Gastro Health has named Chris Fourment, MD, a nationally recognized leader in gastroenterology research, as Vice President of Clinical Research. Dr. Fourment brings extensive experience from his roles at GI Alliance, Precision Research, and Clinical Research Strategy Group, with a strong track record in Inflammatory Bowel Disease research and clinical trial innovation. At Gastro Health, he will lead the development of a national research platform aimed at expanding patient access to cutting-edge therapies.
Author: Abhay Panchal
In this video, Lisa Mathew, MD, of South Denver Gastroenterology in Denver, Colorado, and Raja Taunk, MD, of Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, in Annapolis, Maryland, share insights on private practice gastroenterology and offer tips on building your practice – specifically improving your referral base.
Upper GI cancers, including esophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers, remain the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Gastroenterologists, with their expertise in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), are uniquely positioned to lead the integration of emerging cancer therapies such as targeted radiotherapy. These minimally invasive, EUS-guided treatments allow for precise intratumoral delivery, especially in pancreatic cancer where surgery is often not viable. As treatment models become more collaborative and personalized, GIs are at the forefront of a care revolution—poised to drive innovation, expand access to localized therapies, and improve patient outcomes.
A landmark study presented at DDW 2025 has identified five blood proteins—CDHR2, FUOM, KRT18, ACY1, and GGT1—that can predict the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) up to 16 years before symptoms appear. The predictive model, derived from over 52,000 participants in the UK Biobank, demonstrated up to 90.4% accuracy at five years and 82.2% at 16 years, outperforming all existing models. Researchers suggest this ultra-early detection could revolutionize liver disease prevention through personalized interventions long before liver damage begins.
Here’s a detailed summary of the 2025 Healthcare M&A Report from VMG Health, highlighting key insights and specific points of interest related to gastroenterology (GI): General M&A Trends: Gastroenterology Specific Highlights:
Former Department of Justice officials Martin Gaynor and Jonathan Kanter warn that the growing dominance of vertically integrated health care conglomerates—like UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health—threatens competition, raises costs, and limits physician autonomy. In a JAMA opinion piece, they argue that these entities now control everything from insurance and pharmacy benefits to data analytics and physician services, creating “Big Health Care” platforms that mirror Big Tech monopolies.
There are a number of treatment options, and we’ve been fortunate that several have been approved lately for Crohn’s disease. There are the anti-TNF medications, which include medicines like infliximab, adalimumab or certolizumab. Those have been sort of our most longstanding therapies for Crohn’s. We’ve also had vedolizumab for a number of years for Crohn’s disease.
AI has the potential to revolutionize prior authorization by reducing administrative burdens and expediting approvals, but physicians remain wary that it could worsen care delays and increase denials if layered on top of a flawed system. While insurers tout AI’s efficiency, doctors fear it may be used to deny care without proper oversight—especially given past misuse by insurers like Cigna and UnitedHealth. Experts agree that for AI to improve outcomes, prior authorization must first be reformed to be more transparent, clinically grounded, and patient-focused. Otherwise, AI could merely automate inequities at scale.
Dr. Fola May, associate professor at UCLA and associate director of the Center for Health Equity, highlights the importance of patient-centered decision-making in colorectal cancer screening, noting that while colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive option—offering both detection and removal of precancerous polyps—noninvasive alternatives like stool-based FIT and FIT-DNA tests are suitable for those hesitant about colonoscopy.
Oshi Health, a national virtual gastroenterology clinic, has introduced a bold 100% fees-at-risk ROI Guarantee, tying its reimbursement directly to measurable clinical outcomes and cost savings for employers and payers. Unlike typical engagement-based digital health models, Oshi offers high-touch, multidisciplinary care through GI-specialized clinicians who collaborate in real time to drive sustained symptom control, reduce ER visits, and eliminate unnecessary costs.