In this expert discussion on the Gastroenterology Learning Network, Megan Riehl and Kate Scarlata explain that effective care for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) requires a multidisciplinary approach. After a confirmed diagnosis and medical workup, patients may benefit from a care team including a gastroenterologist, advanced practice provider, dietitian, GI psychologist, and sometimes pelvic floor physical therapists.
Author: Abhay Panchal
The March 2026 issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology (official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology) covers several key gastroenterology topics: 1. Clinical guidelines 2. Screening and prevention 3. Infectious GI diseases 4. Esophageal disorders 5. Endoscopy and procedural innovation 6. Liver disease 7. Case images and unusual presentations
By 2036, the U.S. is projected to have a shortfall of around 630 GI physicians, according to projections from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration. The shortage, however, is not evenly distributed. While several large and mid-Atlantic states — including New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania — are projected to have sizable surpluses, much of the South and Mountain West is expected to see significant deficits. Nevada, Wyoming, Alaska and Montana are projected to meet just 33% to 50% of demand, and states such as Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas and Mississippi are forecast to operate…
UPMC announced the acquisition of Pennsylvania Gastroenterology (PAGI) to expand access to specialized digestive care in Central Pennsylvania. The practice will now operate as UPMC Gastroenterology Associates of Central Pa., with locations in Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill. The integration allows patients to continue care with existing physicians while gaining access to UPMC’s broader network, advanced technologies, and expanded resources. PAGI clinicians treat a wide range of digestive and liver conditions, including GERD, IBS, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and cirrhosis.
The American Gastroenterological Association introduced an updated clinical care pathway for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as NAFLD. The update reflects new disease terminology, emerging therapies, and improved noninvasive tools for identifying and managing patients at risk. The pathway provides clinicians with a structured approach to screening, diagnosis, and risk stratification, including identifying patients at risk of fibrosis, performing routine history and blood tests, using noninvasive fibrosis scoring tools, and confirming risk through liver stiffness measurements or specialized blood tests. MASLD affects about 30% of U.S. adults and up to 65% of people with type 2 diabetes,…
The American Gastroenterological Association, together with the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, released 2026 CPT coding updates affecting gastroenterology practices. Key updates include a new CPT code for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, revisions to colon motility testing codes, a new Category I code for percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS), and updates to evaluation and management (E/M) codes to support proper reimbursement for GI procedures and services.
In a report by Amy Pfeiffer, a large randomized trial found that AI assistance during upper endoscopy did not significantly improve detection of gastric neoplasms after centralized pathology review. The study, led by Zehua Dong, PhD, and published in Gastroenterology, analyzed 29,514 patients across 24 hospitals in China comparing standard EGD with AI-assisted EGD using the ENDOANGEL-GN system. Detection rates were 1.42% with AI vs 1.25% without AI, a difference that was not statistically significant after expert pathology review. However, AI reduced blind spots during endoscopy and increased inspection time, and subgroup analysis suggested potential benefits for less experienced endoscopists…
A study has found that electronic health record (EHR) use contributes significantly to workload and burnout among gastroenterology providers.Analyzing data from 347 clinicians across three tertiary referral centers, researchers found that hepatology, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and motility specialists spent the most time in the EHR, including outside regular work hours. In-basket messaging and documentation were identified as the biggest stressors, with over 30% of surveyed providers reporting burnout.
In an article by Donavyn Coffey, the growing influence of private equity in healthcare is examined, highlighting both opportunities and risks for physicians. While selling practices to private equity firms can offer financial relief, operational support, and early payouts, some physicians report loss of autonomy, pay cuts, and even clinic closures after acquisition. Experts note that many deals provide less upfront cash than initially advertised and often require physicians to remain with the practice for 3–5 years under new management. While some doctors benefit from expanded resources and scale, others caution that physicians should carefully evaluate investors and financial terms…
Guardant Health announced that its blood-based colorectal cancer screening test Shield is now accessible nationwide through the testing network of Quest Diagnostics. The partnership allows physicians to order Shield through existing Quest accounts and EHR systems, while patients can access testing through Quest’s ~2,000 patient service centers and 6,000 phlebotomists. Shield is the first blood test fully approved by the FDA as a primary colorectal cancer screening option for average-risk adults aged 45+. The company reports that the test has shown 93% screening adherence in real-world use, offering a potentially easier alternative to colonoscopy or stool-based screening and aiming to…