Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects an estimated 1.03 billion people worldwide, with prevalence ranging significantly by region. Defined as a condition where stomach contents reflux causes troublesome symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, GERD’s diagnosis often involves endoscopy and reflux monitoring, especially for patients unresponsive to initial treatments. Advanced diagnostic tools such as pH or impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution esophageal manometry help clinicians confirm GERD and assess for surgical suitability in more severe cases. Evolving treatments include tailored use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), novel medical therapies, and endoscopic procedures. Explore the full article for a comprehensive review of diagnostic and…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Andrew Wilner, MD, highlights the rise of locum tenens in medicine, with 52,000 U.S. doctors now working in flexible, temporary roles. Once primarily for doctors nearing retirement, locum tenens has become a choice for younger physicians facing burnout and disillusionment with the healthcare system. This shift reflects a healthcare landscape increasingly dominated by corporate interests, where private practice dwindles and physicians lose autonomy. Wilner warns that while locum tenens offers an escape, its growth signals deeper issues within a profit-driven system, risking higher burnout, a growing doctor shortage, and declining patient care quality.
A study presented at the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting found that computer-aided detection (CADe) for colonoscopy had no impact on serrated polyp detection rates, with 23.9% detection with CADe versus 24.9% without. The AI module only slightly improved adenoma detection (70.1% with CADe vs. 60.3% without) and neoplasia detection (74.6% with CADe vs. 67.9% without). Conducted at a single academic center, the study examined polyp detection in patients with positive stool tests and showed that while AI can enhance polyp detection in general, its effectiveness in identifying advanced neoplasia in higher-risk patients remains uncertain, warranting further research.
Exact Sciences Q3 2024 Highlights: Outlook: Exact Sciences adjusted its 2024 revenue projection to $2.73–$2.75 billion and anticipates adjusted EBITDA between $310–$320 million.
Dr. Michelle Tarver takes charge of the FDA’s device division amid an era of transformative medical technologies, including AI-driven tools for cancer detection and brain-computer interfaces restoring motor and speech functions. As innovation reshapes healthcare, the FDA faces challenges in ensuring safety while managing increasing industry influence and ethical concerns, particularly following her predecessor’s controversies. The division also grapples with regulating AI transparency and rapid advancements in biotechnology, prompting calls for stronger oversight and more robust frameworks to address the complexities of modern medical devices.
The Atmo Gas Sensing Capsule shows strong potential as a replacement for Medtronic’s discontinued SmartPill, achieving over 84% agreement in measuring transit times for gastrointestinal motility disorders. A study involving 209 patients highlighted its reliability in detecting gastric emptying and colonic transit times. The capsule’s extended battery life (10 days vs. 5 days) and capability to identify multi-regional dysmotility in 18% of cases make it a valuable diagnostic tool. No serious adverse effects were reported, underscoring its safety and utility for assessing complex GI conditions.
Toi Labs’ TrueLoo®, an AI-powered toilet seat that analyzes waste for health insights, has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024. Using optical scanning and machine learning, TrueLoo provides real-time health data, aiding proactive monitoring for individuals and healthcare providers. Currently deployed in senior living facilities and available for pre-order, TrueLoo is revolutionizing preventative care. Founder Vik Kashyap highlights its potential to reveal unobserved health trends through daily routines.
The 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule cuts physician payments by 2.83%, while hospital and ASC payments rise by 2.9%. COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities end in 2024, reinstating pre-pandemic restrictions unless Congress acts. CMS declined new telemedicine visit codes but expanded colorectal cancer (CRC) screening policies, now covering blood-based biomarker tests and ensuring follow-on colonoscopies are cost-free for patients.
CuraLinc Healthcare has partnered with Oshi Health to integrate mental and digestive health care for employees. The collaboration combines advanced technology and personalized support to address interconnected health issues like anxiety and gastrointestinal conditions. This holistic approach includes evidence-based diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and improved access, promoting early intervention and better chronic condition management. The partnership aims to reduce fragmented care, enhance employee satisfaction, and deliver sustainable benefits for both employees and employers.
Washington Gastroenterology (WaGI), part of the GI Alliance, has partnered with WovenX Health to enhance GI care through WovenX’s on-demand telehealth platform. This collaboration, showcased at the American College of Gastroenterology Conference, has effectively reduced emergency department visits by offering virtual care for GI symptoms. Over 97% of virtual visits were deemed appropriate for initial care, with a high patient satisfaction score (NPS® of 94). The platform provides GI-trained providers within 30 minutes, improving care access and coordination while reducing healthcare costs, positioning the partnership as a model for future healthcare innovations.