The GAO reports that physician consolidation is accelerating, with almost half of U.S. doctors now tied to hospital systems—up from less than a third in 2012. While this shift gives practices more negotiating leverage and access to resources, it also fuels concerns about competition, rising costs, and shrinking independence. Research shows higher spending per patient without clear quality gains, leaving healthcare leaders to ask: is consolidation driving efficiency or simply inflating the bill?
Author: Abhay Panchal
GI care is undergoing a quiet revolution. Once dismissed as psychosomatic, conditions like IBS and SIBO are now being reframed through advances in microbiome science, nutrition, and diagnostic technology. From elemental diets that outperform antibiotics, to at-home three-gas breath tests that bypass months-long waits for invasive procedures, the toolkit for patients and physicians is rapidly expanding. But as evidence-based nutrition strategies and digital care apps reshape treatment, consumer-driven fads—often fueled by influencers—add new risks. The challenge for gastroenterologists is balancing innovation with education, helping patients cut through misinformation while embracing integrated, whole-person care.
Outlook Surgical has secured FDA 510(k) clearance for its Inova 1 Towerless Endoscope System—a first-of-its-kind hybrid platform that blends the precision of rigid scopes with the flexibility of traditional endoscopes. Designed for one-handed use, the device integrates directly with surgical instruments, eliminates bulky towers, and delivers crystal-clear HD imaging on any monitor or wirelessly. Early feedback from surgeons calls the system “intuitive” and “long overdue,” with potential applications extending beyond ENT to gastroenterology, orthopedics, and critical care. With a 2026 launch planned, this innovation could reshape surgical visualization and accelerate the shift toward more efficient, minimally invasive care.
Olympus has launched Olysense, its first AI-driven computer-aided detection (CADe) solution for early colorectal polyp detection. At the core is Caddie, a cloud-based platform trained on extensive datasets to spot high-risk lesions—including large polyps and elusive sessile serrated lesions—by analyzing colonoscopy video frames in real time. The software integrates seamlessly with Olympus’ EVIS X1 and EVIS Exera III systems.
Iterative Health has appointed Bill Kayser as its new President and CFO, marking a major hire as the company pushes to expand its role in GI clinical research. Kayser, who most recently led finances at GI Alliance before its acquisition by Cardinal, brings deep expertise in physician group strategy, M&A, and scaling healthcare organizations. His background—spanning investment banking, Prospero Health (Optum), and McKesson—positions him to steer Iterative’s financial strategy at a time when clinical research and AI are reshaping how GI therapies reach patients.
Too often, patients with bloating, abdominal pain, or persistent bowel issues wait years before reaching the right diagnosis. But new tools are shifting the front line of care. From advanced breath tests that uncover hidden bacterial overgrowth to evolving diet-based therapies, primary care physicians may no longer need to defer every case to specialists. Could this mean faster relief — and fewer years of misdiagnosis — for millions struggling with IBS-like symptoms?
The latest government shutdown isn’t just about politics — it’s about health coverage for millions. At stake are the enhanced Obamacare subsidies that kept premiums low during the pandemic. With those set to expire, some families could see monthly costs nearly double — unless Congress acts. The battle over whether to extend these subsidies has become the flashpoint in Washington’s funding standoff.
Fresh salary data from Marit Health, shows how gastroenterologist compensation shifts depending on employer type and payment model. Academic vs. non-academic roles, hospital vs. medical group employment, and salary vs. productivity-based pay all play a role in shaping earnings. While productivity contracts stand out, the full breakdown highlights just how much employer structure can tilt the numbers.
A new study highlights how TikTok has become a major source of GI health information—sometimes helpful, often misleading. Researchers found that while most colorectal cancer videos came from clinicians and stressed screening guidelines, the vast majority of IBS and IBD content was patient-generated, anecdotal, and frequently inaccurate. The study warns this imbalance may fuel self-treatment and delay proper care, but also shows how GI specialists can use these platforms to counter misinformation and educate at scale.
Gastroenterologists treat MASLD, GERD, gallstones, and even obesity-related cancers daily—yet too often stop short of addressing the root cause: obesity itself. In a new Medscape commentary, Dr. Alicia Muratore argues it’s time for GI specialists to move beyond symptom management and take the lead in obesity treatment. From endoscopic weight-loss procedures to integrating obesity medicine into fellowships, she outlines why GI is uniquely positioned to spearhead this care—and what practical steps practices can take now.