Independent GI News – Page 11

Hospitals Charge Twice as Much for Colonoscopy Procedures than Surgical Centers

U.S. hospitals charge higher facility fees for colonoscopy procedures covered by private health insurance compared to ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), as per a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Colonoscopies are commonly used to screen for cancer in middle-aged and older individuals, as well as those with a family history of colorectal cancer. Current guidelines suggest starting colonoscopies at age 50. These procedures are typically done at hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.

Study Shows Medical Services are Significantly More Costly in the Hospital Outpatient Department

According to a study conducted by Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Health Initiative, prices for medical services provided in outpatient settings were significantly higher when delivered in a hospital outpatient department from 2017 to 2022.

Conversely, prices for the same services were significantly lower when delivered in an ambulatory surgery center or a physician’s office, with relatively modest price growth over time.

US Digestive Health Opens New Office

The 7,500 square feet state-of-the-art facility in Broomall, Pennsylvania will be equipped with GI Genius, an artificial intelligence (AI) system for colorectal cancer screening.

The intelligent endoscopy module has shown a 50 percent increase in identification of previously missed colorectal polyps with AI technology versus standard colonoscopy.

Dr. David Heydt named Medical Director for Capital Digestive Care Laboratory

Capital Digestive Care has announced that David Heydt has been named medical director of Capital Digestive Care Laboratory.

Dr. Heydt will provide clinical oversight of the laboratory in Silver Spring, Maryland, as well as clinician and staff education while assisting with innovative laboratory projects and partnerships.