Health care prices have surged over the past decade, forcing private insurers to pay 143% more for physician services compared to Medicare. This disparity has fueled calls to align private insurance rates with Medicare—but would it cause widespread access issues? New analysis reveals a surprising truth: the vast majority of physicians (89%) accept new Medicare patients, a rate nearly identical to those accepting new private insurance patients (91%). Even among primary care providers, where concerns are highest, 83% still welcome new Medicare patients, challenging the narrative that Medicare rates are too low for physician participation.
Author: Abhay Panchal
What happens when a healthcare giant falls victim to one of the most devastating cyberattacks in history? UnitedHealth Group has now revealed that the February 2024 ransomware attack on Change Healthcare compromised a staggering 190 million individuals—nearly twice the original estimate. Despite the unprecedented scale, millions affected have yet to receive formal notifications, even as their data circulates in the hands of cybercriminals. A $22 million ransom was paid to stop the data from leaking, but in a stunning betrayal, the hackers pocketed the money and never delivered on their promise. Meanwhile, a new ransomware group emerged, seeking even more…
Bain Capital Private Equity has made a $3.2 billion proposal to acquire the remaining 61% of Surgery Partners at $25.75 per share, a 21.2% premium over its last closing price. The offer has triggered a 20% stock surge, signaling strong investor interest. However, analysts believe Bain’s bid may not be enough, potentially inviting counteroffers from UnitedHealth, TPG, and other private equity firms previously eyeing the company. With Surgery Partners already exploring strategic alternatives, the big question remains: Will Bain’s proposal spark a bidding war or will the surgical facility giant take the deal?
A multicenter study published in Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology highlights critical delays in initiating advanced therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to insurance preauthorizations, intravenous (IV) administration, and lack of pharmacy support. Researchers analyzed 388 adult patients across two U.S. academic medical centers, identifying three key risk factors significantly increasing the likelihood of a >14-day delay between prescription and first dose. These findings highlight the urgent need for streamlined prior authorization processes, improved pharmacy coordination, and alternative drug delivery strategies to reduce treatment delays. Given the proven benefits of early biologic therapy, could addressing these systemic barriers significantly improve…
In this video, Dr. Vasu Appalaneni, a gastroenterologist at Dayton Gastroenterology and EVP of Clinical Innovation at One GI, explores the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern gastroenterology practices. As AI continues to revolutionize diagnostics, workflow efficiency, and patient outcomes, physicians and business leaders must strategically evaluate its integration into their operations.
Gastroenterology continues to evolve with advancements in AI, digital health, endoscopic procedures, and quality improvement initiatives. These five physicians are driving change and shaping the future of the specialty:
BMS presented data from the CheckMate-8HW trial, demonstrating that the combination of Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) significantly improves outcomes for patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) mCRC. The dual therapy:
Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) often overlap with non-gastrointestinal conditions such as fibromyalgia, headaches, gynecological and urological disorders, sleep disturbances, and chronic fatigue. This complex interplay of symptoms not only complicates diagnosis but also alters treatment approaches and impacts patient outcomes. Recent research from the Rome Foundation Working Team highlights shared pathophysiology between these conditions, although the mechanisms remain unclear.
In this episode of the UEG Talks conversation between Maria Vehreschild and Pradeep Mundre, we delve into the complexities of the faecal microbiome and the role of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating various diseases, particularly C. difficile infections and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The discussion covers the historical context of FMT, its mechanisms of action, current treatment guidelines, safety considerations, and the various delivery methods. The conversation also emphasises the need for further research and the importance of professional standards in FMT practices.
A little-known Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, sent shockwaves through the tech world by releasing an OpenAI-like assistant that quickly climbed to the No. 1 spot on Apple’s App Store. The model, DeepSeek R1, reportedly rivals and even surpasses OpenAI’s cutting-edge AI while operating at a fraction of the cost. The revelation caused U.S. tech stocks to tumble, raising urgent policy questions in Washington. Despite bipartisan efforts to curb China’s AI progress through export controls and tech restrictions, DeepSeek’s achievement suggests that these policies may not be working as intended. The development has sparked two contrasting reactions in the U.S.: Some…