As 2024 approaches, gastroenterologists are setting their priorities to adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare. Two gastroenterologists shared their main focuses for the upcoming year:
- Omar Khokhar, MD, Partner at Illinois GastroHealth (Bloomington): Dr. Khokhar emphasizes the importance of staff engagement to achieve the goals of their practice. He points out that historically, there hasn’t been enough focus on involving staff in understanding the reasons behind various practices, such as patient experience and revenue cycle. For 2024, the priority is to find and nurture staff who are committed to understanding these aspects and actively contributing to improving patient access and the profitability of the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). Additionally, Dr. Khokhar highlights the need for more aggressive and proactive approaches in contract management and optimization.
- Pankaj Vashi, MD, Department Head of Gastroenterology/Nutrition and Vice Chief of Staff at City of Hope Chicago: Dr. Vashi is looking forward to seeing the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in gastroenterology. He notes that AI is still in its early stages in the field but is already being used for screening colon cancer and surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus. Dr. Vashi anticipates that new applications of AI will significantly change gastroenterology practices in the near future.
These priorities reflect a broader trend in healthcare towards integrating advanced technologies like AI for improved diagnostics and treatment, as well as the importance of staff engagement and efficient management practices in healthcare settings. As the field of gastroenterology continues to evolve, these areas are likely to play a crucial role in shaping its future.