News from AGA

A simple, flexible, and versatile way to ensure The AGA Research Foundation can continue our work for years to come is a gift in your will or living trust, known as a charitable bequest. To make a charitable bequest, you need a current will or living trust.

Your gift can be made as a percentage of your estate. Or you can make a specific bequest by contributing a certain amount of cash, securities, or property. After your lifetime, the AGA Research Foundation receives your gift.

We hope you’ll consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will or living trust. It’s simple – just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. The official bequest language for the AGA Research Foundation is: “I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise, and bequeath to the AGA Research Foundation [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

When planning a future gift, it’s sometimes difficult to determine what size donation will make sense. Emergencies happen, and you need to make sure your family is financially taken care of first. Including a bequest of a percentage of your estate ensures that your gift will remain proportionate, no matter how your estate’s value fluctuates over the years.

Whether you would like to put your donation to work today or benefit us after your lifetime, you can find a charitable plan that lets you provide for your family and support the AGA Research Foundation.

Please contact us for more information at [email protected] or visit http://gastro.planmylegacy.org.

A simple, flexible, and versatile way to ensure The AGA Research Foundation can continue our work for years to come is a gift in your will or living trust, known as a charitable bequest. To make a charitable bequest, you need a current will or living trust.

Your gift can be made as a percentage of your estate. Or you can make a specific bequest by contributing a certain amount of cash, securities, or property. After your lifetime, the AGA Research Foundation receives your gift.

We hope you’ll consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will or living trust. It’s simple – just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. The official bequest language for the AGA Research Foundation is: “I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise, and bequeath to the AGA Research Foundation [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

When planning a future gift, it’s sometimes difficult to determine what size donation will make sense. Emergencies happen, and you need to make sure your family is financially taken care of first. Including a bequest of a percentage of your estate ensures that your gift will remain proportionate, no matter how your estate’s value fluctuates over the years.

Whether you would like to put your donation to work today or benefit us after your lifetime, you can find a charitable plan that lets you provide for your family and support the AGA Research Foundation.

Please contact us for more information at [email protected] or visit http://gastro.planmylegacy.org.

A simple, flexible, and versatile way to ensure The AGA Research Foundation can continue our work for years to come is a gift in your will or living trust, known as a charitable bequest. To make a charitable bequest, you need a current will or living trust.

Your gift can be made as a percentage of your estate. Or you can make a specific bequest by contributing a certain amount of cash, securities, or property. After your lifetime, the AGA Research Foundation receives your gift.

We hope you’ll consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will or living trust. It’s simple – just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. The official bequest language for the AGA Research Foundation is: “I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise, and bequeath to the AGA Research Foundation [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

When planning a future gift, it’s sometimes difficult to determine what size donation will make sense. Emergencies happen, and you need to make sure your family is financially taken care of first. Including a bequest of a percentage of your estate ensures that your gift will remain proportionate, no matter how your estate’s value fluctuates over the years.

Whether you would like to put your donation to work today or benefit us after your lifetime, you can find a charitable plan that lets you provide for your family and support the AGA Research Foundation.

Please contact us for more information at [email protected] or visit http://gastro.planmylegacy.org.

PHILADELPHIA – Are there things you wish you’d learned as a gastroenterology fellow? How to build a reputation as a good speaker, how to grow a successful clinical practice, and even how to choose the best retirement fund options for your personal goals are the kinds of tips and insights you’ll find in The New Gastroenterologist.

The newest publication from the American Gastroenterological Association, The New Gastroenterologist offers practical clinical information, lifestyle features, interviews with leaders in the field, and details on where to find research funding.

“Our goal is to provide unique content that speaks to all the needs that young gastroenterologists have, and to have it all in one place,” says The New Gastroenterologist Editor-in-Chief Dr. Bryson Katona.

[email protected]

On Twitter @whitneymcknight

PHILADELPHIA – Are there things you wish you’d learned as a gastroenterology fellow? How to build a reputation as a good speaker, how to grow a successful clinical practice, and even how to choose the best retirement fund options for your personal goals are the kinds of tips and insights you’ll find in The New Gastroenterologist.

The newest publication from the American Gastroenterological Association, The New Gastroenterologist offers practical clinical information, lifestyle features, interviews with leaders in the field, and details on where to find research funding.

“Our goal is to provide unique content that speaks to all the needs that young gastroenterologists have, and to have it all in one place,” says The New Gastroenterologist Editor-in-Chief Dr. Bryson Katona.

[email protected]

On Twitter @whitneymcknight

PHILADELPHIA – Are there things you wish you’d learned as a gastroenterology fellow? How to build a reputation as a good speaker, how to grow a successful clinical practice, and even how to choose the best retirement fund options for your personal goals are the kinds of tips and insights you’ll find in The New Gastroenterologist.

The newest publication from the American Gastroenterological Association, The New Gastroenterologist offers practical clinical information, lifestyle features, interviews with leaders in the field, and details on where to find research funding.

“Our goal is to provide unique content that speaks to all the needs that young gastroenterologists have, and to have it all in one place,” says The New Gastroenterologist Editor-in-Chief Dr. Bryson Katona.

[email protected]

On Twitter @whitneymcknight

In 2016, the conversation over the safety of duodenoscopes has continued to evolve. Here’s what you need to know:

1. On Jan. 15, 2016, FDA approved a modified version of Olympus’ duodenoscope (TJF-Q180V), which has been redesigned to create a tighter seal and reduce the potential for leakage of patient fluids and tissue into the scope’s closed elevator channel. The previous reprocessing instructions remain in place; FDA urges facilities to continue to follow the validated manual reprocessing procedures outlined in the March 26, 2015, Safety Communication when reprocessing Olympus TJF-Q180V duodenoscopes.

