Clinical News
Emerging Technologies and Platforms in the GI Space
Dr. Stuart Akerman presented his experience with three emerging technologies during the last PAB meeting. For more information on any of these subjects, please reach out to your Operations lead. You may also contact Dr. Jay Popp, AMSURG Medical Staff Development Lead
Hemwell
Hemwell is an ASC-based hemorrhoid therapy that utilizes an electrochemical reaction at low heat (16mA) to cut off feeder blood flow to hemorrhoids. It is approved for all grades of hemorrhoids and can safely treat all three hemorrhoidal columns at one sitting. The procedure is done via disposable anoscopy and can be combined with a flex sig or colonoscopy. Hemwell uses its own cautery unit that is easily moved from room to room, but it cannot be used for patients with bilateral hip replacements or hardware.
EndoSound
Endosound is positioning itself to become the leader in ASC EUS, as traditionally this procedure has been limited to hospitals due to the high capital expense. The Endosound system offers high-quality imaging comparable to the Aloka F75, utilizes existing scopes, and comes in two versions: transducer-only or with an attachment for FNA. This system can present a good financial opportunity for ASCs.
CADe AI Systems
Three CADe AI systems for colonoscopy were evaluated in trials with 20 physicians: GI Genius (Medtronic), Magentiq-Colo (Magentiq Eye), and SKOUT (Iterative Health). There is growing interest in these systems due to new colonoscopy guidelines and increasing data suggesting benefits such as higher ADR, APC and potentially shorter withdrawal times for long exams.
All of these systems use AI to detect polyps during colonoscopy, which can help improve the accuracy of the procedure.
- GI Genius is the most established platform and has active customer service, but it can be distracting and is the most expensive option.
- Magentiq-Colo has more refined AI detection and the ability to record images and video, but it has more complex hardware and is based outside the US.
- SKOUT has the best capital cost and simplified hardware, but its AI detection is still being refined. There may be opportunities for AMSURG ASCs to partner with Iterative Health.
AI-Driven Colonoscopy Prep App Dieta Health
Inadequate preparation leads to financial losses, with a recent AMSURG study showing an average 20% cancellation rate across 55 centers, 6% of which were due to poor prep. Overall, that 20% rate could result in up to a $90,000 revenue loss for centers.
Dieta Health is an AI-driven colonoscopy prep app that utilizes proprietary stool image recognition technology to enhance patient preparation and reduce cancellations. The app provides an end-to-end digital guidance experience, offering education, guidance, and personalized stool interpretation to optimize readiness.
The pricing model is $500 per provider per month with a three-month trial, and a center-by-center analysis is proposed to assess its impact and return on investment (ROI).
AmWell Colonoscopy Automated Care Program Reducing Cancellations
The AmWell Colonoscopy Automated Care Program tackles the costly problem of colonoscopy cancellations and no-shows. By acting as a virtual extension of the care team, it proactively engages patients with clinically based conversations, addressing their questions and concerns, providing procedure instructions and educational materials, and sending appointment reminders.
This personalized support helps patients follow through with their procedures, driving revenue by increasing billable appointments and ensuring reimbursements. As an example, Northwell Health’s (NYC) significantly improved patient attendance, reducing no-show rates by 48% through its Automated Care Program. With 10,000 scheduled colonoscopies, the normal 17% no-show rate dropped to 8.84%, resulting in 816 additional completed procedures. (Source: AmWell Health)
Virgo’s AI-Powered Endoscopy Data Drives Pharma Innovation
The Virgo Foundation Model is designed to provide de-identified endoscopy video data to pharmaceutical companies for precision medicine development. AMSURG retains ownership of the data, licensing it to multiple organizations for model training. This approach enables permanent cloud storage, with greater financial benefits if integrated with electronic medical records (EMRs).
A key concern raised at the last PAB meeting was the potential risk of privacy and data leaks, although discussion with our IT department has largely mitigated those concerns.
A single center with three procedure rooms can generate approximately 6,000 cases per year, demonstrating the high volume of data available for licensing and research.
Doctors who are interested in learning more about Virgo should reach out to Dr. Jay Popp or Dr. Stuart Akerman.
Innovation Corner
The InterStim system uses Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) to treat fecal incontinence (FI), a growing issue among aging patients. With increased awareness, more individuals are seeking specialist care, creating an opportunity for gastroenterologists (GIs) to offer effective, advanced treatment.
Medical Guidelines Support SNM
Leading medical societies, including the ACG and ASCRS, recommend SNM for moderate to severe FI when conservative treatments fail. These guidelines reinforce SNM as a proven, guideline-backed therapy that helps restore bowel control.
InterStim Basic Evaluation: A Trial Phase
Patients can trial SNM through a 5–7-day Basic Evaluation, where thin wire leads stimulate the sacral nerves via an external neurostimulator. This allows GIs and patients to assess effectiveness before committing to long-term treatment.
Clinical Success and Patient Benefits
Studies show 69% of patients see symptom improvement, and 28% achieve complete continence. By sending corrective signals to the brain, InterStim restores normal bowel function, offering a minimally invasive, reversible treatment.
Reimbursement and GI Practice Adoption
With 2024 CMS reimbursement rates and AMSURG’s experience with InterStim and Axonics, SNM is a financially viable and scalable solution. This positions InterStim as a leading therapy for treating fecal incontinence in GI care.
Physician Advisory Board Update
Introducing the AMSURG GI Physician Advisory Board
The GI Physician Advisory Board members offer insight, advice and recommendations on matters and advancement opportunities that directly pertain to the GI health industry. This allows for guidance on program collateral and resources that are developed and shared with centers.
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 Dr. Dale Whitebloom |
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Marketing and Communications Update
Center Administrator Orientation Updates
The Beginner Center Administrator Orientation (CAO) is a virtual program consisting of 14 sessions over three weeks, designed for newly hired Center Administrators and Directors of Nursing within their first 30 days. It is conducted every other month.
NEW LIVE Intermediate CAO will now be held at AMSURG Headquarters in Nashville three times a year. These sessions are a two-day intense deep dive into how to become a top performing CA.
For questions or comments please reach out to Jenn Leyva, Senior Manager of Training and Development.
Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Conference
AMSURG will also be at the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) Conference, held April 30-May 3 in Denver, CO. Representatives from AMSURG departments including Business Development, Market Development and Field Marketing will be there.
Upcoming Dates
Additional Dates and Events
- GI PAB In-Person Meeting: June 5-6 in Nashville, Tenn. (AMSURG)
- Center Administrator Town Hall: April 8 (3-3:50 p.m. CST)
- Digestive Disease Week Conference: May 3-6 in San Diego, CA