Becker's ASC Review

44 GASTROENTEROLOGY 5 issues GI executives are obsessing over By Patsy Newitt F rom private-equity investment to new screening recommendations, gastroen- terology leaders are focusing on several industry shis. Two GI execs spoke to Becker's ASC Review on the issues they're focusing on in 2021. 1. Reimbursement for CRC screening e U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published recommendations May 18 for colorectal cancer screenings to include pa- tients at 45 years old instead of 50 years old, but GI leaders have found that some payers haven't yet adjusted. "Several of our major payers have already adopted this as part of their benefit design, but there are payers lagging behind," said Jerry Tillinger, CEO of Exton, Pa.-based US Digestive Health. "Connecting with our patients and employers to make sure they are considering their benefit choices carefully is a key part of our 2021-22 community outreach." Taylor Blackman, executive director of Concord, N.C.-based Northeast Digestive, echoed these thoughts — she said she's con- cerned about payers following the recom- mendations to include the screening as a preventative benefit. 2. Private-equity investment GI is seeing an explosion of private equity investment — dominated mainly by Gas- troHealth, the GI Alliance, United Digestive and US Digestive Health. Ms. Blackman told Becker's ASC Review that she's focusing on new activity and developments from preestablished private-equity entities. 3. Capacity demands Colorectal cancer screening procedures dropped more than 80 percent in the early stages of the pandemic, leaving some GI practices struggling to meet market de- mands. Paired with the recommendation for colorectal cancer screenings at 45 years old, demand is high. "Ensuring that we have the right physical [center], the right provider teams and the right operational plan to care for all of these patients is at the top of our list," Mr. Tillinger said. 4. New technology Artificial intelligence and telemedicine are just some examples of the growing presence new technologies are taking on in gastroen- terology services. "As always [I'm paying attention to] new technologies emerging within the field, whether that means new CRC screening methods, new scope technologies or AI soware," Ms. Blackman said. 5. Workplace quality Workplace quality is key for GI practices to succeed, particularly aer the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our providers and staff were extraordinary throughout COVID-19, placing themselves on the front lines of patient care even in the toughest times during the pandemic," Mr. Tillinger said. "ey are the heart and soul of our patient care programs. Making sure they get the care and attention they need is a top priority for USDH." n Gastroenterologist proposes surgery center, medical office in Minnesota: 3 details By Carly Behm A gastroenterologist has proposed build- ing a medical office and surgery center in Edina, Minn., The Edina Sun Current reported June 11. Here's what you should know: 1. Ahsan Bhatti, MD, is working with MSP Commer- cial and Pope Architects to propose a three-story, 24,000-square-foot building that would replace an existing office building. 2. The project's sketch plan was discussed with city officials May 26. If approved, the building would be completed in one to two years. 3. Dr. Bhatti has practiced gastroenterology for more than 20 years and specializes in digestive diseases. He currently has three offices in Edina, Chaska and Shakopee. n What the pandemic revealed about GI, preventive care By Patsy Newitt Some gastroenterologists say the pandemic has emphasized the important role that GI plays in preventive care. Andrew Chan, MD, is Massachusetts General Hospital's chief of clinical and translational epidemiology unit and director of cancer epidemiology. He spoke with Becker's ASC Review about how COVID-19 will affect the GI field for years to come. Question: What is the lasting impact of COVID-19 in gas- troenterology? Dr. Andrew Chan: COVID-19 has demonstrated the impor- tant role that gastroenterology plays in preventive healthcare. The deleterious impact that delays experienced by patients in receiving digestive disease care, including colorectal cancer screening, during the pandemic has been enormous. COVID-19 has also highlighted the need for innovation in how we deliver gastrointestinal care, such as telehealth, and reducing barriers to timely gastrointestinal care, particularly for underserved communities. n

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