GI & Endoscopy

The jury is still out on several guidelines regarding screening colonoscopies, despite rising colorectal cancer rates. 

Gastrointestinal and endoscopy practices are facing multiple challenges that negatively affect their bottom line — such as persistent anesthesiologist shortages, high staff turnover, rising patient demand and low reimbursement rates.

The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Cancer Prevention and Control Division has awarded two University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Surgery professors a $120,000 grant to continue a free colorectal cancer screening project. 

Rome (N.Y.) Health is expanding its gastroenterology services with the addition of a new specialist and expanded appointment opportunities for colonoscopies. 

Here are five of the latest government updates affecting the field of gastroenterology, as reported by Becker's since March 6:

The American Society for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy has launched an artificial intelligence institute for gastroenterology. 

Undergoing an upper GI endoscopy in the U.S. will cost patients an average of $1,109 in the ASC setting, according to data from Sidecar Health. The majority of the procedure's cost goes toward facility fees. 

Here are six updates on colonoscopies in the U.S. since April 25: 

The average annual compensation for gastroenterologists has increased by about 20% since 2019, according to data from Medscape. 

Medtronic's single-use capsule endoscopy system has been approved by the FDA.