Rising costs of living and healthcare are reshaping the gastroenterology field, according to Gregory Brennan, MD, of Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.
Dr. Brennan joined Becker’s to discuss how inflation and high medication prices are limiting patient access to recommended care.
Question: Which new disruptor (technological, regulatory or economic) do you feel is most affecting the physician experience right now?
Editor’s note: These responses were edited lightly for clarity and flow.
Dr. Gregory Brennan: Right now in 2025, I would have to say economic factors are having a significant impact. Inflation is a factor right now, with rising costs of living and healthcare costs playing a big role. I’m frequently seeing new medications being out of reach for many patients because of cost. Procedures in my field (gastroenterology) can be expensive based on a patient’s individual coverage, which can limit our options in providing the recommended care. It is very discouraging to see my patients not being able to get recommended procedures or medications despite having insurance. Being able to adapt to these challenges is going to be critical to success in the future.
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