The merger talks between Cigna and Humana have been halted due to concerns from investors and challenges in finalizing key financial terms. The Wall Street Journal reported that the potential deal, which was initially revealed by them, would have involved Cigna acquiring Humana in a cash-and-stock transaction with a significant stock component. Key Points of the Article: The article concludes with Cigna’s ongoing exploration of a sale of its Medicare Advantage, even after the discontinuation of talks with Humana. Despite being a smaller player in the Medicare Advantage market, Cigna still sees potential value in acquiring Humana.
Author: Abhay Panchal
The article explores the latest innovations in gastroenterology technology and their potential impact on care, treatment, and efficiency in procedures. Here are the five key advancements highlighted: These advancements reflect a significant shift towards more patient-centered, efficient, and technologically advanced gastroenterology care.
Reducing the Placebo Effect in IBD Clinical Trials:Study Overview: Post hoc analysis of three placebo-controlled clinical trials (GEMINI-2, UNITI-1/2, CLASSIC-1) involving 683 patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. Key Findings: Conclusion: To minimize placebo responses in IBD trials, strategies like excluding participants based on disease duration and mild disease severity, as indicated by objective biomarkers, are recommended. Low-Volume Colonoscopy Preparations in IBD: Results: Implications for Clinical Practice and Research
A novel multitarget stool RNA test for colorectal cancer screening achieved a sensitivity of 94% for CRC and 46% for advanced adenomas and a specificity of 88% for no lesions on colonoscopy, according to data from the CRC-PREVENT trial. “The test demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity across all age groups, with significant improvement in sensitivity for colorectal neoplasia when compared to a FIT [fecal immunochemical test],” said senior investigator David S. Lieberman, MD, a professor of medicine and former chief of gastroenterology at Oregon Health & Science University, in Portland. “The mt-sRNA test [Colosense, Geneoscopy] met its primary end points…
The article features an interview with Paul Feuerstadt, MD, FACG, AGAF, an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine and attending gastroenterologist at PACT Gastroenterology Center. The article discusses the dangers associated with DIY fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a practice where individuals attempt to perform fecal transplants at home, often guided by information found on the internet or YouTube. Key Points: Dr. Feuerstadt emphasizes the importance of understanding the source and accuracy of information used for DIY FMT. He advises against the practice, highlighting the need for a more scientific approach in defining and solving microbiota-related problems.…
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, was conducted by Sameer D. Saini, MD, MS, and colleagues from the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and Michigan Medicine. Key Points: Findings: Conclusion:
The article from Medscape, titled “1 in 10 Stool-Based CRC Tests Can’t Be Processed,” discusses a significant issue with fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) used for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Approximately 10% of these tests, conducted by a safety-net health system, were found to contain unsatisfactory samples that couldn’t be processed. The study, led by Rasmi Nair, MBBS, PhD, from UT Southwestern Medical Center, highlights the need for better follow-up systems for unsatisfactory FIT results. Key findings and concerns include: The article also notes that FIT is a recommended option for annual CRC screening for adults aged 45-75 years by the…
Intriguing trends showed up in this year’s Medscape’s compensation report — an improvement in gender-based pay disparity among doctors in primary care; a growing disillusionment with Medicare payments, as more physicians decline to take new patients on Medicare; and a general increase in physician pay. More than 10,000 physicians in over 29 specialties told us how much they earn, how hard they work, and how they feel about their income.
In 2023, several gastroenterology companies expanded their footprint through acquisitions, partnerships, and office relocations. Here are 12 notable companies that have grown this year: Austin Gastroenterology (Texas): Opened a clinic and endoscopy center in Leander, Texas in January. Borland Groover (Jacksonville, Fla.): Broke ground on a new endoscopy center and ASC in St. Johns County, Fla., and plans to build another endoscopy center in Jacksonville, Fla. Gastroenterology Associates of North Mississippi (Oxford): Expanded its services to Batesville, Miss.-based Panola Medical Center in December. Gastro Health (Miami): Acquired Olympia, Wash.-based Gastroenterology Associates and Davenport, Fla.-based Gastroenterology Consultants of Polk County. Partnered…
In episode 26 of the “Gut Talk” podcast, hosted by Sameer K. Berry, MD, Megan Riehl, PsyD, discusses the development of Gastrointestinal (GI) Psychology. Riehl, a GI psychologist with expertise in psycho-gastroenterology, is the clinical director of the GI behavioral health program at the University of Michigan. She has a full-time clinical practice, leads GI behavioral health trainings, and provides peer consultation. Key topics covered in the podcast include: Riehl’s Career Influences: Riehl shares insights into her early influences and how her family system and mentors guided her towards a career in psychology, particularly in the field of GI psychology.…