A recent study revealed that colonoscopies cost significantly more at hospitals compared to Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). The study, led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and published in JAMA Health Forum, analyzed facility fees for colonoscopy procedures covered by private health insurance across the United States. Key findings of the study include:
Author: Abhay Panchal
The tool is designed for use in the real-time analysis of Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) and early esophageal cancer during endoscopy procedures. Barrett’s Esophagus, a condition linked to long-term reflux or heartburn, affects approximately 150 million people globally, with a risk of developing cancer each year. The current method of endoscopic surveillance involves multiple biopsies, but this often results in missed early cancers. Veritai aims to improve this by detecting dysplasia or early cancer within the entire BE segment in the esophagus. The FDA’s Breakthrough Device Designation is granted to innovative technologies that can significantly improve patient outcomes for life-threatening or…
The American College of Gastroenterology recently released a guideline on acute liver failure (Am J Gastroenterol 2023;118[7]:1128-1153). GEN’s Sarah Tilyou spoke with guideline senior author Lafaine Grant, MD, an associate professor of internal medicine in the Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases at UT Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas, about the impetus for the guideline and what it means to GI practice. GEN: What prompted the guideline? Dr. Grant: It’s well recognized that acute liver failure is a devastating disease. But it only occurs in approximately 2,000 patients in the United States annually, and so it’s a rare disease, with…
A novel artificial intelligence algorithm could help standardize and improve the evaluation of endoscope instrument channels with borescopes, according to data presented at the 2023 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. Analysis of the algorithm showed effective detection and classification of defects in endoscope channels compared with manual review. “Manual inspection of endoscope working channels with borescopes currently lacks standardization and is a time- and focus-intensive process,” lead investigator Sagar Shah, MD, told GEN Priority Report. “Future advancements in this technology could improve quality control of inspections and augment decision making pertaining to endoscope reprocessing,” added Dr. Shah,…
Dive deep with Dunston Almeida, Founder and CEO of triValence, as he explores the transformative power of data in gastroenterology (GI). In his compelling narrative, Dunston Almeida underscores the necessity of integrating technology in GI: “In an era where technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives, the GI sector cannot remain an exception. By embracing innovative solutions and data-driven approaches, we can significantly advance patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery.” Highlights: This conversation is vital even as you reimagine gastroenterology ASCs for the next decade. Don’t miss this one.
AGA provides an expert commentary on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the evaluation and management of colorectal polyps, particularly in the context of screening colonoscopies. Key Insights from the Article: AI in Polyp Detection: The article discusses the use of AI in colonoscopy, focusing on computer-aided detection (CADe) and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx). CADe assists endoscopists in detecting polyps during colonoscopy, while CADx aims to accurately predict polyp histology without needing a tissue biopsy. Variability in Adenoma Detection Rates (ADRs): ADRs, which measure the rate at which clinicians detect adenomas during colonoscopies, vary significantly among endoscopists, ranging from 7%…
Key Points of the Collaboration: Exclusive Rights for Ferring: Ferring Pharmaceuticals will have exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize next-generation microbiome-based therapeutics within gastroenterology that arise from this collaboration. Financial Details: The financial specifics of the deal have not been disclosed. Ferring’s Commitment to Gut Microbiome Therapeutics: Carl Bilbo, Senior Vice President of Microbiome at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the company’s long-term mission to maximize the therapeutic potential of the gut microbiome for patient benefit. He highlighted PharmaBiome’s unique technology in identifying and manufacturing defined consortium live microbiome biotherapeutics. PharmaBiome’s Unique Technology Platform: PharmaBiome has developed a technology platform based…
The article from Rock Health, titled “Digital health at the turn of 2024: Tracking developments along the innovation maturity curve,” provides an analysis of the major developments in digital health as we approach the end of 2023. The article uses data to plot these developments along an innovation maturity curve, helping strategy and innovation leaders identify opportunities and competitive pressures. Key Developments Analyzed: The article suggests that 2024 will be a year of recalibration and adjustment in digital health, with continued progress along the innovation maturity curve. It poses questions for leaders in the field regarding capabilities, partnerships, and positioning…
The effectiveness of the ColoSense multitarget stool RNA test in detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas. Key Findings: The study demonstrates the potential of the ColoSense multitarget stool RNA test as an effective tool for early detection of colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas, particularly in younger individuals who are at average risk.
The partnership focuses on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in endoscopy. Key Points from the Article: Expansion of AI in Endoscopy: Medtronic is intensifying its collaboration with Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, a developer of AI software for endoscopy. Cosmo’s GI Genius system, which has FDA clearance, can automatically detect polyps and potential cancerous lesions during colonoscopies, including those that might be missed by the human eye. Financial Details of the Deal: Medtronic’s expansion of the partnership could lead to payments totaling $200 million or more to Cosmo. This includes an upfront payment of $100 million and up to an additional…