The article discusses recent research indicating that changes in the gut microbiome may offer a potential method for detecting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at an early stage, even before the appearance of noticeable symptoms. Detecting AD in its early phases is crucial for effective treatment. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, focused on individuals in the initial stages of AD who showed no signs of cognitive decline. The researchers discovered that these individuals had a distinct composition of gut microbes compared to healthy individuals.
Author: Abhay Panchal
To provide an opportunity for physician education and to allow UnitedHealthcare to collect more data on which providers should be eligible for our previously announced 2024 Gold Card administrative simplification program, we have implemented an Advance Notification process, rather than Prior Authorization, for non-screening gastroenterology (GI) procedures.
The SmartPill, a wireless ingestible capsule containing sensors that monitor pressure, pH, transit time and temperature as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract, is being discontinued, a spokesperson for its manufacturer, Medtronic, confirmed on June 21.The company did not say when or why the product was being discontinued, but experts said it was almost certainly related to a business decision, not a safety issue. Braden Kuo, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, a motility specialist who took part in the SmartPill’s development and testing at various stages, said that Medtronic’s decision to discontinue the device was already known among his…
CHICAGO—Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection has numerous advantages over the conventional approach for the resection of colorectal polyps, according to a meta-analysis presented at Digestive Disease Week 2023. “We found that for all lesions, irrespective of their size, underwater endoscopic mucosal resection [U-EMR] outperforms conventional EMR [C-EMR] in terms of en bloc resection, R0 resection and rate of polyp recurrence,” said Saurabh Chandan, MD, an assistant professor of gastroenterology at Creighton University School of Medicine, in Omaha, Neb. However, the data are less clear for lesions larger than 20 mm, he added. “I would say that U-EMR is comparable to C-EMR,…
The article discusses the effectiveness of the next-generation Cologuard test in non-invasive screening for colorectal cancer. According to the findings, the test demonstrated a sensitivity of 94% for detecting colorectal cancer with a specificity of 91%. Sensitivity refers to the test’s ability to correctly identify individuals who have colorectal cancer, while specificity refers to its ability to correctly identify individuals who do not have the disease.
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.
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.