Here are 10 key notes on colonoscopies that gastroenterology leaders need to know in 2024:
1. Medtronic recently entered a partnership with EHR company ModMed to enhance documentation of its GI Genius polyp detection tool. Medtronic will input data from GI Genius into ModMed's GI-focused platform to reduce the manual effort of documenting procedural metrics captured during the colonoscopy process.
2. Fujifilm received 510(k) clearance for its CAD Eye artificial intelligence-powered detection system for endoscopic imaging. The device uses AI detection of colonic mucosal lesions during colonoscopy procedures.
3. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine assessed the performance of a cell-free DNA blood-based test in a population eligible for colorectal cancer screening in identifying colorectal cancer. Though the blood test showed promise, the American Gastroenterological Association said that it should not be used to replace traditional colonoscopies.
4. Cologuard is a noninvasive at-home colon cancer screening test and fecal immunochemical test, or FIT testing, uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. Neither are a replacement for colonoscopies, but they can help decide who might need further screening.
5. In January, 45 members of Congress wrote a letter to HHS urging federal agencies to expand access to colorectal cancer screenings by ensuring surveillance colonoscopies are covered as preventive services.
6. In February, a proposed bill in Nebraska regarding the expansion of colonoscopy coverage passed the first of three rounds of voting. If the bill passes, insured patients would not be charged additional fees for a medical service associated with colonoscopies, such as a polyp removal.
7. Gastroenterologists are expecting to see Medicare pay cuts for both facility and non-facility billing for the top 10 most common GI CPT codes in 2024. ASCs will see a 7% to 9% increase in reimbursements, and hospital outpatient departments will see a 5% to 6% increase.
8. For private health insurers, U.S. hospitals' facility fees for colonoscopy procedures are on average 55% higher than facility fees billed by ASCs.
9. The average cost to undergo a colonoscopy in the U.S. in 2024 is $1,608, according to data from startup insurance provider Sidecar Health. The average cost of a colonoscopy performed at an ASC increased from $859 to $925 from 2017 to 2023, according to data from Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate Blue Health Intelligence.
10. Artificial intelligence is taking colonoscopies to the next level. According to a study in Gastroenterology, using AI during colonoscopies may help decrease adenoma miss rates.