Reimbursement pressure is forcing physicians to look beyond traditional services to preserve and even increase revenue. One gastroenterologist one of the best ancillary service line options for gastroenterologists to consider adding this year.
Ask a Gastroenterologist is a weekly series of questions posed to GI physicians around the country on business and clinical issues affecting the field of gastroenterology. We invite all gastroenterologists to submit responses.
Next week's question: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Please submit responses to Carrie Pallardy at cpallardy@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, April 29, at 5 p.m. CST.
Larry Good, MD, FACG, founder, CEO Good Pharmaceutical Development, CEO, Compassionate Care Center of New York: The best ancillary service for a gastroenterology practice to add is nutritional counselling. I have been surprised over the years how this has been overlooked. A GI office is the natural fit for dietary advice. Gastroenterologists regularly speak to their patients about dietary restrictions for reflux symptoms, ulcer disease and irritable bowel symptoms. Gastroenterologists are knowledgeable about digestion, nutrient absorption and intermediary metabolism. They advise patients with celiac disease and pancreatic insufficiency. They are the perfect match for nutritional guidance.
Our concepts with regards to diet are changing rapidly. Gastroenterologists now advise patients about low FODMAP diets, discussing sugar molecules, lactose, gluten and polyol sugars. This context is a perfect entrée into discussing weight control, the significance of BMI analysis and the risks diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. A gastroenterologist who can discuss protein restrictions and the benefits of branch chain amino acids in hepatic encephalopathy, can certainly explain the need to restrict carbohydrates and calories.
Conversely, gastroenterologists are well equipped to handle nutritional failure. Cachexia, short bowel syndrome and eating disorders are all within our purview. We place PEGs, order TPN and write post-operative diet orders. Who better to provide nutritional advice?
Dietary and nutritional support is a large unmet medical need. Gastroenterologists can fill it.