Gastroenterology is facing workforce shortages, reimbursement cuts and private equity growth in 2025, while top ASCs continue to gain national recognition.
Here are seven numbers to know so far this year:
- Gastroenterologist compensation declined 3% year over year, falling from $512,000 in 2023 to $495,000 in 2024, highlighting financial pressures in the specialty, despite rising demand for services.
- Only 37% of gastroenterologists report feeling fairly compensated in 2025, reflecting widespread concerns over pay equity and value recognition in the specialty.
- About 32% of gastroenterologists say they take on extra work to supplement their income, underscoring ongoing workload strain and burnout risk.
- The U.S. is projected to face a shortage of 1,630 gastroenterologists by the end 2025, a gap expected to limit access to care as patient demand grows.
- CMS reduced the physician fee conversion factor by 2.83% for 2025, lowering it from $33.29 to $32.35. The cut will further squeeze margins for GI groups already navigating rising labor and supply costs.
- The number of private equity-backed GI groups has grown 28% since 2021, with expansion accelerating in 2025. This wave of consolidation is reshaping the GI landscape and fueling debate about physician autonomy and practice ownership.
7. 259 GI ASCs were recognized as “high performing” in colonoscopy and endoscopy by U.S. News & World Report in 2025, highlighting standout quality and patient outcomes in a competitive market.
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.