A study in JAMA Surgery reveals that esophagectomy outcomes, including 30-day mortality, serious complications, and failure to rescue, were significantly worse at private equity-acquired hospitals compared to non-acquired centers. Private equity hospitals, which comprised only 5.5% of cases, had lower procedural volumes, lower nurse-to-patient ratios, and were less likely to be teaching institutions. These disparities highlight structural issues beyond case volume, suggesting that intensive care organization and multidisciplinary team dynamics may contribute. The findings urge further investigations into quality disparities and the impact of private equity ownership on complex surgical care—raising critical questions about the balance between profit motives and…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Gastro Health has appointed Dr. Eugenio (Gene) Hernandez as its Chief Medical Officer (CMO), reinforcing its commitment to integrating clinical expertise into strategic decision-making. A founding member of Gastro Health and former Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs for Florida, Dr. Hernandez brings extensive experience in clinical service line development and ambulatory surgical centers.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a highly effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections, which affect 500,000 Americans annually and result in 30,000 deaths. Despite its efficacy, access to FMT remains limited, particularly for children, due to the scarcity of pediatric-specific stool samples. Dr. Nikhil Pai, a pediatric gastroenterologist in Canada, is addressing this gap by establishing the country’s first pediatric stool bank, which has stored over 150 samples and completed five FMT procedures since 2022. His team is also pioneering oral “crapsules” to simplify treatment delivery. But could these advancements unlock the potential of FMT for other diseases beyond…
Geneoscopy, Inc. has raised $105 million in Series C funding, led by Bio-Rad Laboratories, to support the launch of ColoSense®, a non-invasive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test. The funding will also drive innovation in diagnostic tools for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ColoSense leverages Geneoscopy’s proprietary RNA technology and Bio-Rad’s Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR™) platform, offering highly sensitive and specific cancer detection. Key Points:
Capsule endoscopy (CE), introduced in 2000 and FDA-approved in 2001, remains a valuable tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) lesions, particularly in areas inaccessible to traditional endoscopy. While CE offers non-invasive imaging and improves detection of small bowel diseases and obscure GI bleeding, its widespread use is hindered by limitations such as lack of therapeutic capabilities, inability to obtain biopsies, reliance on peristalsis for movement, and time-consuming image interpretation.
A growing number of physicians are transitioning to cash-based or hybrid payment models to reduce reliance on insurance, avoid administrative hassles, and create more predictable revenue streams. Rising medical school debt and patient demand for faster, transparent care are driving this shift.Key strategies for making the transition include starting with a hybrid model, clearly communicating changes to patients, offering specialized services that add value, and maintaining transparent pricing. Physicians are advised to build financial reserves, strengthen business skills, and remain cautious of costly consultant scams.
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cloud-based technologies are transforming healthcare by improving patient monitoring, optimizing staffing, and predicting health outcomes. With over 54% of Medicare beneficiaries now enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, value-based care continues to focus on reducing costs while enhancing quality outcomes. AI supports this shift through data analytics, remote monitoring, and reducing administrative burdens, enabling rapid intervention and personalized care plans.
The recent murder of a health insurance executive highlights growing frustration with the U.S. healthcare system. A study in JAMA reveals that employed physicians are increasingly unionizing, with union petitions surging from about two per year (2000–2022) to two per month in the last 17 months of the study. Key drivers include poor working conditions (85%), lack of voice in management (81%), and patient care concerns (54%)—not financial compensation. Physicians, like patients, feel they’ve lost control to corporate entities, sparking calls for reform and a customer revolution in healthcare.
Eight gastroenterologists made news recently for various achievements and changes in their careers. Highlights include the passing of Dr. Ilwoong Chang, who practiced for 40 years, and Dr. Michael Paolucci becoming Montrose, Colorado’s first gastroenterologist. NYU Langone Health expanded its gastroenterology leadership team, while Commonwealth Gastroenterology in Virginia announced its closure as Dr. Scott Woogen retires. Other updates include new hires and leadership appointments in gastroenterology practices across the U.S., reflecting both growth and transitions in the field.
Gastro Health & Nutrition aims to provide people with the treatment they need to achieve optimal gut health. The gastroenterology practice, owned by Dr. Dharmendra Verma, offers services to treat acid reflux, swallowing and motility disorders, irritable bowel syndrome and more.