Empire BlueCross BlueShield is launching an initiative to educate physicians and patients about the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology's guidelines for testing Helicobacter pylori, a precursor to serious stomach ailments, according to a company news release.
AGA and ACG's guidelines recommend an approach to H. pylori that includes testing, treating and retesting and confirming eradication. Moreover, the guidelines promote awareness of inappropriate serology use and the long-held practice of using empirical proton-pump inhibitor therapy as a first line of treatment. The guidelines indicate that long-term use of a PPI is not beneficial for patients with H. pylori, yet all too often a PPI is utilized and patients stay on it for years.
Empire is implementing the guidelines set forth by the AGA and ACG for the evaluation and management of dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease, as they promote improved effectiveness in patient care and quality for those who suffer from H. pylori infection.
Read the news release about Empire BCBS implementing recommendations for H. pylori testing.
Read other coverage about GI:
- Spiral Enteroscopy Only Moderately Effective in Detecting Small Bowel Pathology
- Hepatitis C, Alcohol Use and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Greatest Risk Factors for HCC
- Cirrhosis and HCC Increasing Among Hepatitis C Patients
AGA and ACG's guidelines recommend an approach to H. pylori that includes testing, treating and retesting and confirming eradication. Moreover, the guidelines promote awareness of inappropriate serology use and the long-held practice of using empirical proton-pump inhibitor therapy as a first line of treatment. The guidelines indicate that long-term use of a PPI is not beneficial for patients with H. pylori, yet all too often a PPI is utilized and patients stay on it for years.
Empire is implementing the guidelines set forth by the AGA and ACG for the evaluation and management of dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease, as they promote improved effectiveness in patient care and quality for those who suffer from H. pylori infection.
Read the news release about Empire BCBS implementing recommendations for H. pylori testing.
Read other coverage about GI:
- Spiral Enteroscopy Only Moderately Effective in Detecting Small Bowel Pathology
- Hepatitis C, Alcohol Use and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Greatest Risk Factors for HCC
- Cirrhosis and HCC Increasing Among Hepatitis C Patients