A new evaluation from the Peterson Health Technology Institute finds that virtual gastrointestinal care programs can improve patient outcomes while lowering healthcare costs, particularly for patients with IBS and moderate-to-severe IBD.
GI conditions affect one in five U.S. adults and contribute to roughly $112 billion in annual healthcare spending, driven by diagnostic testing, procedures, medications, and hospital utilization.
The report evaluated two main categories of virtual GI solutions.
Wraparound GI Programs
Programs such as Cylinder Health and Digbi Health provide virtual support services—such as coaching, nutrition counseling, and behavioral therapy—alongside a patient’s existing clinical care.
The assessment found that these solutions:
- Deliver meaningful symptom improvement and quality-of-life gains for IBS patients
- Significantly reduce healthcare spending
- Produce greater per-user savings than clinician-led models for IBS
However, current evidence shows limited benefit for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Clinician-Led Virtual GI Care
Clinician-led models—including Ayble Health, Oshi Health, and Salvo Health—provide comprehensive care through gastroenterologists and multidisciplinary clinical teams.
The report found these programs:
- Deliver clinical outcomes comparable to in-person multidisciplinary GI care
- Improve symptoms and quality of life for IBS patients
- Reduce healthcare utilization and overall costs, particularly in moderate-to-severe IBD populations
Despite higher program costs, the reduction in avoidable utilization—such as ER visits and hospitalizations—can generate net healthcare savings.
Key Takeaway
The report concludes that virtual multidisciplinary GI care can replicate the benefits of traditional academic-center programs while expanding access, especially in regions with limited gastroenterology capacity.
Future research is needed to better understand long-term outcomes, patient adherence, and which patient populations benefit most.