Ambulatory Surgery Centers – Gastro Broadcast

MedCore Partners & GI Alliance Open ASC & Managed Clinic in Arkansas

The GI Alliance and MedCore Partners, have partnered to open an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) and managed clinic in Bentonville, Ark.

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.

Episode #16: At Its Core, Gastrologix is a Collaborative (and the only GI-Specific group purchasing organization in the U.S.)

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Kevin Harlen sits down for a conversation with Chris Metz and Steve Somers of Gastrologix, the presenting sponsors of Gastro Broadcast.

Gastrologix was created to help independent GI practices to lower costs, operate more efficiently and expand services, so that GI physicians can remain independent and continue to provide a valuable alternative to the more expensive care provided in hospitals.