2. Following FDA’s approval of its redesign, Olympus announced that it would recall all 4,400 of its TJF-Q180V model duodenoscopes in use around the country and replace the existing elevator mechanism with one designed to be less vulnerable to contamination.

3. Meanwhile, Senate minority staff have issued a report highlighting the need for additional oversight of medical devices, noting that the outbreak of antibiotic-resistant infections from duodenoscopes demonstrates the importance of multiple checks.

4. FDA has developed a web page specifically highlighting automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs), which provides a list of the companies whose AERs have passed the agency’s validation testing for reprocessing and decontaminating duodenoscopes.

Michael L. Kochman, M.D., AGAF, FASGE, chair of the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology, offers his comments on this news: “The recent announcements from Congress, FDA, and Olympus are welcomed. These announcements demonstrate that “Getting to Zero” is a priority for all parties to ensure that we are using the safest possible devices for our patients. It is reassuring that modifications to existing devices are being developed and that the responsible agencies are proactively adjusting recommendations in view of new data and findings. We anticipate additional changes to the devices and reprocessing recommendations and our members should stay tuned and be vigilant.”

AGA will continue to keep you updated on this important issue. As always, our goal is to ensure patients continue to have access to this medically necessary procedure, while removing any risk of device-transmitted infections.

In 2016, the conversation over the safety of duodenoscopes has continued to evolve. Here’s what you need to know:

1. On Jan. 15, 2016, FDA approved a modified version of Olympus’ duodenoscope (TJF-Q180V), which has been redesigned to create a tighter seal and reduce the potential for leakage of patient fluids and tissue into the scope’s closed elevator channel. The previous reprocessing instructions remain in place; FDA urges facilities to continue to follow the validated manual reprocessing procedures outlined in the March 26, 2015, Safety Communication when reprocessing Olympus TJF-Q180V duodenoscopes.

2. Following FDA’s approval of its redesign, Olympus announced that it would recall all 4,400 of its TJF-Q180V model duodenoscopes in use around the country and replace the existing elevator mechanism with one designed to be less vulnerable to contamination.

3. Meanwhile, Senate minority staff have issued a report highlighting the need for additional oversight of medical devices, noting that the outbreak of antibiotic-resistant infections from duodenoscopes demonstrates the importance of multiple checks.

4. FDA has developed a web page specifically highlighting automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs), which provides a list of the companies whose AERs have passed the agency’s validation testing for reprocessing and decontaminating duodenoscopes.

Michael L. Kochman, M.D., AGAF, FASGE, chair of the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology, offers his comments on this news: “The recent announcements from Congress, FDA, and Olympus are welcomed. These announcements demonstrate that “Getting to Zero” is a priority for all parties to ensure that we are using the safest possible devices for our patients. It is reassuring that modifications to existing devices are being developed and that the responsible agencies are proactively adjusting recommendations in view of new data and findings. We anticipate additional changes to the devices and reprocessing recommendations and our members should stay tuned and be vigilant.”

AGA will continue to keep you updated on this important issue. As always, our goal is to ensure patients continue to have access to this medically necessary procedure, while removing any risk of device-transmitted infections.

In 2016, the conversation over the safety of duodenoscopes has continued to evolve. Here’s what you need to know:

1. On Jan. 15, 2016, FDA approved a modified version of Olympus’ duodenoscope (TJF-Q180V), which has been redesigned to create a tighter seal and reduce the potential for leakage of patient fluids and tissue into the scope’s closed elevator channel. The previous reprocessing instructions remain in place; FDA urges facilities to continue to follow the validated manual reprocessing procedures outlined in the March 26, 2015, Safety Communication when reprocessing Olympus TJF-Q180V duodenoscopes.

2. Following FDA’s approval of its redesign, Olympus announced that it would recall all 4,400 of its TJF-Q180V model duodenoscopes in use around the country and replace the existing elevator mechanism with one designed to be less vulnerable to contamination.

3. Meanwhile, Senate minority staff have issued a report highlighting the need for additional oversight of medical devices, noting that the outbreak of antibiotic-resistant infections from duodenoscopes demonstrates the importance of multiple checks.

4. FDA has developed a web page specifically highlighting automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs), which provides a list of the companies whose AERs have passed the agency’s validation testing for reprocessing and decontaminating duodenoscopes.

Michael L. Kochman, M.D., AGAF, FASGE, chair of the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology, offers his comments on this news: “The recent announcements from Congress, FDA, and Olympus are welcomed. These announcements demonstrate that “Getting to Zero” is a priority for all parties to ensure that we are using the safest possible devices for our patients. It is reassuring that modifications to existing devices are being developed and that the responsible agencies are proactively adjusting recommendations in view of new data and findings. We anticipate additional changes to the devices and reprocessing recommendations and our members should stay tuned and be vigilant.”

AGA will continue to keep you updated on this important issue. As always, our goal is to ensure patients continue to have access to this medically necessary procedure, while removing any risk of device-transmitted infections.

AGA Legacy Society members are showing their gratitude for what funding and research has brought to our specialty by giving back.

Legacy Society members are the most generous individual donors to the AGA Research Foundation. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $25,000 or more (payable over 5 years) or $50,000 or more in a planned gift, such as a bequest.

