ACG Observes Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month April is IBS Awareness Month. ACG is here for the busy clinician with resources on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: patient education materials, guidelines, lectures, podcasts, journal articles, and more. For APPs, the ACG Education Universe features an educational module to enhance knowledge and clinical skills and support the care of patients with functional GI disorders, including IBS. ACG has resources for patients to help manage symptoms and communicate more effectively to make the most of their visit and get the help they need for their IBS ..read more

Explore Resources & Inspiration from ACG Reezwana Chowdhury, MD, FACG; Chair, ACG Public Relations Committee February 8, 2024 – March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a rallying point for ACG members and the GI community to bring attention to the lifesaving benefits of colorectal cancer screening. The ACG Public Relations Committee wants you to be aware of opportunities to get involved through some of the well-respected CRC patient advocacy organizations and to explore the College’s CRC screening educational resources, infographics, social media banners, and awareness tools. Get inspi ..read more

A Healthy Challenge to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening Starting at Age 45 for March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in 2023! Launched in 2021, the “Ride or Stride for 45” Virtual Challenge has become an ACG tradition! This virtual experience brings together the ACG family and GI community to show their commitment to colorectal cancer screening and prevention and highlight age 45 to begin colorectal cancer screening for all average risk adults, as recommended in the 2021 ACG Clinical Guidelines on Colorectal Cancer Screening (Shaukat, et al.) About “Ride or Stride for 45” in 2024 In this ..read more

Embracing the Past, Present, and Future: Celebrating Black Excellence in Gastroenterology by Dr. Corlan Eboh, Dr. Mazer Ally & Dr. Mohammad Ali; ACG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee The American College of Gastroenterology celebrates Black History Month by recognizing Black professionals’ rich legacy and vibrant presence in gastroenterology. The celebration is an active recognition of ongoing contributions and a forward-thinking vision. We will spotlight trailblazing individuals and organizations from the Black medical community weekly. These features are narratives of resilien ..read more

In a significant win for ACG members and healthcare providers, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a rule that reforms the prior authorization process for services, while easing physician reporting burdens. The Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes (e-PA) rule (CMS-0057-F) applies to Medicare Advantage organizations, state Medicaid and CHIP programs, and commercial insurers regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. CMS estimates that the new suite of reforms will save physician practices $15 billion over the next 10 ..read more

Damaging 2024 Medicare Cuts Finalized at 3.4% On November 2, 2023, CMS released the CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). While anticipated, ACG is still angered by the 3.4% cut to the CY 2024 Medicare Physician Conversion Factor (CF) compared to last year ($32.74 reduced from $33.89). The Medicare CF is a dollar conversion factor used to calculate payment rates for Medicare PFS services. To calculate rates, geographically adjusted relative value units (RVUs) representing work, practice expense (PE), and malpractice costs are multiplied by the CF. As a reminder, by law, the Medica ..read more

Biden issues executive order on artificial intelligence On October 30, 2023, President Joe Biden signed an executive order entitled, Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. The wide-ranging directive covers many sectors of the economy and corresponding Federal agencies from labor and workforce to national security. The Biden Administration outlines multiple overarching priorities and directives to establish broad guidance and standards as well as targeted directives for specific industries. Key takeaways for GI practice: The EO crea ..read more

GI Societies Will Urge Congress to Reverse Cuts – You Can Help!  The final 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS)/Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) rules were released on Nov. 2.  Key Takeaways for GI Physician payments decline: The GI societies will urge Congress to reverse the 3.37 percent cut to Medicare physician reimbursement announced in the 2024 fee schedule. This cut is based on a physician conversion factor of $32.74 (in 2023 the rate is $33.89). Medicare payments already fail to keep up with the increasing cos ..read more

GI Societies Will Urge Congress to Reverse Cuts – You Can Help!  The final 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS)/Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) rules were released on Nov. 2.  Key Takeaways for GI Physician payments decline: The GI societies will urge Congress to reverse the 3.37 percent cut to Medicare physician reimbursement announced in the 2024 fee schedule. This cut is based on a physician conversion factor of $32.74 (in 2023 the rate is $33.89). Medicare payments already fail to keep up with the increasing cos ..read more

On Monday, October 16, ACG President Dr. Daniel Pambianco delivered a speech at Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz’s Cancer Survivorship Summit. Dr. Pambianco’s remarks covered the landscape of gastrointestinal cancers, including decades of screening successes and current challenges for survivorship. The speech outlined two key frontiers in the fight to further improve GI cancer survivorship. The first is about tackling the alarming rise in colorectal cancer in individuals younger than age 50. The second frontier is addressing inequities in diagnosis and treatment; according to the Ameri ..read more