Private equity has a hand in nearly every area of healthcare, but its presence in each sector varies. Overall, private equity transactions in healthcare dropped 16.2% in 2023 compared to the year prior. Some specialties saw an increase in private equity activity, while others saw a decline. In 2023, there were just 28 private equity deals in the vision sector compared to 71 deals in 2022. Gastroenterology also saw a decrease in private equity deals, with 13 deals in 2023 compared to 26 deals in 2022. Cardiology piqued the interest of private equity investors in 2023 as the speciality saw…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Dr. David Johnson discusses the American Cancer Society’s cancer statistics for 2024, highlighting some concerning trends, especially in gastrointestinal cancers. Key points include: Overall Decline in Cancer Deaths: There has been a significant reduction in cancer deaths since 1991, attributed to decreased smoking rates, early detection, and improved treatments. However, this progress is being offset by rising rates in six of the top ten cancers. Increase in Gastrointestinal Cancers: The incidence of pancreas cancer is rising annually, with a low 5-year survival rate. Liver cancer rates are also increasing, particularly in women, likely due to fibrotic liver diseases. Colorectal Cancer…
Here are the key insights from the information provided about the evolving Helicobacter pylori treatment guidelines: Individualized Treatment Approaches: The new guidelines emphasize the importance of individualizing H. pylori treatment. This includes avoiding antibiotics to which patients have previously been exposed, as less than 40% of clinicians currently assess prior antibiotic exposure. The guidelines reiterate the need for clinicians to individualize therapy, especially in the absence of routine antibiotic sensitivity testing. Changes in Recommended Regimens: Due to increasing drug resistance, particularly to clarithromycin, traditional triple therapy (proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin) is becoming less effective and is recommended against,…
When it comes to the survival of private gastroenterology practice, bigger may be better. Paul Berggreen, MD, chief strategy officer of GI Alliance and president of the American Independent Medical Practice Association, connected with Becker’s to give his insights on the survival of private gastroenterology practices. Question: Will practices have to get bigger to survive in today’s market? Dr. Paul Berggreen: For most of them, the answer is yes. I wouldn’t say for all of them. I’ll give you an example: in Phoenix at Arizona Digestive Health, that’s 65 gastroenterologists, there are still groups of two, three, there’s a group…
Could a robot coupled with AI replace the average endoscopist in the ASC? If so, how many years from now? Dive deep with Dr. Sanket Chauhan, Founder & CEO at Surgical Automations, as he shares his insights on the integration of robotics in healthcare, particularly in gastroenterology (GI). This interview is a fascinating exploration for anyone interested in the intersection of robotics, AI, and healthcare. Highlights: Dr. Sanket Chauhan’s perspective on the future of gastroenterology in the context of robotics is enlightening. He says, “A robot doesn’t make inefficient movements. A robot goes from one point to another which is…
Two retrospective analyses have revealed that the introduction of biosimilars has reduced the costs of the originator biologic, infliximab, but it’s uncertain if these savings are benefiting patients or increasing drug access. The studies, focusing on Medicare Part D participants and private insurance patients, showed a decrease in the annual increase rate of infliximab costs and claims after biosimilars were introduced. Despite the clear cost reductions, concerns remain about whether these savings are reaching patients, especially in terms of copays or changes in access to the medication. Key Insights Image Source & Credit: Medscape
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, U.S. federal lawmakers are considering how to regulate its use to protect patients while fostering innovation. Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Ron Wyden emphasized the need for Congress to encourage positive outcomes from AI and establish rules for new healthcare innovations. The discussions focus on balancing innovation with patient protection, especially in federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The Algorithmic Accountability Act, introduced by Wyden, aims to ensure healthcare systems regularly assess AI tools for bias and proper use. This legislative attention comes amid lawsuits against major Medicare Advantage insurers for…
Alimetry, a gastrointestinal med-tech startup, has obtained a new AMA CPT III code for its Gastric Alimetry test, a significant advancement in diagnosing chronic gastric conditions. This test, which has received FDA clearance, combines wearable sensor technology with a digital health app, enhancing the diagnostic process for conditions like functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, and chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome. Key Insights Image Source & Credit: MedTech Drive
Getlabs, a leader in at-home diagnostics, has announced the addition of GRAIL’s GalleriⓇ multi-cancer early detection test to its suite of diagnostic services. This collaboration aims to make cancer screening more accessible by providing at-home blood draw services for the Galleri test, thereby eliminating the need for clinic visits. The Galleri test is a significant advancement in cancer screening, capable of detecting multiple types of cancer, including pancreatic, esophageal, ovarian, and liver cancers, which currently lack recommended screening methods. The test works by analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments in a blood sample. Early detection is crucial as the 5-year survival…
Dieta Health has announced two groundbreaking studies conducted in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, Veterans Health Administration (VA), and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). These studies, led by Dr. Douglas Simonetto at Mayo Clinic and Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj at VA and VCU, have been published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. They demonstrate the significant impact of Dieta’s AI technology in managing cirrhosis and preventing hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The AI technology, through proprietary AI stool image classification, provides precise monitoring and management of cirrhosis, offering real-time, actionable insights for both patients and healthcare providers. Mayo Clinic Study Overview:Objective: To assess the effectiveness…