The AGA Research Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support young researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. Richard M. Peek, Jr., M.D., AGAF, Legacy Society member said, “I have a huge appreciation for the AGA Research Foundation, because they were the first foundation that really took a chance on my research. Today, I am proud to be a donor myself because I know it is making a difference [for] yet another young investigator.”

Donors who make gifts at the Legacy Society level before DDW will receive an invitation to the annual Benefactors’ Dinner at The Don Room and Terrace at El Cortez in San Diego. Individuals interested in learning more about Legacy Society membership may contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski, Senior Director of Development at [email protected] or via phone (301) 222-4005.

A celebration of research support

Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The Don Room and Terrace at El Cortez will be the location of the 2016 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors’ Dinner during DDW in San Diego. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in the historic setting that has hosted dignitaries since 1927. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.

AGA Legacy Society members are showing their gratitude for what funding and research has brought to our specialty by giving back.

Legacy Society members are the most generous individual donors to the AGA Research Foundation. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $25,000 or more (payable over 5 years) or $50,000 or more in a planned gift, such as a bequest.

The AGA Research Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support young researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. Richard M. Peek, Jr., M.D., AGAF, Legacy Society member said, “I have a huge appreciation for the AGA Research Foundation, because they were the first foundation that really took a chance on my research. Today, I am proud to be a donor myself because I know it is making a difference [for] yet another young investigator.”

Donors who make gifts at the Legacy Society level before DDW will receive an invitation to the annual Benefactors’ Dinner at The Don Room and Terrace at El Cortez in San Diego. Individuals interested in learning more about Legacy Society membership may contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski, Senior Director of Development at [email protected] or via phone (301) 222-4005.

A celebration of research support

Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The Don Room and Terrace at El Cortez will be the location of the 2016 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors’ Dinner during DDW in San Diego. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in the historic setting that has hosted dignitaries since 1927. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.

AGA Legacy Society members are showing their gratitude for what funding and research has brought to our specialty by giving back.

Legacy Society members are the most generous individual donors to the AGA Research Foundation. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $25,000 or more (payable over 5 years) or $50,000 or more in a planned gift, such as a bequest.

The AGA Research Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support young researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. Richard M. Peek, Jr., M.D., AGAF, Legacy Society member said, “I have a huge appreciation for the AGA Research Foundation, because they were the first foundation that really took a chance on my research. Today, I am proud to be a donor myself because I know it is making a difference [for] yet another young investigator.”

Donors who make gifts at the Legacy Society level before DDW will receive an invitation to the annual Benefactors’ Dinner at The Don Room and Terrace at El Cortez in San Diego. Individuals interested in learning more about Legacy Society membership may contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski, Senior Director of Development at [email protected] or via phone (301) 222-4005.

A celebration of research support

Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The Don Room and Terrace at El Cortez will be the location of the 2016 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors’ Dinner during DDW in San Diego. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in the historic setting that has hosted dignitaries since 1927. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.

This January I was fortunate to spend a day on Capitol Hill meeting with AGA senior policy staff and key members of Congress who have jurisdiction over critical policy priorities for AGA and the profession of gastroenterology. It was an interesting and informative day. Among other things, I learned that individuals on Capitol Hill are interested in hearing from us to gain our insight and expertise on the practice and science of gastroenterology and patient care.

Senate

During my time visiting the Senate side of Capitol Hill, I met with the offices of Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn). Sen. Cassidy, as you may be aware, has been an AGA member and champion for many of our policy priorities. Most recently, he, along with Sen. Cardin, spearheaded the Senate effort in contacting CMS and expressing concern over cuts in reimbursement for colonoscopy. Sen. Cassidy was critical in implementing the new transparency policy at CMS, which led to the announcement of changes in physician values in the proposed rule, instead of the final rule. This will ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process.

We also discussed the AGA obesity initiative that is being developed. This is a multidisciplinary approach to treating the disease. I had the opportunity to educate Sen. Cassidy’s staff on some of the new drugs that have been approved to treat obesity and the emergence of new endoscopic procedures that could have an impact on how we treat this growing epidemic. I also learned about Sen. Cassidy’s legislation, S. 1509/H.R. 2404, Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would cover behavioral therapy, as well as drugs, to treat obesity under Medicare. Sen. Cassidy is very concerned with obesity, especially in Louisiana, where it is a major public health problem. We will continue to work with Sen. Cassidy on this important initiative, as well as other public health initiatives, given his role on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

I also had the honor of meeting with Sen. Brown’s staff. Sen. Brown is the main sponsor of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act legislation that would fix the current co-insurance problem requiring Medicare beneficiaries to face out-of-pocket expenses when their screening colonoscopy becomes therapeutic. We impressed upon the staff our concern that this is a deterrent to undergoing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. One of the main obstacles to getting this bill over the finish line is a favorable “score” (or additional cost) from the Congressional Budget Office and finding an appropriate legislative vehicle given this year’s short legislative session. I was able to thank Sen. Brown for his support of NIH, given that Congress gave the institute a $2 billion budget increase last year as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

In my discussions with Sen. Klobuchar’s staff, I thanked her for her support of NIH and access to colorectal cancer screening. She has been a champion of repealing the medical device tax, which received a 2-year delay as part of the recent Omnibus Bill. Finally, I met with Sen. Cardin, who has a long history of supporting colorectal cancer screening and was instrumental in first implementing the benefit under Medicare, as part of the Balanced Budget Act. He continues to champion many of our priorities, including NIH funding, fair reimbursement for colonoscopy and fixing the coinsurance waiver.

