Here are three significant updates related to the Stark law that could impact Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs): Florida’s Supervision Requirements: A new law has been enacted in Florida that amends the state’s Stark law supervision stipulations. Previously, the law mandated direct supervision, meaning the supervising physician had to be physically present in the office when the referred services were being executed. This direct supervision mandate has now been removed. Instead, the service should be supervised in a manner that aligns with “all applicable Medicare payment and coverage rules for services.” Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023: This act has introduced updates…
Author: Abhay Panchal
A comprehensive nationwide survey involving close to 89,000 participants revealed that the prevalence of Rome IV irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the U.S. stands at 6.1%, a figure higher than the previously estimated range of 4.7% to 5.3%. This study, published in Gastroenterology, highlighted that earlier U.S. studies estimating IBS prevalence were based on smaller sample sizes of around 2,000 individuals. The survey, conducted in early 2020, aimed to determine the prevalence of IBS using Rome IV criteria, the severity of symptoms, and the healthcare-seeking behaviors of the affected individuals. The findings showed that women were more likely to have…
Novo Nordisk has granted $9.57 million to the University of California San Diego NAFLD Research Center for a clinical trial that aims to assess the effectiveness of semaglutide in treating patients with fibrosis resulting from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is currently the second leading cause for liver transplantation in the U.S., impacting around 24% of adults. Although many potential treatments are being explored, none have received FDA approval yet. Recent advancements in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for weight loss, such as Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide, Novo Nordisk), have shown promise in reversing fatty liver disease in patients…
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Copenhagen have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can potentially identify individuals at the highest risk for pancreatic cancer up to three years before an actual diagnosis. This tool utilizes patients’ medical records to determine the elevated risk for the disease and is based on data from 6 million patients in Denmark. The tool was further evaluated in collaboration with VA Boston Healthcare System, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. A study published in Nature Medicine indicates that AI-based population screening could be instrumental in…
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has expanded its virtual-first health plan, which integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize health services for its members. Initially introduced earlier this year, this plan will be available in Connecticut and Virginia starting January 1. The Anthem Link Virtual First plans utilize the insurer’s Sydney app, offering members 24/7 access to benefits details, cost transparency information, and more. The app also features an AI-driven symptom checker that evaluates specific symptoms before a doctor’s consultation. These plans provide various cost-sharing options, including zero coinsurance for virtual care. They also enable members to access Anthem’s network…
Watchmaker Genomics, a provider of innovative products for molecular analysis, has entered into a multi-year, co-exclusive agreement with Exact Sciences Corporation, a leading cancer screening and diagnostic test provider. The collaboration aims to develop and commercialize the TET-assisted pyridine borane sequencing (TAPS) technology, a breakthrough in DNA methylation analysis. Watchmaker plans to enhance the TAPS chemistry, enabling advanced applications like cancer screening and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing. DNA methylation patterns, which can be indicators of both healthy and diseased tissue states, are seen as promising biomarkers for liquid biopsies. The TAPS technology can improve DNA methylation analysis accuracy. Additionally,…
While AI’s potential in healthcare is often hyped, there are existing AI tools that can offer immediate return on investment (ROI) for healthcare providers. The article highlights five ways in which Natural Language Processing (NLP) and AI are currently benefiting health systems, clinicians, and patients: The article emphasizes the importance of focusing on AI tools that offer immediate value, especially those that alleviate clinician workload and ensure timely access to critical information.
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom among patients with both active and inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and it is strongly linked to depression, as reported in BMC Gastroenterology. Victoria Uhlir and her team from Jena University Hospital conducted a study involving 189 patients with IBD, revealing that 51.3% of patients were fatigued, and 12.2% were extremely fatigued. The symptom was more common among women and those with moderate to severe disease activity. The study also found a strong correlation between fatigue and depression, with 43.5% of the extremely fatigued group having severe or very severe depression. The researchers emphasized the…
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) typically offer a less expensive option for an upper GI endoscopy compared to Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPDs). This information is based on data from Sidecar Health’s care calculator. The article provides a state-by-state breakdown of the estimated costs for an upper GI endoscopy at both ASCs and HOPDs. It’s important to note that these prices are estimated benefit amounts, and the exact coverage or reimbursement will depend on the services listed on the itemized bill. Thought-Provoking Questions & Insights:
A recent meta-analysis of six prevalent cancer screenings has raised questions about their efficacy in saving lives. The study, set to be published in JAMA Internal Medicine, was conducted by Michael Bretthauer and his team from the University of Oslo. Their findings suggest that, apart from colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy, which showed a statistically significant gain of 110 days, other screenings did not substantially extend life. For instance, prostate cancer screening and colonoscopy resulted in a 37-day gain, while lung cancer screening showed a 107-day gain. Mammography and fecal occult blood testing did not show any life extension. The…