‘Food-As-Medicine’ Startup Secures $13.5M | 5 GI Megadeals In 5 Years | Anthem BCBS Cancels Plan To Limit Anesthesia Coverage Time

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5 gastroenterology megadeals in 5 years (Becker’s GI & Endoscopy)

A list of five major deals that have shook up the gastroenterology industry since 2020.

ModifyHealth Raises $13.5M in Funding to Expand Food-as-Medicine Solution (ModifyHealth)

The new funding will enable ModifyHealth to accelerate key growth initiatives, implement technology advancements, and enhance operations.

Joining forces to develop a multidisciplinary care model in GI (Takeda)

The MCM positions gastroenterologists as "quarterbacks," coordinating care with dieticians, psychiatrists, and other specialists to enhance patient outcomes, reduce costs, and expand access.

Insurance company halts plan to put time limits on coverage for anesthesia during surgery (CNN)

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reversed its decision to implement a policy that would have capped anesthesia coverage based on predetermined time limits.

Telehealth May Lower Hospitalization Risk in Patients With IBD (GI & Endoscopy News)

A recent study found that televisit care—delivered via phone or video—for patients with IBD does not increase the risk of hospitalization and may even reduce it.

Managing GI bleeding in the ASC: How tech is driving efficiency + safety for endoscopy (Becker’s GI & Endoscopy)

With endoscopic procedures rising in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), gastrointestinal bleeding remains a serious challenge, impacting both patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.

AI Tool Identifies Undiagnosed Early-Stage MASLD (MDedge)

At The Liver Meeting 2024, researchers unveiled an AI-driven algorithm capable of detecting early-stage metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with 88% accuracy.

Zepbound sheds more weight than Wegovy in trial, Eli Lilly says (NBC News)

In a groundbreaking head-to-head trial funded by Eli Lilly, Zepbound outperformed Wegovy in weight loss efficacy. 

Capsule sponge test revolutionizes GERD diagnosis, reduces unnecessary endoscopies (News Medical)

A recent UK study in BMC Gastroenterology explored capsule sponge testing as a minimally invasive triage tool for GERD patients, reducing the reliance on costly and invasive endoscopies.

This year, be thankful for AI in medicine (The Washington Post)

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing medicine, making healthcare more accurate and cost-effective, as highlighted in a recent editorial by The Washington Post.

Q&A: Women physicians need to ‘be at the table, advocate for changes’ to thrive in GI (Healio)

Dr. Linda Nguyen, interim chief of gastroenterology at Stanford University, shares her journey of overcoming rigid work schedules by advocating for flexibility.

‘Deny,’ ‘Defend, ‘Depose’: What To Know About Words Reportedly On Shell Casings Tied To UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting (Forbes)

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Wednesday morning ahead of a company investor meeting.

Some Older Adults Think Stopping CRC Screening at Age 75 Is 'Unacceptable' (MedPage Today)

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study analyzed data from over 1,200 participants in the Health and Retirement Study.

Why Operators Are Embracing Hybrid ASC, Office-Based Lab Models (ASC News)

This model combines diagnostic and interventional services with surgical capabilities under one roof, offering patients convenience, reduced infection risks, and cost savings.

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