Becker's ASC Review

20 GASTROENTEROLOGY Why gastroenterologists are leaving the field By Riz Hatton W hether due to COVID-19 induced changes or a shi in approach to care, many gastroenterologists have chosen not to stick around as the gastroenterology landscape continues to evolve. Gastroenterology is expected to be down 1,630 physicians by 2025, according to Physicians rive's "2022 Physician Compensation Report." Robbie Allen, CEO of One GI, recently connected with Becker's to discuss where the physician shortage in gastroenterology stems from. Note: is response has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Robbie Allen: I think it's a trend that was accelerated by COVID-19. A lot of these groups as they joined a consolidated private equity platform had an opportunity to monetize their practice, oen on the heels of monetizing maybe an ASC before that. So there was a large cash event that made it easier to leave at 60 instead of 65. Piece two is that COVID-19 and the last 10 years of medicine have been a time of real profound change and upheaval. ere's that shi away from provider centricity towards a patient centric model. at's not what a lot of that generation of physicians signed up for so you're seeing them leave. e last piece is the younger physicians mirror younger Americans in general. As a rule, they don't live to work. ey want to do the same things that every young person wants to do. ey're also generally not first generation college graduates anymore. ey oen come from a much more wealthy or not financially distressed family position. So the entire family isn't dependent on them becoming a success or a doctor. ey tend to work differently, they tend to want the very same things you might want. "What's your time off policy?" "Can I take a leave of absence?" "I don't want to work 14 hours a day." at's creating a risk. at is very different from the way this specialty has been practiced up until now. n How colonoscopy reimbursement is expected to change for ASCs in 2023 By Riz Hatton M edicare ASC payments for colonoscopies with lesion removals and colonoscopies and biopsies are expected to increase in 2023, according to VMG Health's "ASCs in 2022: A Year in Review" report released Jan. 26. Here is a summary of the estimated Medicare ASC payments for 2022 and 2023 for two colonoscopy procedures: Colonoscopy and biopsy CPT code: 45380 Estimated 2022 payments: 235 Percent of total Medicare: 4 percent Estimated 2023 payments: 247 Percent total Medicare: 4 percent Estimated 2023 change: 5 percent Colonoscopy with lesion removal CPT code: 45385 Estimated 2022 payments: 191 Percent of total Medicare: 3.3 percent Estimated 2023 payments: 201 Percent total Medicare: 3.3 percent Estimated 2023 change: 5 percent n UnitedHealthcare changes prior authorization requirements for GI care By Claire Wallace U nitedHealthcare, an insurer of approximately 45 million people worldwide, has announced changes to its prior authorization rules for gastroenterology care that will take effect June 1. Beginning in June, United commercial plan member patients will need to obtain prior authorization for gastroenterology endoscopy services, according to the insurance provider's website. Screening colonoscopy procedures are not included in the new prior authorization rule. The following four procedures will now require prior authorization for United members: 1. Esophagogastroduodenoscopies 2. Capsule endoscopies 3. Diagnostic colonoscopies 4. Surveillance colonoscopies n

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