Gastroenterology has become one of the most active investment targets in healthcare in 2026. Since January, Becker’s has reported on more than 34 hospitals and health systems expanding GI services — through new facilities, physician recruitment, practice acquisitions, technology deployments and joint ventures. The investments span nearly every geography and system type: large academic centers, community hospitals, children’s hospitals and rural critical access facilities.
The convergence is not coincidental. GI conditions cost the U.S. roughly $120 billion annually, according to a study led by researchers at Chapel Hill-based UNC School of Medicine and published in Gastroenterology, and the GI ambulatory surgery center market has grown to $6.2 billion — projected to expand nearly 7% annually through 2030, according to a study led by researchers at Chapel Hill-based UNC School of Medicine and published in Gastroenterology.
Expanded colorectal cancer screening guidelines, rising younger-onset CRC rates and post-COVID procedure backlogs have created a demand environment that health systems are racing to meet.
The dollar figures where they exist tell part of the story. North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, La., committed $5 million to double its endoscopy capacity after demand for endoscopic services rose 66% over five years. Sarasota (Fla.) Memorial Health Care System is planning a $12 million outpatient endoscopy and digestive health center adjacent to its Venice hospital, where GI procedure volume has nearly quadrupled since 2021. Duke Health in Durham, N.C., is moving forward on a GI endoscopy center after receiving approval for a cost adjustment up to about $10 million — a project originally approved in 2019 that was delayed until now. Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine’s new Winfield facility, at $15 million and 20,000 square feet, features advanced imaging, flexible robotics and AI-enabled diagnostics.
The investment pattern extends beyond brick and mortar. UC Davis Health in Sacramento began using an AI tool embedded in Epic to analyze pathology reports and calculate adenoma detection rates, replacing a manual tracking process. Miami-based Nicklaus Children’s Hospital introduced sedation-free transnasal endoscopy, becoming the first in South Florida to offer the option. One GI in Nashville partnered with Oshi Health to expand access to virtual GI care. The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston, S.C., launched the MUSC Advanced Pediatric Endoscopy Program and Pancreas Center.
The most recent wave of investments reflects a sharper focus on program development and research. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’ inflammatory bowel disease biobank partnered with health technology company Network.Bio to advance GI disease research. Cleveland Clinic launched an Early Gastrointestinal Cancer Program aimed at raising colorectal, pancreatic, liver and esophageal cancer screening rates. UC Davis opened the region’s first dedicated adult congenital colorectal clinic, one of fewer than five such programs nationwide for patients transitioning out of pediatric care.
Taken together, the investments reveal a service line moving from a secondary priority to a strategic imperative. The combination of an aging population, expanded screening mandates, rising procedure volumes and a GI ASC market growing rapidly has made gastroenterology one of the few specialties where demand could be outpacing supply, and health systems that spent years consolidating primary care and orthopedics appear to be making the same calculation in digestive health.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.