GI & Endoscopy

Here are seven current issues and news updates for gastroenterologists to know.

Philadelphia-based Gastrointestinal Specialists recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of treating patients.

A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure may be as effective as esophagectomy for early stage, superficial esophageal cancer, according to new research from the Mayo Clinic in Florida.

The American Gastroenterological Association has published a tool for gastroenterologists in the early management of hepatitis C-positive patients though evidence-based, cost effective initial evaluations.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provides colonoscopy procedures free of deductible and copayments costs, but insurers have been fighting the interpretation of the rule in various ways, according to a Medpage Today report.

Salix Pharmaceuticals will buy Santarus for $32 per share in a transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2014.

Gilbert Simoni, MD, of Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, Calif., is also the founder of the practice Advanced GI. Here he shares six tips for gastroenterologists striving to build patient engagement and improve patient satisfaction.

Cantel Medical completed its acquisition of Israel-based JetPrep, a company that produces single-use irrigation and aspiration catheters for colonoscopy procedures, according to a Globes report.

A recent study, commissioned by Harris Interactive, found 72 percent of U.S. adults experience at least one gastrointestinal symptom a few times a month or more without speaking to a physician.

Physicians Endoscopy has received the Cost Management Preference Award at the 2013 MedAssets Healthcare Business Summit.