Becker's ASC Review

33 GASTROENTEROLOGY Could endoscopy technicians curb the GI staffing shortage? By Francesca Mathewes C olonoscopy demand is on the rise, and some ASCs and endoscopy centers are seeking new avenues to meet the growing need for qualified staff. e Houston Community College Coleman College for Health Sciences is seeking to fill that need with its endoscopy technician program, the only one of its kind in Texas and one of only three in the nation, e Katy News reported Aug. 17. e center trains endoscopy technicians through a two-semester certificate program, equipping them to perform outpatient endoscopy procedures and aims to fight the shortage of qualified endoscopy professionals in the region and nationwide. Gottumukkala Raju, MD, an endoscopist and a professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition with University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, reached out to HCC in late 2015 with a proposal to develop the standardized endoscopy technician program. He helped create the 35-hour, evening curriculum course alongside an advisory group of physicians, nurses, endoscopy technicians, educators and other industry partners. "Not every endoscopy technician at every hospital has the same level of expertise," Dr. Raju said in the report. "Even now, people are recruited into a hospital endoscopy unit and receive a few weeks of on-the-job training before assisting doctors. at is not the best way to build a top-quality team." According to the report, students of the program have seen successful job placements and the program has caught the attention of physicians throughout the area. "I know the students are very well trained with extensive knowledge about endoscopy and the tools we use in both regular and advanced procedures," said Karen Woods, MD, a gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist Hospital, told e Katy News. "I would strongly consider any graduate from the HCC program to work in my hospital unit or outpatient center." n GI's biggest concerns in the next 10 years By Francesca Mathewes S everal factors point to room for growth for gastrointestinal practices: the mandated age for colonoscopies is now 45 instead of 50, new colorectal cancer screenings are being developed and the prevalence of GI issues are on the rise. However, concerns remain among some GI leaders about the state of the industry. "My biggest concern is people moving away from getting colon screening due to shi in payment from certain commercial insurances and CMS. Before, if a patient was to have a colonoscopy for screening, no matter what the findings were, the cost would be [100%] covered," Raquel Hernandez, Administrator of Laredo (Texas) Digestive Health Center. However, if a colonoscopy becomes diagnostic, patients can expect to pay 15% of the Medicare-approved amount for a physicians' services. In the outpatient setting, patients also may also pay a 15% coinsurance amount. "e GI industry may see a decline in colon screenings with a possible increase in colon cancer findings in the future," Ms. Hernandez said. Additionally, the uptick in the need for GI care could be an issue for facilities struggling to keep pace with inflation, lower reimbursement rates and staffing issues. "is could strain resources and drive up healthcare costs," said Haydee Padilla, administrator of Mountain View Surgery Center in Redlands, Calif. Ms. Padilla also noted that GI centers are juggling advancements in technology, including AI and telemedicine, alongside the daily flow of operations. "Balancing these evolving needs with maintaining high-quality patient care and managing costs will likely be a significant challenge," she said. n 5 numbers shaping the colonoscopy market By Francesca Mathewes Here are five numbers shaping the colonoscopy market right now: $23.7 billion –– The total cost of screening colonoscopies in the U.S. in 2021. $925 –– The average cost of a colonoscopy in an ASC. Colonoscopies cost an average $1,224 in hospital outpatient departments. 83% — The accuracy of detection of colorectal cancer by a blood test recently approved by the FDA. 1,630 — The projected national shortage of gastroenterologists by 2025. 8% — The expected growth rate of colon cancer among men in the U.S in 2024. The expected growth rate among women is 7%. n

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