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36 GASTROENTEROLOGY Gastroenterology megadeals shaping the industry in 2022 By Riz Hatton F our percent of surveyed gastroenterologists intend to join management organizations in 2022, according to a report jointly published by consulting firm Fraser Healthcare and pharma research firm Spherix Global Insights. Here are four of the biggests deals from GI megagroups that have occurred in 2022: Gastro Health Gastro Health entered its seventh state aer a three-practice acquisition in Massachusetts. e acquired practices are Greater Boston Gastroenterology, Digestive Health Specialists and Middlesex Gastroenterology. GI Alliance GI Alliance finalized its physician-led buyout facilitated by a $785 million investment from private equity firm Apollo Hybrid Value. e transaction resulted in Apollo serving as GI Alliance's long-term strategic partner and receiving two seats on the GI Alliance board. Waud Capital Partners, the private equity firm under which GI Alliance was founded, sold its controlling ownership stake in the practice management company. United Digestive United Digestive added Daniel Mullady, MD, to its network. Dr. Mullady merged his practice with United Digestive's Center for Digestive & Liver Health in Savannah, Ga. US Digestive Health US Digestive Health added Southwestern Gastrointestinal Specialists to its network. Southwestern Gastrointestinal Specialists has locations in Uniontown and Connellsville, Pa. n AGA: Controversial colonoscopy study findings not necessarily applicable to U.S. By Riz Hatton T he American Gastroenterological Association has released a statement regarding the controversial study in The New England Journal of Medicine saying its conclusions are not necessarily applicable to colorectal cancer screening in the U.S. The study found the risk reduction for those who were invited to receive a colonoscopy screening compared those who did not to be just 18 percent — but those who actually underwent the procedure saw larger reductions. Read more about the study here. Three key statements about the study from David Lieberman, MD, chair of the AGA's Colorectal Cancer Task Force: Note: These statements come from an Oct. 11 email from the American Gastroenterological Association shared with Becker's. 1. The study shows that colonoscopy screening is effective when completed. Just 42 percent of patients randomized to colonoscopy completed the screening. Those who received the colonoscopy saw a 31 percent decrease in colorectal cancer prevention and a 50 percent decrease in mortality. 2. Quality matters. Several endoscopists had adverse drug reactions below the 25 percent benchmark, which are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer post-colonoscopy. 3. The benefits of colonoscopy take time. The detection and removal of polyps prevent future cancers. n US Digestive Health gains 35 providers through partnership By Riz Hatton Exton, Pa.-based US Digestive Health has partnered with Delaware Center for Digestive Care in Newark. Delaware Center for Digestive Care brings three locations, two ASCs, more than 35 providers and more than 140 employees to the US Digestive Health Management network, according to an Oct. 4 news release. US Digestive Health Management's network consists of more than 200 gastroenterology professionals and service providers, 29 locations, 17 ASCs and more than 950 employees. n