Navigating the complexities of gastroenterology billing requires a well-thought-out approach to combat challenges like reimbursement cuts and payer restrictions. Dr. Omar Khokhar of OSF St. Joseph Medical Center warns of the consequences of these challenges, highlighting how reduced care access can lead to higher costs for emergency treatments. To address these issues effectively, here are eight strategies for improving gastroenterology billing:
Author: Abhay Panchal
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have revolutionized diabetes and weight management, but rising reports of severe side effects, including gastroparesis, are sparking lawsuits and calls for deeper research. While millions benefit from these treatments, patients and experts alike are raising concerns about long-term risks, inadequate warnings, and gaps in healthcare communication. With questions lingering about potential lasting complications, the need for independent studies and better patient education has never been more urgent.
Recent research published in The Lancet Oncology reveals a global rise in bowel cancer among individuals under 50, with England experiencing one of the fastest increases at 3.6% annually. Factors such as junk food consumption, physical inactivity, and obesity are thought to drive this concerning trend. Despite low overall numbers in young adults, experts emphasize the importance of raising awareness about symptoms like rectal bleeding and unexplained weight loss to ensure timely diagnosis and improve outcomes. Further research is needed to understand regional differences and develop targeted prevention strategies.
The Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), with support from Exact Sciences, has launched a project aimed at boosting colorectal cancer screening rates, particularly among underserved populations. Physician associates, often the first point of patient contact, play a critical role in educating and encouraging screenings, which can dramatically improve survival rates if cancer is detected early. The initiative includes three phases: gathering insights from federally qualified health centers, developing a national toolkit for providers, and implementing these strategies at clinics to measure impact. Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths, underscoring the urgency of this effort.
Physicians across the U.S. are voicing deep frustration with the healthcare insurance system, highlighting the growing burden of administrative red tape, delayed reimbursements, and claim denials that disrupt patient care. This frustration has been amplified by the recent killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which brought attention to the strained relationship between providers and insurers. Doctors, while condemning violence, point to systemic issues that have led to a loss of autonomy, increased operational stress, and a healthcare environment where cost-cutting often overshadows patient care. The situation is particularly dire for smaller practices, many of which struggle to survive under mounting…
Dr. Eric Bricker, known for his educational whiteboard videos, simplifies complex healthcare finance topics for physicians. As an internal medicine physician turned entrepreneur, Bricker founded AHealthcareZ, a platform helping doctors navigate the intricacies of corporate medicine. In a conversation with Dr. Graham Walker on the “How I Doctor” podcast, Bricker shares strategies for physicians to negotiate higher salaries and gain greater autonomy, ultimately enhancing patient care.
Individuals with fecal hemoglobin concentrations of 5 µg/g to 40 µg/g face a 5- to 13-fold increased risk for colorectal neoplasia. Higher fecal hemoglobin levels are particularly predictive of advanced neoplasia detection. A systematic review of 13 studies found a strong association between prior fecal hemoglobin levels and subsequent colorectal neoplasia risk, supporting tailored CRC screening based on quantitative FIT values. These findings suggest that incorporating quantitative fecal hemoglobin data into CRC screening programs could enhance effectiveness and balance the harm-benefit ratio.
Bayer announced plans to acquire HiDoc Technologies in early 2025 and begin commercialization of Cara Care®, the first prescribed digital health application for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This innovative app offers a holistic, guideline-compliant therapy model integrating diet, psychology, and personalized modules to improve IBS management.
Cosmo Pharmaceuticals N.V. has announced the appointment of Dominika Spilarova as its Chief Strategy Officer, effective January 10, 2025. Dominika, a seasoned strategist with over 15 years of experience across the Life Sciences sector and management consulting, will drive growth and innovation strategies at Cosmo. She will also temporarily serve as acting Chief of Staff for the executive leadership team.
EndoQuest Robotics, a leader in flexible endoluminal robotic technologies, has received FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) approval for its pivotal PARADIGM clinical study. The trial will assess the safety and performance of the company’s innovative Endoluminal Surgical (ELS) System in robotic endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedures for colorectal lesion removal. Conducted across five top US healthcare institutions, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mayo Clinic, the study aims to redefine minimally invasive colorectal procedures.