needs. Dr. Wang is an Associate Professor of Medicine and the Associate Program Director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.