House of Representatives

I was also fortunate to meet with the staff for several representatives on the House side, including those key individuals involved in health legislation. The staff to Labor, HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Tom Coles (R-Okla.) who was critical in ensuring that NIH received a bump in funding, conveyed that they would like to continue with sustained funding just as Congress did during the period when the NIH budget was doubled. They were very interested in learning about my own research on obesity at Mayo Clinic and the implications it could have in more effectively treating the disease.

I also met with staff for Rep. Jim McGovern, (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Rules Committee and a longtime supporter of improving access to colorectal cancer screening, and Rep. Tim Walz, (D-Minn.), who is a representative from my congressional district in Minnesota. Both are strong supporters of NIH funding and colorectal cancer screening.

My experience showed me how willing our lawmakers on Capitol Hill are to meet with gastroenterologists, to learn about our experiences and our patients, and to find ways to work with us to ensure the correct laws are in place to ensure our patients are receiving the best care.
Medical research advances and the practice of medicine affect everyone in this country. We need to work with Congress to continue to advocate for the programs and initiatives that are vital to our patients and to our specialty, gastroenterology.

This January I was fortunate to spend a day on Capitol Hill meeting with AGA senior policy staff and key members of Congress who have jurisdiction over critical policy priorities for AGA and the profession of gastroenterology. It was an interesting and informative day. Among other things, I learned that individuals on Capitol Hill are interested in hearing from us to gain our insight and expertise on the practice and science of gastroenterology and patient care.

Senate

During my time visiting the Senate side of Capitol Hill, I met with the offices of Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn). Sen. Cassidy, as you may be aware, has been an AGA member and champion for many of our policy priorities. Most recently, he, along with Sen. Cardin, spearheaded the Senate effort in contacting CMS and expressing concern over cuts in reimbursement for colonoscopy. Sen. Cassidy was critical in implementing the new transparency policy at CMS, which led to the announcement of changes in physician values in the proposed rule, instead of the final rule. This will ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process.

We also discussed the AGA obesity initiative that is being developed. This is a multidisciplinary approach to treating the disease. I had the opportunity to educate Sen. Cassidy’s staff on some of the new drugs that have been approved to treat obesity and the emergence of new endoscopic procedures that could have an impact on how we treat this growing epidemic. I also learned about Sen. Cassidy’s legislation, S. 1509/H.R. 2404, Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would cover behavioral therapy, as well as drugs, to treat obesity under Medicare. Sen. Cassidy is very concerned with obesity, especially in Louisiana, where it is a major public health problem. We will continue to work with Sen. Cassidy on this important initiative, as well as other public health initiatives, given his role on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

I also had the honor of meeting with Sen. Brown’s staff. Sen. Brown is the main sponsor of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act legislation that would fix the current co-insurance problem requiring Medicare beneficiaries to face out-of-pocket expenses when their screening colonoscopy becomes therapeutic. We impressed upon the staff our concern that this is a deterrent to undergoing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. One of the main obstacles to getting this bill over the finish line is a favorable “score” (or additional cost) from the Congressional Budget Office and finding an appropriate legislative vehicle given this year’s short legislative session. I was able to thank Sen. Brown for his support of NIH, given that Congress gave the institute a $2 billion budget increase last year as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

In my discussions with Sen. Klobuchar’s staff, I thanked her for her support of NIH and access to colorectal cancer screening. She has been a champion of repealing the medical device tax, which received a 2-year delay as part of the recent Omnibus Bill. Finally, I met with Sen. Cardin, who has a long history of supporting colorectal cancer screening and was instrumental in first implementing the benefit under Medicare, as part of the Balanced Budget Act. He continues to champion many of our priorities, including NIH funding, fair reimbursement for colonoscopy and fixing the coinsurance waiver.

House of Representatives

I was also fortunate to meet with the staff for several representatives on the House side, including those key individuals involved in health legislation. The staff to Labor, HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Tom Coles (R-Okla.) who was critical in ensuring that NIH received a bump in funding, conveyed that they would like to continue with sustained funding just as Congress did during the period when the NIH budget was doubled. They were very interested in learning about my own research on obesity at Mayo Clinic and the implications it could have in more effectively treating the disease.

I also met with staff for Rep. Jim McGovern, (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Rules Committee and a longtime supporter of improving access to colorectal cancer screening, and Rep. Tim Walz, (D-Minn.), who is a representative from my congressional district in Minnesota. Both are strong supporters of NIH funding and colorectal cancer screening.

My experience showed me how willing our lawmakers on Capitol Hill are to meet with gastroenterologists, to learn about our experiences and our patients, and to find ways to work with us to ensure the correct laws are in place to ensure our patients are receiving the best care.
Medical research advances and the practice of medicine affect everyone in this country. We need to work with Congress to continue to advocate for the programs and initiatives that are vital to our patients and to our specialty, gastroenterology.

This January I was fortunate to spend a day on Capitol Hill meeting with AGA senior policy staff and key members of Congress who have jurisdiction over critical policy priorities for AGA and the profession of gastroenterology. It was an interesting and informative day. Among other things, I learned that individuals on Capitol Hill are interested in hearing from us to gain our insight and expertise on the practice and science of gastroenterology and patient care.

Senate

During my time visiting the Senate side of Capitol Hill, I met with the offices of Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn). Sen. Cassidy, as you may be aware, has been an AGA member and champion for many of our policy priorities. Most recently, he, along with Sen. Cardin, spearheaded the Senate effort in contacting CMS and expressing concern over cuts in reimbursement for colonoscopy. Sen. Cassidy was critical in implementing the new transparency policy at CMS, which led to the announcement of changes in physician values in the proposed rule, instead of the final rule. This will ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process.

