Two ASCs managed by GI management services organization United Digestive have earned spots on Newsweek’s list of the best ASCs in the nation for 2024. The United Digestive ASCs earning recognition include Fort Myers, Fla.-based Gastroenterology Associates of Southwest Florida’s Barkley Surgicenter and Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates’ Stockbridge, Ga.-based Southern Crescent Endoscopy Center, according to an Oct. 25 press release. The two centers are among 67 endoscopy ASCs named on the list.
Author: Abhay Panchal
VANCOUVER—Computer-aided detection in colonoscopy proved to be beneficial for a wide spread of colonoscopy providers, improving adenoma per colonoscopy rates among several subsets of clinicians, according to a new study presented at the 2023 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. “Our results show that CADe helps gastroenterologists in both academic and community practices, at all times of the day, with the largest increase for physicians with more than 20 years of experience and those with ADR [adenoma detection rate] lower than 45%,” Aasma Shaukat, MD, the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine at the NYU…
Nearly one in 100 people in the United States have a form of inflammatory bowel disease, according to a new study led by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. This number—touted by researchers as the clearest depiction to date of IBD in the United States—is one of the highest national rates in the world, according to researchers. The INPUT (INcidence, Prevalence, Treatment, and OUTcomes in Patients with IBD) study found that IBD affects more than 0.7% of Americans, translating to approximately 721 cases per 100,000 people. “The numbers from our study and those from studies around the world mean two main…
1. Updated Recommended Age for Cancer Screenings: 2. Prior Authorizations: 3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Gastroenterology:
There is a significant gap in identifying hereditary genetic cancer predispositions, which are estimated to affect 2-4% of the population. In this study, a genetic risk assessment tool (questionnaire) was developed and given to patients before their appointments. If the assessment showed positive results, the clinician was immediately informed and educated the patient about the potential hereditary genetic risk. These patients were then offered a specific genetic assessment for colorectal, pancreatic, ovarian, and breast cancer through on-site saliva collection. Those who tested positive received genetic counseling, and the results and recommendations were shared with their primary care physicians for a…
Two multitarget stool tests currently in development have shown promising results for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in average-risk individuals. The first test, a multitarget stool RNA test (mt-sRNA; Colosense, Geneoscopy), was compared to colonoscopy for detecting advanced adenomas and CRC in individuals aged 45 and older. The second test, a next-generation multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA; Cologuard, Exact Sciences), was evaluated alongside a fecal hemoglobin assay for CRC screening in adults aged 40 and older. Key Findings:
In a podcast episode on KevinMD, Brian Hudes, a gastroenterologist, delves into the changing dynamics of the gastroenterology field in the United States. The discussion touches upon historical decisions that have shaped the specialty, the evolving demographics of the workforce, and the implications these shifts have on physician salaries. Hudes highlights the challenges faced by professionals in the field and explores potential solutions to address them. The overarching theme of the podcast revolves around understanding the multifaceted factors that are molding the future of gastroenterology. Key Takeaways:
ChatGPT 4.0, a chatbot, has demonstrated an overall accuracy of 80% in answering questions related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This assessment was based on a study conducted by Dr. Anthony Lembo and his team at the Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease Institute. The researchers used Google Trends to identify IBS-related searches from the past five years and formulated 15 questions based on these queries. These questions were then input into ChatGPT 4.0, which was also asked to provide references for its answers. Key Findings:
GI OnDEMAND®, a leading multidisciplinary virtual care platform in gastroenterology, has announced a collaboration with GI Psychology LLC. This specialized group practice comprises behavioral health clinicians who are experts in treatments for gastrointestinal disorders. The partnership aims to provide scientifically supported GI psychology services to ACG members and patients with gastrointestinal health conditions across the nation. Key Points:
Body Mass Index (BMI) has been a longstanding tool in clinical practice for categorizing patients as “underweight,” “overweight,” or “obese.” However, its effectiveness as a standalone measure for obesity is being increasingly questioned. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, points out that BMI is a crude number that doesn’t provide insights into an individual’s actual weight composition, such as fat mass, muscle mass, or weight distribution. Key Points: