Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1531804
18 GASTROENTEROLOGY GI's biggest win of 2024 By Francesca Mathewes Gastroenterology saw major industry-specific technological advancements in 2024 — especially when it comes to AI. "GI successfully integrated advanced artificial intelligence into diagnostics and procedures, proving efficiency and patient outcomes without compromising the human touch in care," Nitin Sardana, MD, a gastroenterologist with Gastro Health in Fairfax, Va., told Becker's. AI is being utilized across both clinical and patient-focused aspects of GI. Omar Khokhar, MD, a gastroenterologist at Illinois GastroHealth in Bloomington, recently told Becker's that a six-month AI pilot program at his center led to a substantial improvement in polyp detection, with rates increasing from 45% to 65%. Iterative Health's Skout and Medtronic's GI Genius are two AI- assisted options making waves in the industry. Computer-assisted colonoscopy methods could lead to an at least 50% decrease in the miss rate of adenomas. "is innovation allowed the field to stay at the forefront of medical technology while maintaining high standards," said Dr. Sardana. While implementing AI technology is a major financial investment, Dr. Khokhar said that it could potentially pay for itself over time. Because the technology is bringing patients back for surveillance exams and generating more pathology, these revenue streams could potentially offset the cost of AI, he said. In fact, two studies published in June found that an AI tool may be able to reach underserved populations by re-engaging individuals who previously missed or avoided an appointment. Researchers used an AI tool to reengage 2,400 patients who missed colonoscopies, 58% of patients who engaged with the AI accepted a live transfer to a staff member to reschedule their appointments, and 25% of patients completed their colonoscopy screening. Additionally, giving patients more choice in their colorectal cancer screening options could increase the number of patients who get screened, according to a May study from the Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia. When patients were given the choice between a take-home test kit or undergoing a colonoscopy, more patients voluntarily underwent screenings. ese two studies may demonstrate to health systems effective ways to engage patients for routine screenings as colorectal cancer rates continue to rise nationwide. n The 6 best endoscopy centers of 2024: Leapfrog By Claire Wallace The Leapfrog Group has named the top 31 ASCs for 2024, including six endoscopy centers. The group has recognized facilities for safety and recovery standards, fair billing practices, volume and other achievements. Read more about the methodology here. The top six endoscopy centers of 2024: Florida Baptist Health Endoscopy Center at Coral Springs Baptist Health Endoscopy Center at Flagler (West Palm Beach) Baptist Health Endoscopy Center at Galloway North (Miami) Baptist Health Endoscopy Center at Galloway South (Miami) North Carolina Novant Health Brunswick Endoscopy Center (Supply) Pennsylvania St. Luke's Endoscopy Center-Buxmont (Sellersville) n Montrose Regional Health adds city's 1st gastroenterologist By Claire Wallace M ontrose (Colo.) Regional Health has added the city's first gastroenterologist, Michael Paolucci, MD, according to a Dec. 18 report from Western Slope Now. Dr. Paolucci has over 27 years of GI experience, specializing in diagnosing and treating GI issues, colon cancer screenings, colonoscopies, upper endoscopies and interventional/advanced endoscopies. He formerly practiced in Colorado Springs before moving to the Montrose area to practice in a rural setting. n