We also discussed the AGA obesity initiative that is being developed. This is a multidisciplinary approach to treating the disease. I had the opportunity to educate Sen. Cassidy’s staff on some of the new drugs that have been approved to treat obesity and the emergence of new endoscopic procedures that could have an impact on how we treat this growing epidemic. I also learned about Sen. Cassidy’s legislation, S. 1509/H.R. 2404, Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would cover behavioral therapy, as well as drugs, to treat obesity under Medicare. Sen. Cassidy is very concerned with obesity, especially in Louisiana, where it is a major public health problem. We will continue to work with Sen. Cassidy on this important initiative, as well as other public health initiatives, given his role on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

I also had the honor of meeting with Sen. Brown’s staff. Sen. Brown is the main sponsor of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act legislation that would fix the current co-insurance problem requiring Medicare beneficiaries to face out-of-pocket expenses when their screening colonoscopy becomes therapeutic. We impressed upon the staff our concern that this is a deterrent to undergoing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. One of the main obstacles to getting this bill over the finish line is a favorable “score” (or additional cost) from the Congressional Budget Office and finding an appropriate legislative vehicle given this year’s short legislative session. I was able to thank Sen. Brown for his support of NIH, given that Congress gave the institute a $2 billion budget increase last year as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

In my discussions with Sen. Klobuchar’s staff, I thanked her for her support of NIH and access to colorectal cancer screening. She has been a champion of repealing the medical device tax, which received a 2-year delay as part of the recent Omnibus Bill. Finally, I met with Sen. Cardin, who has a long history of supporting colorectal cancer screening and was instrumental in first implementing the benefit under Medicare, as part of the Balanced Budget Act. He continues to champion many of our priorities, including NIH funding, fair reimbursement for colonoscopy and fixing the coinsurance waiver.

House of Representatives

I was also fortunate to meet with the staff for several representatives on the House side, including those key individuals involved in health legislation. The staff to Labor, HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Tom Coles (R-Okla.) who was critical in ensuring that NIH received a bump in funding, conveyed that they would like to continue with sustained funding just as Congress did during the period when the NIH budget was doubled. They were very interested in learning about my own research on obesity at Mayo Clinic and the implications it could have in more effectively treating the disease.

I also met with staff for Rep. Jim McGovern, (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Rules Committee and a longtime supporter of improving access to colorectal cancer screening, and Rep. Tim Walz, (D-Minn.), who is a representative from my congressional district in Minnesota. Both are strong supporters of NIH funding and colorectal cancer screening.

My experience showed me how willing our lawmakers on Capitol Hill are to meet with gastroenterologists, to learn about our experiences and our patients, and to find ways to work with us to ensure the correct laws are in place to ensure our patients are receiving the best care.
Medical research advances and the practice of medicine affect everyone in this country. We need to work with Congress to continue to advocate for the programs and initiatives that are vital to our patients and to our specialty, gastroenterology.

You’ve heard the stats about Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) – top 50 medical meeting, nearly 15,000 attendees, more than 4,000 abstracts. The experts behind AGA’s programming – coined the AGA Institute Council – recently came together to put the finishing touches on this year’s agenda.

If you’re not yet registered for this year’s meeting, taking place May 21 through 24 in San Diego, you can do so by visiting www.ddw.org/registration.

• AGA Basic Science Zone: AGA will be co-locating basic science sessions. On Saturday, we will highlight the gut microbiome, and on Sunday we will focus on inflammation and GI cancers. Both days will have a mix of invited and abstract-based sessions.

• More microbiome programming: AGA’s coverage of the microbiome will extend beyond basic science, focusing on clinical topics such as obesity, IBD, and pediatric GI.

• Collaborative topic sessions: our council is comprised of 12 special interest groups, or sections, all covering different topic areas in GI/hepatology.

• Plenary sessions: our plenary sessions at DDW highlight the most novel and innovative studies presented at the meeting. Don’t miss  the AGA Presidential Plenary, the AGA Basic Science Plenary and the Distinguished Abstract Plenaries.

• For the second year in a row, the council will be awarding certificates of recognition in sessions that have a young investigator.

Visit www.ddw.org and review the preliminary program.

You’ve heard the stats about Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) – top 50 medical meeting, nearly 15,000 attendees, more than 4,000 abstracts. The experts behind AGA’s programming – coined the AGA Institute Council – recently came together to put the finishing touches on this year’s agenda.

If you’re not yet registered for this year’s meeting, taking place May 21 through 24 in San Diego, you can do so by visiting www.ddw.org/registration.

• AGA Basic Science Zone: AGA will be co-locating basic science sessions. On Saturday, we will highlight the gut microbiome, and on Sunday we will focus on inflammation and GI cancers. Both days will have a mix of invited and abstract-based sessions.

• More microbiome programming: AGA’s coverage of the microbiome will extend beyond basic science, focusing on clinical topics such as obesity, IBD, and pediatric GI.

• Collaborative topic sessions: our council is comprised of 12 special interest groups, or sections, all covering different topic areas in GI/hepatology.

• Plenary sessions: our plenary sessions at DDW highlight the most novel and innovative studies presented at the meeting. Don’t miss  the AGA Presidential Plenary, the AGA Basic Science Plenary and the Distinguished Abstract Plenaries.

• For the second year in a row, the council will be awarding certificates of recognition in sessions that have a young investigator.

