Here are five numbers worth watching in gastroenterology today:
1. Undergoing a colonoscopy in the U.S. will cost patients an average of $1,608, according to data from Sidecar Health. The majority of the procedure's cost goes toward facility fees.
2. Alaska is the most expensive state to visit a gastroenterologist, where it can cost $73-$121, according to Sidecar Health's care calculator.
3. U.S. hospitals' facility fees for colonoscopy procedures covered by private health insurance are on average about 55% higher than facility fees billed by ASCs, according to a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.
4. Maine has the highest rate of colorectal cancer screenings, with 68.9% of adults ages 45 to 75 reporting receiving one or more of the recommended colorectal cancer screening tests within the recommended time interval, according to the United Health Foundation's America's Health Rankings.
5. Only two certified gastroenterology residency positions nationwide remained unfilled for 2023, with 688 positions filled by MD and DO students, according to data from the National Resident Matching Program.