The article discusses the challenges faced by gastroenterology physicians and practices in the current healthcare landscape.
Key Points:
- Gastroenterologists are experiencing a surge in demand for colonoscopies, but this is contrasted by declining reimbursement rates. From 2007 to 2022, the average reimbursement for GI procedures dropped significantly, with a 38% decrease for colonoscopy and biopsy.
- Low reimbursement rates are affecting the financial stability of gastroenterology practices.
- Dr. Vivek Kaul from the University of Rochester Medical Center highlights the difficulties in obtaining reimbursement for new endoscopic procedures that are minimally invasive but poorly compensated.