While increases in colorectal cancer screening have been linked to drops in disease incidence, marginalized racial and ethnic populations in the United States continue to see lower screening rates along with higher disease incidence and mortality. Disparities in colorectal screening represent a serious public health challenge, say the authors of a new literature review that describes specific areas of concern and recommendations for improvement.
Author: Abhay Panchal
The article discusses a new study that explores the effectiveness of a mucosal exposure device combined with artificial intelligence (AI) assistance in improving the detection of adenomas during colonoscopies. Adenomas are precancerous growths that can potentially develop into colorectal cancer if not detected and removed. The study involved using a specialized device that improved the visualization and exposure of the mucosal surface during colonoscopies. This device, combined with AI software, analyzed the captured images in real-time to assist in the detection of adenomas.
The article discusses a new policy adopted by the American Medical Association (AMA) in the United States regarding the assessment of healthy weight. The AMA has recognized the need for a more comprehensive approach to evaluating health beyond just body mass index (BMI) calculations. The new policy encourages healthcare providers to consider various factors such as body fat percentage, waist circumference, and other measures of overall health when assessing a patient’s weight.
The article discusses the partnership between GI Alliance, a prominent gastroenterology management organization, and Digestive Health Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The collaboration aims to expand GI Alliance’s presence in the state. Digestive Health Center, with four office locations, four physicians, seven nurse practitioners, a registered dietitian, and 50 team members, has been a trusted healthcare provider in the Ocean Springs area for over 20 years.
The article discusses how Allied Digestive Health (ADH), a gastroenterology practice in New Jersey, is spearheading a digital transformation within the field of gastroenterology. ADH has implemented various innovative technologies and digital solutions to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and streamline operations. One of the key aspects of ADH’s digital transformation is the adoption of electronic health records (EHR) and telemedicine. By implementing an EHR system, ADH has improved data accessibility and streamlined communication among healthcare providers, enabling them to provide more coordinated and efficient care.
The article explores the reasons behind the increasing trend of physicians partnering with private equity firms. It highlights several factors that have contributed to this phenomenon. One primary factor is the changing landscape of healthcare reimbursement, with declining reimbursements from insurance companies and increasing administrative burdens on physicians. These financial pressures have led many physicians to seek alternative options, such as partnering with private equity firms, to address these challenges and secure their financial stability.
The article discusses a randomized study conducted at UCLA Health in Los Angeles that aimed to evaluate different screening approaches for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the age group of 45 to 49, which is relatively new to screening guidelines. The study found that mailing unsolicited fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits resulted in the highest screening completion rates among adults. According to Dr. Artin Galoosian, the investigator and a gastroenterology fellow at Loma Linda University in California, the mailed FIT kits outperformed other screening methods, including offering a choice between FIT and colonoscopy, offering FIT alone, or offering colonoscopy alone. The…
The gig economy and/or temporary contract work have become increasingly prevalent among healthcare professionals, including physicians. Approximately 7% of the U.S.-trained physician workforce practice medicine as locums or temporary assignments. This is only expected to grow as a new generation of young physicians become disenchanted by increasingly demanding jobs and the growing prevalence of burnout. According to the American Medical Association, 63% of physicians experienced burnout in 2021, up from 38% the previous year. Practicing physicians in the post-pandemic era are reducing their clinical hours or closing their private practices, worsening the expected critical workforce shortage. Similar trends are playing…
The article discusses the expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care and emphasizes the importance of maintaining caution and setting appropriate guardrails. While AI has shown promise in improving diagnosis, treatment decision-making, and patient outcomes in IBD, it also presents challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. The article highlights the need for rigorous validation of AI algorithms to ensure their accuracy and reliability before integrating them into clinical practice. Physicians should be cautious about blindly adopting AI tools without fully understanding their limitations and potential risks.
The article discusses how remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) can benefit physicians in improving patient care and education. It highlights the advantages of RTM, which allows physicians to remotely monitor patients’ health conditions and treatment progress using various devices and technologies. RTM enables timely interventions, early detection of complications, and personalized care, leading to improved patient outcomes. The article emphasizes the educational aspect of RTM, as it empowers patients to actively participate in their healthcare by providing real-time data and feedback. It also enables physicians to educate patients about their conditions, treatment plans, and self-management strategies.