The Healio article, based on a study published in JAMA Network Open, reveals a significant association between type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The study, which focused on a cohort over-representing African Americans and low-income patients, found that individuals with type 2 diabetes had a 47% higher risk of developing CRC. Key takeaways from the study include: Increased Risk with Diabetes: Patients with type 2 diabetes showed a notably higher risk of CRC, especially those with recent diabetes diagnoses and those who had not undergone colonoscopy screening. Importance of Preventive Screening: The study underscores…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Here are five key points about Allied Digestive Health, a gastroenterology-focused multispecialty group: Physician Count: Allied Digestive Health boasts a team of 228 physicians. Extensive Reach: The group operates across 72 locations throughout New York and New Jersey. Headquarters: Allied Digestive Health is based in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Leadership: The CEO of Allied Digestive Health is Matthew Devine. Financial Backing: The company is supported by the private equity firm Assured Healthcare Partners. Key Insights
Artificial intelligence large language models such as ChatGPT have become more frequent in the healthcare arena for several uses, including office work such as note taking and to answer frequently asked patient questions related to procedures such as colonoscopy. This study compared the models ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4 and Bard, and looked at performance based on questions related to colonoscopy. In the second study, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT), a novel technique that has been evaluated in small studies for closing upper GI perforations or leaks, is showing excellent results in a large registry study in Spain. The final study I discuss aimed…
According to the Medical Group Management Association’s (MGMA) 2023 “Regulatory Burden Report,” 97% of healthcare providers have experienced delays or denials in necessary patient care due to prior authorization requirements. The survey, which included responses from 350 group practices, highlighted the significant impact of regulatory burdens on patient care. Key findings from the report include:
The article in CLP Magazine, authored by Moshe Szyf, PhD, discusses the potential of epigenetics, particularly DNA methylation, in advancing cancer detection. Early cancer detection is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality, but current methods like imaging and antigen-antibody screens have limitations in sensitivity and specificity, especially in early stages. DNA, with its resilience and role in physiological and pathological functions, offers a promising avenue for cancer screening. DNA mutations and alterations in DNA methylation are hallmarks of cancer. These changes occur early in cancer progression and are present in nearly all cancers. DNA from dying tumor cells leaks into…
The Medscape article, presented by Leslie Yeeman Kam, MD, from Stanford University Medical Center, highlights a significant gap in the treatment of liver cancer related to hepatitis C viral infection (HCV). The retrospective study revealed that fewer than one in four patients with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) received all-oral, noninterferon, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, despite these agents’ proven survival benefits. The study was discussed at The Liver Meeting 2023 of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). Patients with HCV-related HCC who were seen by gastroenterologists and infectious disease specialists, with or without an oncologist’s consultation, were…
Therapeutic exposure to aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with a lower risk for cancer, including liver cancer, and decreased mortality risk in people with liver disease, according to new research. To investigate the effect of exposure to aspirin and NSAIDs in patients with chronic liver disease, researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden conducted a population-based cohort study of patients who had been hospitalized in Stockholm between 2005 and 2020 (abstract 3521-C). The mean age at diagnosis was lowest (49 years) for those with viral hepatitis and oldest (66 years) for those with primary cholangitis. Of the 21,439…
Starting January 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Massachusetts will implement a new policy restricting the coverage of monitored anesthesia for certain gastrointestinal procedures. This change will affect patients undergoing endoscopic, bronchoscopic, or interventional pain procedures. The policy states that the use of monitored anesthesia will not be considered “medically necessary” unless the operating physician or anesthesiologist/certified registered nurse anesthesiologist documents specific risk factors or significant medical conditions. Patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class I or Class II, meaning they have no or few comorbidities, will no longer receive coverage for monitored anesthesia care for routine screening…
US Digestive Health (USDH), one of the largest gastroenterology practices in the United States, has announced its expansion into York, Pennsylvania. This expansion includes the addition of Dr. Chris Evans, DO, a highly skilled surgeon, to its team of healthcare providers. Dr. Evans will offer General Surgical services and procedures while advancing his endoscopic practice at the new USDH location in York. Dr. Rajesh Panchwagh, DO, FACG, will also serve at this new office location. Both physicians bring extensive experience in providing gastrointestinal care in York and the broader Pennsylvania region. Jerry Tillinger, CEO of US Digestive Health, emphasized the…
Vial, a global tech-driven contract research organization (CRO), has announced a strategic partnership with Mason America Inc., a provider of mobile infrastructure for smart hardware products. This collaboration will see Mason providing Vial with hardware as a service for clinical sites, enabling remote management of devices for eSource on a global scale. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of new therapies and devices for sponsors and patients by leveraging cutting-edge technology and hardware infrastructure. Simon Burns, CEO and Co-Founder of Vial, emphasizes that this alliance will bring innovation and efficiency to clinical trials by enabling direct data capture and…