Visit www.ddw.org and review the preliminary program.

You’ve heard the stats about Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) – top 50 medical meeting, nearly 15,000 attendees, more than 4,000 abstracts. The experts behind AGA’s programming – coined the AGA Institute Council – recently came together to put the finishing touches on this year’s agenda.

If you’re not yet registered for this year’s meeting, taking place May 21 through 24 in San Diego, you can do so by visiting www.ddw.org/registration.

• AGA Basic Science Zone: AGA will be co-locating basic science sessions. On Saturday, we will highlight the gut microbiome, and on Sunday we will focus on inflammation and GI cancers. Both days will have a mix of invited and abstract-based sessions.

• More microbiome programming: AGA’s coverage of the microbiome will extend beyond basic science, focusing on clinical topics such as obesity, IBD, and pediatric GI.

• Collaborative topic sessions: our council is comprised of 12 special interest groups, or sections, all covering different topic areas in GI/hepatology.

• Plenary sessions: our plenary sessions at DDW highlight the most novel and innovative studies presented at the meeting. Don’t miss  the AGA Presidential Plenary, the AGA Basic Science Plenary and the Distinguished Abstract Plenaries.

• For the second year in a row, the council will be awarding certificates of recognition in sessions that have a young investigator.

Visit www.ddw.org and review the preliminary program.

By Sarah E. Streett, M.D., Chair, AGA Practice Management and Economics Committee, and Joel V. Brill, M.D., AGAF, AGA CPT Advisor

Have you taken steps to ensure that your practice will have a successful 2016? Here are six resolutions from AGA to help you improve your practice and prepare for the changing health-care environment.

1. Avoid penalties. Failing to demonstrate meaningful use with your electronic health records or failing to participate in the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) during 2016 will cost you in 2018. Stay up to date with the latest requirements. AGA can help you meet PQRS and avoid penalties with the Digestive Health Recognition Program.™

2. Prepare for reimbursement cuts.

Evaluate the operations of your practice to minimize waste, excess expense, and rework due to mistakes. Efficiency will become crucial to your success as reimbursement rates to physicians and ASCs for colonoscopy procedures decline. You can also find helpful hints for efficiency and quality of care from NIH and HHS.

Review your commercial contracts. With reimbursement decreasing each year, protect yourself now by renegotiating multi-year contract rates with payors based on the 2015 fee schedule.

3. Be sure you’re up to date on your CPT coding. Did you know that AGA members can get two free coding/billing questions answered every 30 days? Visit the AGA Coding and Billing Corner and get started today at www.gastro.org/practice-management/coding/coding-billing-corner.

4. Increase efficiency and efficacy to increase impact for patients. Ensure your practice is conducive to a positive patient experience. In the new health-care landscape, it is crucial that you not only provide top-notch patient care, but also an overall positive patient experience.

5. Utilize the patient census in your practice. Think about strategizing with your patient census to maintain your position as a viable health-care business. Which payors are most beneficial to your practice? Who owns your referral sources?

6. Know how to make the Affordable Care Act work for your practice. Effective Dec. 23, 2015, commercial payors (but not Medicare) are required to cover a pre-procedure consultation prior to a screening colonoscopy, as well as the pathology resulting from the screening colonoscopy procedure, without patient financial responsibility. Make sure that your billers and referring physicians are familiar with the new regulations.

By Sarah E. Streett, M.D., Chair, AGA Practice Management and Economics Committee, and Joel V. Brill, M.D., AGAF, AGA CPT Advisor

Have you taken steps to ensure that your practice will have a successful 2016? Here are six resolutions from AGA to help you improve your practice and prepare for the changing health-care environment.

1. Avoid penalties. Failing to demonstrate meaningful use with your electronic health records or failing to participate in the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) during 2016 will cost you in 2018. Stay up to date with the latest requirements. AGA can help you meet PQRS and avoid penalties with the Digestive Health Recognition Program.™

2. Prepare for reimbursement cuts.

Evaluate the operations of your practice to minimize waste, excess expense, and rework due to mistakes. Efficiency will become crucial to your success as reimbursement rates to physicians and ASCs for colonoscopy procedures decline. You can also find helpful hints for efficiency and quality of care from NIH and HHS.

Review your commercial contracts. With reimbursement decreasing each year, protect yourself now by renegotiating multi-year contract rates with payors based on the 2015 fee schedule.

3. Be sure you’re up to date on your CPT coding. Did you know that AGA members can get two free coding/billing questions answered every 30 days? Visit the AGA Coding and Billing Corner and get started today at www.gastro.org/practice-management/coding/coding-billing-corner.

4. Increase efficiency and efficacy to increase impact for patients. Ensure your practice is conducive to a positive patient experience. In the new health-care landscape, it is crucial that you not only provide top-notch patient care, but also an overall positive patient experience.

5. Utilize the patient census in your practice. Think about strategizing with your patient census to maintain your position as a viable health-care business. Which payors are most beneficial to your practice? Who owns your referral sources?

6. Know how to make the Affordable Care Act work for your practice. Effective Dec. 23, 2015, commercial payors (but not Medicare) are required to cover a pre-procedure consultation prior to a screening colonoscopy, as well as the pathology resulting from the screening colonoscopy procedure, without patient financial responsibility. Make sure that your billers and referring physicians are familiar with the new regulations.

By Sarah E. Streett, M.D., Chair, AGA Practice Management and Economics Committee, and Joel V. Brill, M.D., AGAF, AGA CPT Advisor

Have you taken steps to ensure that your practice will have a successful 2016? Here are six resolutions from AGA to help you improve your practice and prepare for the changing health-care environment.

