For patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), education is central to adherence to therapy and improved outcomes. Working closely with patients to create and maintain a personalized care plan can help empower them to better manage their own care. To learn more about how we can apply this in clinical practice, Dr. Charles Turck sits down with Dr. Harish Gagneja, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Austin Gastroenterology in Texas and Vice Chair of the American College of Gastroenterology Board of Governors.
Author: Abhay Panchal
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has announced a sweeping restructuring that will eliminate 20,000 positions—reducing the workforce from 82,000 to 62,000—and consolidate 28 divisions into 15, with the aim of saving $1.8 billion annually. Key agencies like the FDA, CDC, NIH, and CMS will face significant layoffs.
The FDA has approved Tremfya (guselkumab) for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, offering a convenient at-home self-injection option in addition to IV infusion. This IL-23 inhibitor is the first of its kind to also target CD64+ cells, enhancing its effectiveness. Clinical trials showed significant remission rates—up to 65% at 48 weeks—among patients who had not responded to standard treatments. Already approved for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis, Tremfya now brings flexibility and new hope to Crohn’s patients through a more accessible treatment option.
The 13th Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit revealed how cutting-edge research on gut microbiome science is being applied to clinical practice. The event — organized by AGA and the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) — brought together clinicians, researchers, nutritionists, and dietitians from around the world.
Genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after years of declining demand, financial losses, and fallout from a major 2023 data breach. CEO Anne Wojcicki has stepped down, and interim CEO Joe Selsavage is now overseeing operations as the company seeks a buyer. The firm will continue operating during restructuring but faces intense scrutiny over customer data security. California’s Attorney General is urging users to request data and sample deletion, citing privacy concerns. Once a Silicon Valley darling, 23andMe’s valuation has plummeted, with shares now in penny stock territory.
A surge in the use of non-FDA-approved, compounded, and counterfeit versions of diabetes and obesity drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) has prompted warnings from the FDA and leading medical organizations due to serious safety concerns. Initially allowed during drug shortages, compounded forms will soon be banned as shortages have officially ended. Experts emphasize that these unregulated alternatives—often sold by questionable online sources—lack the rigorous testing and oversight of FDA-approved medications.
A new short-term federal funding bill has locked in a fifth consecutive year of Medicare physician payment cuts, with 2026 rates proposing a 2.8% reduction despite rising practice costs. Meanwhile, Medicare Advantage plans will see a 4.33% increase in payments. AMA President Dr. Bruce Scott warns this growing disparity threatens the sustainability of physician practices and patient access to care. He emphasizes the urgent need for Medicare payment reform, including annual payment updates tied to practice costs, budget neutrality reforms, improved MIPS, and enhanced alternative payment models.
Gastrointestinal procedures make up a huge share of the most commonly billed services at ASCs, according to a March 13 MedPAC report. While cataract surgeries top the list, several GI-related procedures follow closely, accounting for a large portion of ASC case volume for Medicare beneficiaries.
The Doctors Company’s $1.3 billion acquisition of ProAssurance signals growing consolidation in the medical malpractice insurance market amid rising healthcare costs and increased mergers among physician groups. The deal, offering ProAssurance shareholders a 60% premium, will expand The Doctors Company’s national scale and solidify its position as a leading physician-owned liability insurer. With more doctors working for hospitals and large groups—who provide malpractice coverage—this move reflects the need for insurers to evolve and scale to meet the demands of a rapidly consolidating healthcare landscape.
A new 2025 survey from Athenahealth and the Harris Poll reveals that fewer physicians are thinking about leaving their jobs compared to 2024, with improved attitudes driven in part by the adoption of AI technology. Many doctors see AI—especially in transcription and documentation—as a key tool to reduce burnout and administrative burden. While only 3 in 10 physicians currently use AI, optimism about its potential is growing. Despite improvements, concerns persist around the future of U.S. healthcare, especially regarding interoperability, financial stability, and regulatory demands.