GI & Endoscopy

The rate of colonoscopies performed by family physicians decreased between 2016 and 2021, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Rural Health.

Sunnyvale-based Texas Digestive Disease Consultants has added gastrointestinal disease specialist Charles McDaniel, MD. 

Many patients are still paying out of pocket for colonoscopy bowel prep despite a federal law stating it should be covered by insurance, according to a study led by Eric Shah, MD, at Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan.  

Gastroenterology procedures make up 10 of the 25 most common procedures performed at ASCs, and leaders continue to look to these procedures to facilitate growth. 

Here are three legal battles involving gastroenterologists that Becker's has reported on in the last year:

Becker's connected with Nathan Merriman, MD, medical director of gastroenterology and digestive health at Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, to find out what recent change at Intermountain has had the biggest effect on his practice. 

There are several obstacles slowing the migration of gastroenterology procedures from the hospital outpatient departments to ASCs.  

Atlanta-based United Digestive has more than 60 clinics, 22 ASCs and 300 physicians across Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. 

Increased demand for colonoscopies paired with declining reimbursements are pushing many gastroenterology physicians to shift strategies. 

Internal medicine specialist Eric Lorio, MD, has joined Marrero, La.-based Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.