A new study in The Lancet suggests that a simple capsule-sponge test could safely replace endoscopy for low-risk patients with Barrett’s esophagus—potentially cutting the need for invasive surveillance by half. By identifying cellular biomarkers through a non-endoscopic swab of the esophagus, researchers stratified patients into risk tiers with high accuracy. With a 97.8% negative predictive value in low-risk individuals and up to 85% cancer detection in ultra–high-risk cases, this test may dramatically reduce unnecessary procedures while focusing endoscopy resources where they matter most.
Author: Abhay Panchal
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms gastroenterology, one voice remains largely missing: the patient’s. Despite tens of thousands of AI studies in healthcare, fewer than 1% include patient perspectives. This article argues it’s time to shift from building AI tools around patients to building them with patients—by addressing their concerns, values, and expectations. Without trust and transparency, even the smartest algorithms risk rejection. Can GI truly integrate AI without first earning patient buy-in?
The National Cancer Institute has enrolled the first patient in its Vanguard Study to evaluate Guardant Health’s Shield™ multi-cancer detection (MCD) blood test, which can screen for multiple cancers—including colorectal, lung, breast, prostate, pancreatic, liver, ovarian, gastric, esophageal, and bladder cancers—from a single blood draw. With plans to enroll up to 24,000 participants over four years, the study aims to assess the feasibility and impact of using MCD tests in large-scale cancer screening trials. Shield has already received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, positioning it as a potential game-changer for early detection in average-risk individuals.
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.
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?