Gastroenterologists, like many specialists, faced financial headwinds in 2024, as paychecks were squeezed by shrinking payer reimbursements and broader market uncertainty. According to Medscape’s latest report, average physician pay rose by less than 3%, reflecting waning employer motivation to increase salaries post-pandemic. Industry experts point to hospital financial struggles, regulatory unpredictability, and the fading momentum of COVID-era compensation gains as key contributors. With a new administration underway and future policy impacts unclear, it’s a moment for GI physicians to tread carefully and plan strategically.
Author: Abhay Panchal
With early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) projected to become the leading cause of cancer death among those aged 20–49 by 2030, physicians must raise CRC on their diagnostic radar—especially for symptomatic younger patients. Experts like Dr. Cassandra Fritz and Dr. Neil Parikh urge earlier risk stratification using family history, AI-driven models, and underused tools like stool-based testing. They emphasize the importance of lifestyle education, patient awareness, and system-level change to shift from late detection to proactive prevention. “If we control that, we can change the trajectory,” says Parikh.
Newswise — The July issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology features a new ACG Clinical Guideline on Preventive Care in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, with updates to recommended vaccine schedules and health screenings for this patient group. The issue also includes reviews and articles on eosinophilic esophagitis, cirrhosis, augmented reality in endoscopy, GLP-1 RAs and colonoscopy bowel prep, exposure to air pollutants, and more. Access to any articles from this issue, or past issues, is available upon request. The College is also able to connect members of the press with study authors or outside experts who can comment on the…
In today’s high-demand, low-bandwidth environment, many GI practices feel stuck—facing staffing shortages, operational bloat, and misalignment between physicians and administrators. In his recent MedCity News article, Dr. Russ Arjal argues that sustainable growth for GI groups won’t come from doing more, but from evolving differently. From dyad leadership models to tech-enabled efficiency and data-driven decision-making, Arjal lays out a blueprint for breaking through the growth ceiling without sacrificing care quality or control. Is your GI practice positioned to evolve—or at risk of being disrupted?
The Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) has launched an independent evaluation of virtual care solutions for gastrointestinal (GI) conditions—aiming to assess their clinical effectiveness and economic value. With over 60 million Americans affected by GI issues and $136 billion spent annually, the stakes are high. These digital tools—offering remote monitoring, behavioral support, and integrated specialty care—may hold the key to reducing avoidable ER visits and unnecessary procedures. Will virtual GI care become a scalable alternative to traditional models?
Digestive health is one of the biggest—and most overlooked—drivers of healthcare costs, with 30% of health plan members filing GI-related claims and 15% requiring care that averages $25,000 per person annually. Yet with average wait times of 48 days to see a GI specialist, many patients turn to the ER or non-specialist care, often without getting better. Only 38% report satisfaction with their GI care. In a compelling analysis, Dr. Eric Bricker highlights how virtual, multidisciplinary GI programs are changing the game—achieving 98% patient satisfaction, 64% fewer ER visits, and saving over $10,000 per patient in just six months. Could…
Northwestern Medicine researchers have developed a new diagnostic model that significantly improves the accuracy of identifying esophageal motility disorders like achalasia—outperforming traditional timed barium esophagram methods. By combining data from TBE, manometry, and FLIP panometry, and introducing a three-tiered classification system based on body width and tablet passage, the model achieved 88.3% accuracy with higher sensitivity and specificity. Could this multi-metric approach become the new gold standard in diagnosing swallowing disorders?
Researchers have developed a new risk prediction model for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that goes beyond symptom checklists—focusing instead on lifestyle factors like poor sleep, BMI, tobacco and alcohol use, and low dietary fiber. Using a 45-item questionnaire tested across two patient cohorts, the scoring system (GRSS) demonstrated high accuracy and reliability in identifying individuals at risk for GERD. With strong predictive power (C-index >0.88) and over 95% specificity, the tool could mark a shift toward proactive prevention. Could this model redefine how we detect and manage GERD?
In this compelling episode of The Scope Forward Show, Praveen Suthrum interviews Jeff Glueck, a tech entrepreneur best known for leading Foursquare and Travelocity, who has now turned his focus to healthcare. Jeff shares his deeply personal story that inspired the founding of Salvo Health — a virtual platform redefining chronic GI care by integrating traditional medicine with lifestyle and environmental health practices. Jeff discusses the fragmentation in GI follow-on care, the unrealistic expectations placed on patients post-diagnosis, and how Salvo aims to close these gaps. The conversation also dives into the role of private equity, the pressures on community GIs, and why collaboration…
Personalis, Inc. has extended its exclusive commercialization agreement with Tempus AI to include colorectal cancer (CRC), building on its existing focus in breast, lung, and immunotherapy monitoring. The deal centers on NeXT Personal, an ultra-sensitive, tumor-informed minimal residual disease (MRD) test designed to detect cancer recurrence earlier and more accurately. Backed by interim data from the VICTORI study presented at AACR 2025, the collaboration now runs through 2029 with exclusivity across all four indications until 2028. With Tempus’ reach to over 50% of U.S. oncologists, the expanded alliance aims to accelerate adoption of MRD testing in colorectal cancer — affecting…