1. Avoid penalties. Failing to demonstrate meaningful use with your electronic health records or failing to participate in the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) during 2016 will cost you in 2018. Stay up to date with the latest requirements. AGA can help you meet PQRS and avoid penalties with the Digestive Health Recognition Program.™

2. Prepare for reimbursement cuts.

Evaluate the operations of your practice to minimize waste, excess expense, and rework due to mistakes. Efficiency will become crucial to your success as reimbursement rates to physicians and ASCs for colonoscopy procedures decline. You can also find helpful hints for efficiency and quality of care from NIH and HHS.

Review your commercial contracts. With reimbursement decreasing each year, protect yourself now by renegotiating multi-year contract rates with payors based on the 2015 fee schedule.

3. Be sure you’re up to date on your CPT coding. Did you know that AGA members can get two free coding/billing questions answered every 30 days? Visit the AGA Coding and Billing Corner and get started today at www.gastro.org/practice-management/coding/coding-billing-corner.

4. Increase efficiency and efficacy to increase impact for patients. Ensure your practice is conducive to a positive patient experience. In the new health-care landscape, it is crucial that you not only provide top-notch patient care, but also an overall positive patient experience.

5. Utilize the patient census in your practice. Think about strategizing with your patient census to maintain your position as a viable health-care business. Which payors are most beneficial to your practice? Who owns your referral sources?

6. Know how to make the Affordable Care Act work for your practice. Effective Dec. 23, 2015, commercial payors (but not Medicare) are required to cover a pre-procedure consultation prior to a screening colonoscopy, as well as the pathology resulting from the screening colonoscopy procedure, without patient financial responsibility. Make sure that your billers and referring physicians are familiar with the new regulations.

Clinical practice guidelines are critical to reducing physician variation and providing high-quality patient care. In 2015, AGA issued six clinical practice guidelines, all published in Gastroenterology, offering current, evidence-based point-of-care recommendations to guide physicians at the bedside.

To view all of AGA’s clinical practice guidelines, as well as accompanying clinical decision support tools and patient guideline summaries, visit www.gastro.org/guidelines.

1. Medical Management of Microscopic Colitis (November 2015): In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis, AGA recommends first-line treatment with budesonide for induction and, when appropriate, maintenance therapy.

2. Management of Acute Diverticulitis (October 2015): This guideline suggests that antibiotics be used selectively, rather than routinely, in patients with acute diverticulitis.  

3. Role of Upper GI Biopsy to Evaluate Dyspepsia in the Adult Patient in the Absence of Visible Mucosal Lesions (August 2015):  AGA recommends against obtaining endoscopic biopsy of a normal-appearing esophagus in patients with dyspepsia, regardless of immune status, providing evidence that this alone would have no added value.

4. Diagnosis and Management of Lynch Syndrome (July 2015): All colorectal cancer patients should undergo tumor testing to see if they carry Lynch syndrome, according to this AGA guideline.

5. Diagnosis and Management of Asymptomatic Neoplastic Pancreatic Cysts (April 2015): This guideline changes clinical practice by recommending a 2-year screening interval for asymptomatic pancreatic cysts of any size and stopping surveillance after 5 years if there is no change.

6. Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation During Immunosuppressive Drug Therapy (January 2015): Preventing HBV reactivation in patients on long-term immunosuppressive therapy involves screening those at risk, identifying patients based on HBV serologic status and the type of immunosuppression, and considering prophylaxis with anti–hepatitis B therapeutics; all three steps are detailed in this guideline.

Clinical practice guidelines are critical to reducing physician variation and providing high-quality patient care. In 2015, AGA issued six clinical practice guidelines, all published in Gastroenterology, offering current, evidence-based point-of-care recommendations to guide physicians at the bedside.

To view all of AGA’s clinical practice guidelines, as well as accompanying clinical decision support tools and patient guideline summaries, visit www.gastro.org/guidelines.

1. Medical Management of Microscopic Colitis (November 2015): In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis, AGA recommends first-line treatment with budesonide for induction and, when appropriate, maintenance therapy.

2. Management of Acute Diverticulitis (October 2015): This guideline suggests that antibiotics be used selectively, rather than routinely, in patients with acute diverticulitis.  

3. Role of Upper GI Biopsy to Evaluate Dyspepsia in the Adult Patient in the Absence of Visible Mucosal Lesions (August 2015):  AGA recommends against obtaining endoscopic biopsy of a normal-appearing esophagus in patients with dyspepsia, regardless of immune status, providing evidence that this alone would have no added value.

4. Diagnosis and Management of Lynch Syndrome (July 2015): All colorectal cancer patients should undergo tumor testing to see if they carry Lynch syndrome, according to this AGA guideline.

5. Diagnosis and Management of Asymptomatic Neoplastic Pancreatic Cysts (April 2015): This guideline changes clinical practice by recommending a 2-year screening interval for asymptomatic pancreatic cysts of any size and stopping surveillance after 5 years if there is no change.

6. Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation During Immunosuppressive Drug Therapy (January 2015): Preventing HBV reactivation in patients on long-term immunosuppressive therapy involves screening those at risk, identifying patients based on HBV serologic status and the type of immunosuppression, and considering prophylaxis with anti–hepatitis B therapeutics; all three steps are detailed in this guideline.

Clinical practice guidelines are critical to reducing physician variation and providing high-quality patient care. In 2015, AGA issued six clinical practice guidelines, all published in Gastroenterology, offering current, evidence-based point-of-care recommendations to guide physicians at the bedside.

