This article explores how electronic health records (EHRs), while beneficial for data access and care coordination, contribute significantly to provider burnout in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care. Tasks like documentation, chart review, and in-basket messaging consume excessive time, especially for IBD specialists. Despite prior efforts—including standardized templates, order sets, and collaborative networks like IBD Qorus and ImproveCareNow—barriers persist due to varying platforms and lack of standardization.
Author: Abhay Panchal
A new bipartisan bill, the Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act, aims to reform prior authorization in Medicare by requiring that only board-certified physicians in the same specialty review and approve care requests. The bill seeks to reduce treatment delays, ensure medical necessity is determined by experts, and increase transparency by mandating that clinical criteria be published and evidence-based. Backed by major medical associations, the bill responds to growing concerns that non-specialists are delaying or denying necessary care, contributing to poor outcomes and physician burnout.
The FDA has approved the Rectal Expulsion Device (RED), developed at the University of Michigan by Drs. Eric Shah and William Chey, to help diagnose and guide treatment for chronic constipation. RED uses a simple tube and balloon to identify pelvic floor dysfunction during a primary care visit, helping patients avoid unnecessary referrals and ineffective laxatives.
A randomized trial at a community health center showed that patient navigation significantly increased colonoscopy completion among patients with an abnormal FIT result. While only 14% of patients receiving usual care completed a follow-up colonoscopy within a year, 94% of those who received navigation services did so—a seven-fold improvement. Navigation was provided by bilingual clinical staff and included personalized support like barrier resolution, bowel prep instructions, and procedure reminders.
Here’s a concise summary of Dr. David Johnson’s commentary on the latest US Multi-Society Task Force recommendations for colonoscopy preparation, emphasizing the critical importance of prep quality for cancer prevention and procedure effectiveness: Key Takeaways from the New Colonoscopy Prep Guidelines
This study evaluated the performance of three AI chatbots—ChatGPT-4.0, ChatGPT-3.5, and Gemini Advanced—in interpreting 20 real-world gastrointestinal pathology cases. Each model was assessed on its diagnostic accuracy, ability to generate differential diagnoses, interpret immunohistochemical stains (IHC), provide a concise final diagnosis, and explain its reasoning. Two GI pathology experts independently graded the responses using a five-point system.
Johnson & Johnson’s Tremfya (guselkumab) has been FDA-approved for Crohn’s disease, joining IL-23 class peers Skyrizi and Omvoh. Backed by strong brand familiarity and high prescriber interest, 25% of gastroenterologists plan to shift prescribing from Skyrizi to Tremfya. Its subcutaneous induction dosing—a unique feature—makes it more convenient than IV therapies, which is driving enthusiasm. Tremfya has also gained momentum in ulcerative colitis, aided by AGA guideline endorsements and strong trial data.
Exact Sciences has launched Cologuard Plus™, a new FDA-approved, noninvasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test for average-risk adults aged 45+. Backed by data from the BLUE-C study, the test shows 95% sensitivity for CRC and 94% specificity, making it the most accurate noninvasive CRC test to date. Compared to the original Cologuard, it reduces false positives by 40%, detects more precancerous lesions, and improves confidence in negative results.
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.
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.