Here are seven news updates for gastroenterologists to know for April 17, 2015.
CMS releases new guidance on colonoscopy anesthesia modifier.
CMS has expanded the range of service to which the PT modifier refers to include lower GI/endoscopy anesthesia CPT code 00810. Effective at the start of this year, CPT code 00810 used with screening colonoscopy services G0105 or G0121 will result in coinsurance and deductible being waived for anesthesia service when modifier 33 issued. If a screening colonoscopy becomes a diagnostic colonoscopy, providers should submit anesthesia code 00810 with the PT modifier. In this case, only the patient's deductible will be waived, according to the report.
FDA clears 6 GI/endoscopy devices.
The FDA granted six gastroenterology and endoscopy 510(k) devices clearance in March. Device companies receiving clearances included EndoGastric Solutions and Olympus Medical Systems.
Rome Foundation, LOGICNETS form partnership.
The Rome Foundation and LOGICNETS partnered to develop an advanced online decision support system for the Rome Foundation's multi-dimensional clinical profiles protocols. The Rome Foundation, a non-profit company, creates tools designed to support the diagnosis and treatment of functional GI disorders. LOGICNETS has developed the LogicNets Clinical Decision Support Platform.
Rep. Donald Payne Jr., to co-chair men's health caucus.
Representative Donald Payne Jr., (D- N.J. 10th district), one of the supporters behind the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, is now the co-chair of the Congressional Men's Health Caucus. The caucus includes approximately 700 congressional membership organizations, according to the report. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R.-Okla.) serves as the other co-chair.
University of Kansas physician develops strategies for improved CRC screening.
K. Allen Greiner, MD, MPH, with the University of Kansas Cancer Center's Cancer Control and Population Health program in Kansas City, is in the process of developing strategies to improve colorectal cancer screening in low-income and minority populations.
Digestive Disease Center of the Hudson Valley adds nutritionist.
The Digestive Disease Center of the Hudson Valley in Fishkill, N.Y., added dietician and nutritionist Theresa Zangerie-McArtin, RD, CDN.
IBD risk reaches to third degree relatives.
A new study has found that first-, second- and third-degree relatives with inflammatory bowel disease all have a heightened risk of developing IBD. The study found that up to 12 percent of people with Crohn's disease have a relative with the same disease. The same was true of up to 9 percent of people with ulcerative colitis.