To view all of AGA’s clinical practice guidelines, as well as accompanying clinical decision support tools and patient guideline summaries, visit www.gastro.org/guidelines.

1. Medical Management of Microscopic Colitis (November 2015): In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis, AGA recommends first-line treatment with budesonide for induction and, when appropriate, maintenance therapy.

2. Management of Acute Diverticulitis (October 2015): This guideline suggests that antibiotics be used selectively, rather than routinely, in patients with acute diverticulitis.  

3. Role of Upper GI Biopsy to Evaluate Dyspepsia in the Adult Patient in the Absence of Visible Mucosal Lesions (August 2015):  AGA recommends against obtaining endoscopic biopsy of a normal-appearing esophagus in patients with dyspepsia, regardless of immune status, providing evidence that this alone would have no added value.

4. Diagnosis and Management of Lynch Syndrome (July 2015): All colorectal cancer patients should undergo tumor testing to see if they carry Lynch syndrome, according to this AGA guideline.

5. Diagnosis and Management of Asymptomatic Neoplastic Pancreatic Cysts (April 2015): This guideline changes clinical practice by recommending a 2-year screening interval for asymptomatic pancreatic cysts of any size and stopping surveillance after 5 years if there is no change.

6. Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation During Immunosuppressive Drug Therapy (January 2015): Preventing HBV reactivation in patients on long-term immunosuppressive therapy involves screening those at risk, identifying patients based on HBV serologic status and the type of immunosuppression, and considering prophylaxis with anti–hepatitis B therapeutics; all three steps are detailed in this guideline.

Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one or yourself and support the AGA Research Awards Program, while giving you a tax benefit.

• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.

• A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research, which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.

• A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation at your death in honor of your loved one. A bequest gift of $50,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.

• Named funds. A named fund, which can be named to honor or memorialize a loved one, can be established with a minimum gift of $100,000 over the course of 5 years or through an estate gift. Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, or property are gift vehicles that may be used to establish a fund. Donors receive a tax deduction at the time a fund is established and when additional contributions are made to the fund. Because the principal remains intact, the fund will support our mission in perpetuity. The larger the fund, the more impact it has on the program it is designed to benefit.

Your next step

An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at www.gastro.org/contribute or contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski at 301-222-4005 or [email protected].

Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one or yourself and support the AGA Research Awards Program, while giving you a tax benefit.

• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.

• A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research, which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.

• A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation at your death in honor of your loved one. A bequest gift of $50,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.

• Named funds. A named fund, which can be named to honor or memorialize a loved one, can be established with a minimum gift of $100,000 over the course of 5 years or through an estate gift. Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, or property are gift vehicles that may be used to establish a fund. Donors receive a tax deduction at the time a fund is established and when additional contributions are made to the fund. Because the principal remains intact, the fund will support our mission in perpetuity. The larger the fund, the more impact it has on the program it is designed to benefit.

Your next step

An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at www.gastro.org/contribute or contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski at 301-222-4005 or [email protected].

Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one or yourself and support the AGA Research Awards Program, while giving you a tax benefit.

• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.

• A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research, which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.

• A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation at your death in honor of your loved one. A bequest gift of $50,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.

• Named funds. A named fund, which can be named to honor or memorialize a loved one, can be established with a minimum gift of $100,000 over the course of 5 years or through an estate gift. Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, or property are gift vehicles that may be used to establish a fund. Donors receive a tax deduction at the time a fund is established and when additional contributions are made to the fund. Because the principal remains intact, the fund will support our mission in perpetuity. The larger the fund, the more impact it has on the program it is designed to benefit.

Your next step

An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at www.gastro.org/contribute or contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski at 301-222-4005 or [email protected].

Physician entrepreneurs and innovators are invited to apply for the Shark Tank session at the 2016 AGA Tech Summit. Selected participants will receive valuable feedback from a panel of business development leaders, investors, established entrepreneurs, and other strategic partners.

Each participant will be given 5 minutes to present their GI-related innovation or technology. Selection is competitive and is limited to only five slots. Applications must be received no later than Feb. 16, 2016. If an applicant is selected, registration fees will be waived. However, participants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging costs.

Apply for the Shark Tank today at www.gastro.org/techsummit.

The AGA Tech Summit was developed in collaboration with the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.

Physician entrepreneurs and innovators are invited to apply for the Shark Tank session at the 2016 AGA Tech Summit. Selected participants will receive valuable feedback from a panel of business development leaders, investors, established entrepreneurs, and other strategic partners.

Each participant will be given 5 minutes to present their GI-related innovation or technology. Selection is competitive and is limited to only five slots. Applications must be received no later than Feb. 16, 2016. If an applicant is selected, registration fees will be waived. However, participants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging costs.

Apply for the Shark Tank today at www.gastro.org/techsummit.

The AGA Tech Summit was developed in collaboration with the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.

Physician entrepreneurs and innovators are invited to apply for the Shark Tank session at the 2016 AGA Tech Summit. Selected participants will receive valuable feedback from a panel of business development leaders, investors, established entrepreneurs, and other strategic partners.

Each participant will be given 5 minutes to present their GI-related innovation or technology. Selection is competitive and is limited to only five slots. Applications must be received no later than Feb. 16, 2016. If an applicant is selected, registration fees will be waived. However, participants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging costs.

Apply for the Shark Tank today at www.gastro.org/techsummit.

The AGA Tech Summit was developed in collaboration with the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.