GI & Endoscopy

Irvine, Calif.-based City of Hope Orange County has tapped Alessio Pigazzi, MD, PhD, as clinical professor of surgery, executive medical director of colorectal surgery and vice chair of clinical network affairs for the Department of Surgery, according to an Aug.…

Here are 10 gastroenterologists who have made headlines since July 31:

Colonoscopy demand is on the rise, and some ASCs and endoscopy centers are seeking new avenues to meet the growing need for qualified staff. 

Recently, U.S cancer screening costs hit $43.2 billion annually. Screening colonoscopies accounted for $23.7 billion, or 55%, of that cost. All other colorectal cancer screening methods, such as stool and blood tests, accounted for only $3.8 billion.  

Beginning Jan. 1, all insured Illinois residents will have free access to all colonoscopies deemed medically necessary.

Paramus, N.J.-based Valley Medical Group has tapped Michael Rahmin, MD, as director of gastroenterology, as reported Aug. 15 by ROI-NJ.com.

Atlanta-based Northside Hospital has added Medtronic's GI Genius, an "intelligent" endoscopy module to help physicians detect cancerous polyps. 

The Florida Board of Medicine has placed a physician in Tampa, Fla., on probation following an administrative complaint at an ASC, Miami Herald reported Aug. 14. 

Here are five things to know about the five GI groups dominating the industry:

Several factors point to room for growth for gastrointestinal practices: the mandated age for colonoscopies is now 45 instead of 50, new colorectal cancer screenings are being developed and the prevalence of GI issues are on the rise.