A recent study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found that televisit care—delivered via phone or video—for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) does not increase the risk of hospitalization and may even reduce it. The retrospective case-control study analyzed data from 534 IBD-related hospitalizations at Veterans Health Administration facilities between April 2021 and July 2022 and compared them with 534 non-hospitalized IBD patients. The results indicated that increased televisit care was linked to a lower likelihood of IBD-related hospitalizations (OR, 0.97; P=0.003).
Author: Abhay Panchal
The gastroenterology sector has experienced significant consolidation in recent years, driven by private equity investments and an increasing demand for gastrointestinal procedures. This trend has led to the formation of larger practice groups and strategic partnerships, reshaping the landscape of gastroenterology services. Notable transactions, highlighted by Becker’s Healthcare, have involved substantial investments and collaborations, reflecting the growing interest in this medical specialty.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reversed its decision to implement a policy that would have capped anesthesia coverage based on predetermined time limits in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. The policy, initially set to take effect in February 2025, faced significant backlash from medical professionals and state officials. Critics argued that such arbitrary time constraints could jeopardize patient safety by not accommodating the varying complexities of surgical procedures. In response to the widespread concerns and what the company described as “significant widespread misinformation” about the policy, Anthem BCBS announced it would not proceed with the changes.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Wednesday morning ahead of a company investor meeting. Police described the shooting as a “brazen targeted attack,” with the suspected gunman reportedly waiting for several minutes before firing. Shell casings found at the scene allegedly bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” echoing criticisms of insurance companies’ claim practices. While authorities have not confirmed a motive or suspect, Thompson had previously received threats. The NYPD is offering a $10,000 reward for information as the investigation continues.
With endoscopic procedures rising in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), gastrointestinal bleeding remains a serious challenge, impacting both patient outcomes and procedural efficiency. Olympus is addressing this with innovations like RDI™ technology, enhancing visibility of bleeding points, and EndoClot® PHS, a powder-based hemostatic agent for rapid bleed control. These tools improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure safer outcomes in ASCs. Supported by comprehensive training and support from Olympus, ASCs can elevate their care standards, managing GI bleeding effectively and differentiating themselves in the community.
A recent UK study in BMC Gastroenterology explored capsule sponge testing as a minimally invasive triage tool for GERD patients, reducing the reliance on costly and invasive endoscopies. By analyzing esophageal cells for biomarkers linked to Barrett’s esophagus and cancer risk, this method discharged 70% of low-risk patients while effectively prioritizing high-risk cases for further investigation. While false negatives were rare (0.9%), the findings underscore capsule sponge testing’s potential to streamline diagnostics, conserve resources, and identify significant pathology, such as Barrett’s esophagus, with high specificity.
In gastroenterology, gender disparities remain a challenge, with women physicians balancing significant family responsibilities alongside demanding careers. Dr. Linda Nguyen, interim chief of gastroenterology at Stanford University, shares her journey of overcoming rigid work schedules by advocating for flexibility, allowing her to thrive as a single mother and academic leaderShe emphasizes the importance of “grit and glam”—perseverance and authenticity—in breaking barriers and inspiring systemic change. Through initiatives like Scrubs & Heels, she highlights diverse paths to success and calls for male allies to mentor, sponsor, and actively support women in medicine.
ModifyHealth™ has raised $13.5 million in a Series C funding round led by Dohmen Company Foundation (DCF), with continued support from RC Capital and Nashville Capital Network. This funding aims to expand ModifyHealth’s reach in delivering medically tailored meals and telenutrition services for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and IBS. The partnership underscores a shared mission to combat diet-related diseases by combining innovative nutrition solutions with accessible, patient-focused care.
A randomized trial involving over 4,000 patients in FQHCs demonstrated the effectiveness of centralized mailed FIT kits and navigation for CRC screening. Led by researchers from the University of North Carolina, the study found that CRC screening completion was three times higher in the intervention group compared to usual care. The centralized approach overcame challenges typical in non-integrated care settings, such as resource limitations and care fragmentation. With higher detection of advanced colorectal neoplasia and increased colonoscopy completion rates, the intervention highlights the potential of organized outreach to bridge gaps in preventive care for underserved populations. Future studies will focus…
Research presented at the 2024 American Foregut Society meeting challenges traditional methods of diagnosing gastroparesis, revealing that most patients diagnosed with the condition may have normal gastric emptying or dysmotility in other GI regions. Dr. Michael Cline of the Cleveland Clinic highlighted that only 18.3% of patients experienced isolated gastric delay, while 81.7% had normal transit or delays in multiple GI regions. The findings suggest current diagnostic tools like gastric emptying scintigraphy are insufficient and emphasize the need for comprehensive motility testing, such as wireless motility capsules, to improve diagnostic accuracy and avoid unnecessary surgeries. Dr. Pankaj Jay Pasricha of…