Author: Abhay Panchal

Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey said Dr. Tarun Sharma, a highly revered gastroenterologist with a proven track record of providing exceptional, personalized patient care, has joined the Woodland Park-based health care facility. Sharma’s decision to join GANJ stems from his desire to be associated with a prominent group of leading gastroenterologists in northern New Jersey, furthering GANJ’s mission to deliver top-quality gastroenterology services to the community.

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The night before a controversial UnitedHealthcare policy requiring preauthorization for most endoscopic procedures was to go into effect, the insurance company announced that it would not implement the policy but would ask gastroenterology practices to participate in an advance notification program starting June 1. According to a statement from the insurer, the new program is intended “to provide an opportunity for physician education and to allow us to collect more data on which physicians should be eligible for our previously announced 2024 gold card program.” The statement further noted that there will be no denial of care related to advance…

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The field of gastroenterology can be challenging, both professionally and personally, leading to burnout, especially for new and transitioning gastroenterologists. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress.1 It is characterized by emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment.2,3 This condition can have severe consequences for physicians and their patients.

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Patients suffering from IBS, NASH, GERD, dysphagia and other common GI disorders can be a challenge to diagnose and treat. The 2023 Principles of GI for the NP and PA, which will take place Aug. 18-20, in Denver, Colorado, and online, guides advanced practice providers (APPs) on how to address these diseases through case-based scenarios often seen in practice. Save $100 by registering through Aug. 4.

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The nation’s most profitable insurer has yet to release clear information about its new program that went into effect on June 1, which lays the groundwork for UHC’s prior authorization policy for lifesaving colonoscopies and endoscopies. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) remains concerned by UnitedHealthcare’s (UHC) advance notification program, which went into immediate effect June 1. The nation’s most profitable insurer has yet to provide clear requirements, instructions or training––sowing confusion and uncertainty among doctors and their staff. Most importantly, AGA remains alarmed that the insurance giant is using this program as a basis for its “Gold Card” prior authorization…

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The largest physician group in the U.S. has nearly 14,000 doctors, according to a new analysis from Definitive Healthcare provided to MedPage Today. Physician groups come in many varieties, from large health system-affiliated groups to contract management groups to small practices owned by physicians. Definitive Healthcare says it tracks more than 125,000 such groups — but the top 20 are mostly dominated by those run by large health systems.

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