Breaking news, CMS measures and Donald Trump's gastroenterologist Harold Bornstein, MD, captured the attention of Becker's ASC Review gastroenterology/endoscopy readers in 2016.
The following are among the most popular GI/endoscopy stories from Becker's this year.
1. Physicians accept blame for Joan Rivers' death
The family of Comedienne Joan Rivers reached a settlement with Yorkville Endoscopy in New York City after physicians at the center botched a procedure that caused the her death.
2. Who is Donald Trump's gastroenterologist, Dr. Harold Bornstein?
After handwriting a four-paragraph letter earlier this year proclaiming the health of President-elect Donald Trump, then the Republican presidential nominee, readers wanted to know more about Harold Bornstein, MD.
3. CMS proposed 2017 physician fee schedule eliminates moderate sedation from endoscopic procedures
CMS began looking to separate moderate sedation services from procedure codes in all specialties back in 2014, including gastrointestinal endoscopy. They announced a new rule in July 2016 that separated moderate sedation services from several GI/endoscopy procedures under Medicare Part B. However, there wasn’t any financial impact on physicians performing their own moderate sedation.
4. St. Mary's Hospital settles lawsuit related to endoscopy death; investigation of gastroenterologist closed
St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wis., settled a lawsuit following the death of an endoscopy patient in 2013. The hospital settled for an undisclosed amount, but the total was anticipated to be around $3.75 million.
5. Olympus under fire: Internal emails reveal US execs told not to issue warning about possible fatal scope infection
Olympus' internal emails revealed the company told U.S. executives not to issue a broad warning to hospitals regarding a deadly infection from tainted scopes that was later linked to numerous deaths at major hospitals.
6. Olympus of the Americas pays $646M settlement in kickback case
Olympus of the Americas paid millions in a civil and criminal penalties suit to settle kickback charges. Olympus admitted to paying physicians and hospitals in the United States bribes to promote its medical devices. The company's Latin American unit is also resolving allegations it paid around $3 million to government-employed healthcare practitioners to increase sales.
7. Schizophrenic son of gastroenterologist Dr. William Wu found guilty of stabbing him
The son of gastroenterologist William Wu, MD, who attacked him with a pair of knives on Nov. 24, 2015, was found guilty but insane by a Lane County Circuit judge in July 2016.
8. CMS releases clinical quality measures for gastroenterology
CMS released its clinical quality measures for seven different specialties, including gastroenterology in February 2016.
9. FDA approves 1st CRC screening blood test
The FDA has approved Epigenomics' Epi proColon, making it the first and only FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening test.
10. GI societies object to American Board of Internal Medicine's certification proposals
The American Board of Internal Medicine recently released two proposed pathways for its maintenance of certification program. The American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American College of Gastroenterology and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases has objected to them proposals.