A groundbreaking UCLA-led study is casting light on a quiet but crucial problem: while blood-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests are revolutionizing early detection, the next step—follow-up colonoscopy—may be falling through the cracks. 📊 The Numbers Raise Eyebrows: Out of over 6,000 adults screened using Guardant Health’s Shield test, only 49% completed a follow-up colonoscopy within six months of an abnormal result. Even after two full years, only 56% had done so—leaving nearly half of potential CRC cases unconfirmed and untreated.🧠 Why It Matters: Blood-based tests are being hailed as a game-changer for CRC screening—more convenient, non-invasive, and potentially more…
Author: Abhay Panchal
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is sounding the alarm: proposed changes to the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule could shake up reimbursement models for gastroenterologists—especially those performing procedures in ASCs and hospital outpatient departments. CMS is planning: 📉 The Impact?
Healio has revealed its highly anticipated nominees for the 2025 Disruptive Innovators Awards in gastroenterology and hepatology. These awards celebrate bold individuals who are redefining the field—whether through clinical innovation, equity advocacy, digital influence, or trailblazing leadership.Unveiled during a special video event, the nominations span nine categories, from Lifetime Disruptor to The Patient Voice. Names behind major GI movements like Women in Endoscopy, Scrubs & Heels, and the Rome Foundation are in the spotlight. Winners will be selected by the GI community and honored at a live ceremony during the ACG Annual Meeting in Phoenix this October.
Emerging research suggests it might. A new analysis of NHANES data (2010–2018) involving over 19,000 participants reveals that a high platelet-to-HDL ratio (PHR)—a novel marker integrating inflammation and lipid metabolism—was independently associated with a threefold increase in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer risk. Participants in the highest PHR quartile were significantly more likely to have GI cancers, such as gastric, colorectal, and esophageal.
Something seismic just happened in medtech—and it wasn’t a product launch. It was the emergence of Swan Endosurgical, a stealth startup backed by Olympus and Revival Healthcare Capital that’s set to rewrite the rules of surgical robotics. This isn’t another da Vinci lookalike. Swan is pioneering endoluminal surgery—a new frontier where operations are performed from inside the body through natural orifices. This could render traditional laparoscopy obsolete and shift the surgical robotics industry into a new era. Why this matters: Author Steve Bell highlights how this isn’t just a startup story—it’s a market reset. For imaging giants like Olympus, it’s…
A massive new study analyzing 1.3 million colonoscopies finds that when private equity (PE) acquires GI practices, colonoscopy prices spike up to 7%, and physician revenue rises sharply, yet quality metrics remain flat. Published in JAMA Health Forum, the study reveals that practices owned by PE firms performed more colonoscopies, billed more per procedure, and saw more patients, but without statistically significant improvements in polyp detection or adverse event rates. While some argue that PE expands access and reduces inefficiencies, others warn it’s a play for pricing power without patient benefit. And regulators? Mostly powerless—for now. These deals often fly…
Navigating Medicaid is notoriously complex—and about to get tougher with new federal rules like work requirements and stricter recertifications. Millions risk losing coverage simply due to red tape. But Fortuna Health, backed again by Andreessen Horowitz, just raised $18M in Series A funding to change that. Their AI-powered platform turns a chaotic 56-program system into a single, user-friendly experience for patients—and now supports health plans covering over 25 million lives. With clients like Cedar, Highmark, and state agencies, Fortuna helps hospitals reduce uncompensated care by 53% and boosts patient retention with streamlined Medicaid renewals. The timing couldn’t be more urgent:…
MAGENTIQ EYE just raised a major Series A round led by healthtech powerhouse aMoon, signaling a bold bet on the future of AI-powered gastroenterology. Its flagship software, MAGENTIQ-COLO™, already FDA- and CE-approved, is being hailed as one of the most accurate AI tools for polyp detection during colonoscopies. But that’s just the beginning. With new features like real-time AI reports, polyp type prediction, and tools for diseases like ulcerative colitis and Barrett’s esophagus, the company isn’t just improving diagnostics—it’s redefining the gold standard for GI care. Backed by top European and American investors, and expanding rapidly across the U.S. and…
In a striking move, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may soon dismiss the entire U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)—a decision the American Medical Association warns could jeopardize access to life-saving screenings. The AMA has urged Secretary Robert F. Kennedy to reverse course, citing the Task Force’s essential role in crafting evidence-based recommendations for services like colon, breast, and lung cancer screenings. These recommendations directly shape insurance coverage—often determining which tests are offered at no cost to patients. Why the potential shakeup? And what would happen if the nation’s non-partisan voice on preventive care went silent?
Colorectal cancer screening is about to reach more Americans, thanks to a major expansion between Exact Sciences and Humana. Beginning August 2025, the next-gen Cologuard Plus™ test will be offered as an in-network benefit for Humana’s 5.8 million Medicare Advantage members—bringing a powerful at-home screening tool to the national stage. Cologuard Plus, launched just months ago, builds on the original Cologuard’s success with improved accuracy, new biomarkers, and a 40% reduction in false positives. That means fewer unnecessary colonoscopies—and more confidence from the comfort of home. With FDA approval, Medicare coverage, and inclusion in national guidelines, Cologuard Plus is positioning…