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New co–editors-in-chief named for CMGH
will be taking over their new roles beginning July 1, 2024.
“In my role as co–editor-in-chief of CMGH, I look forward to working with Jonathan Katz to advance its longstanding mission to disseminate rigorous, reproducible, and impactful digestive biology research. I am excited to launch new initiatives including the addition of special topic editors who will cover themes relating to early career investigators and diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Dr. Battle, who is a professor in the department of cell biology, neurobiology, and anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
“I am honored to work with Michele Battle and the rest of our new CMGH board of editors. Some of our goals are to expand CMGH outreach and engagement, incorporate more programs and opportunities for junior investigators, and provide rapid advancements and technical reports that drive research in the field. As such, we will strive to ensure that CMGH remains the preeminent journal focused on high-impact, basic, mechanistic research in GI and hepatology,” said Dr. Katz, an associate professor of medicine in the department of medicine gastroenterology division, director of molecular pathology and imaging care, and director of the undergraduate student scholars program at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He is also currently an associate editor for CMGH.
Dr. Battle and Dr. Katz are former AGA Research Foundation awardees, with Dr. Battle receiving an AGA Research Scholar Award in 2009 and Dr. Katz receiving the AGA Astra Merck Advanced Research Training Award in 1998.
Over the next year, they will meet with the current editorial board and start to plan and develop new special sections and initiatives to bring to CMGH during their term.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Battle and Dr. Katz on their new role as incoming co–editors-in chief.
will be taking over their new roles beginning July 1, 2024.
“In my role as co–editor-in-chief of CMGH, I look forward to working with Jonathan Katz to advance its longstanding mission to disseminate rigorous, reproducible, and impactful digestive biology research. I am excited to launch new initiatives including the addition of special topic editors who will cover themes relating to early career investigators and diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Dr. Battle, who is a professor in the department of cell biology, neurobiology, and anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
“I am honored to work with Michele Battle and the rest of our new CMGH board of editors. Some of our goals are to expand CMGH outreach and engagement, incorporate more programs and opportunities for junior investigators, and provide rapid advancements and technical reports that drive research in the field. As such, we will strive to ensure that CMGH remains the preeminent journal focused on high-impact, basic, mechanistic research in GI and hepatology,” said Dr. Katz, an associate professor of medicine in the department of medicine gastroenterology division, director of molecular pathology and imaging care, and director of the undergraduate student scholars program at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He is also currently an associate editor for CMGH.
Dr. Battle and Dr. Katz are former AGA Research Foundation awardees, with Dr. Battle receiving an AGA Research Scholar Award in 2009 and Dr. Katz receiving the AGA Astra Merck Advanced Research Training Award in 1998.
Over the next year, they will meet with the current editorial board and start to plan and develop new special sections and initiatives to bring to CMGH during their term.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Battle and Dr. Katz on their new role as incoming co–editors-in chief.
will be taking over their new roles beginning July 1, 2024.
“In my role as co–editor-in-chief of CMGH, I look forward to working with Jonathan Katz to advance its longstanding mission to disseminate rigorous, reproducible, and impactful digestive biology research. I am excited to launch new initiatives including the addition of special topic editors who will cover themes relating to early career investigators and diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Dr. Battle, who is a professor in the department of cell biology, neurobiology, and anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
“I am honored to work with Michele Battle and the rest of our new CMGH board of editors. Some of our goals are to expand CMGH outreach and engagement, incorporate more programs and opportunities for junior investigators, and provide rapid advancements and technical reports that drive research in the field. As such, we will strive to ensure that CMGH remains the preeminent journal focused on high-impact, basic, mechanistic research in GI and hepatology,” said Dr. Katz, an associate professor of medicine in the department of medicine gastroenterology division, director of molecular pathology and imaging care, and director of the undergraduate student scholars program at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He is also currently an associate editor for CMGH.
Dr. Battle and Dr. Katz are former AGA Research Foundation awardees, with Dr. Battle receiving an AGA Research Scholar Award in 2009 and Dr. Katz receiving the AGA Astra Merck Advanced Research Training Award in 1998.
Over the next year, they will meet with the current editorial board and start to plan and develop new special sections and initiatives to bring to CMGH during their term.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Battle and Dr. Katz on their new role as incoming co–editors-in chief.
Watch the inaugural Gastro Journal Club
We are delighted to introduce the Gastro Journal Club in which an author of a study published in Gastroenterology will present their paper followed by a Q&A. The inaugural Gastro Journal Club features Loren Laine, MD, professor of medicine (digestive diseases) at Yale University, New Haven, Conn., and was hosted by the McMaster University gastroenterology division. Dr. Laine presented his article “Vonoprazan Versus Lansoprazole for Healing and Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis: A Randomized Trial,” published in the January 2023 issue of Gastroenterology.
If you are interested in participating, please contact [email protected].
Watch the inaugural Gastro Journal Club: https://rb.gy/j8mqm
We are delighted to introduce the Gastro Journal Club in which an author of a study published in Gastroenterology will present their paper followed by a Q&A. The inaugural Gastro Journal Club features Loren Laine, MD, professor of medicine (digestive diseases) at Yale University, New Haven, Conn., and was hosted by the McMaster University gastroenterology division. Dr. Laine presented his article “Vonoprazan Versus Lansoprazole for Healing and Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis: A Randomized Trial,” published in the January 2023 issue of Gastroenterology.
If you are interested in participating, please contact [email protected].
Watch the inaugural Gastro Journal Club: https://rb.gy/j8mqm
We are delighted to introduce the Gastro Journal Club in which an author of a study published in Gastroenterology will present their paper followed by a Q&A. The inaugural Gastro Journal Club features Loren Laine, MD, professor of medicine (digestive diseases) at Yale University, New Haven, Conn., and was hosted by the McMaster University gastroenterology division. Dr. Laine presented his article “Vonoprazan Versus Lansoprazole for Healing and Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis: A Randomized Trial,” published in the January 2023 issue of Gastroenterology.
If you are interested in participating, please contact [email protected].
Watch the inaugural Gastro Journal Club: https://rb.gy/j8mqm
Landmark obesity legislation reintroduced in Congress
(TROA) (H.R. 4818/S. 2407). This legislation is a vital first step in expanding access to obesity treatment as it would expand Medicare coverage to include screening and treatment of obesity by a diverse range of health care providers who provide obesity care. The bill also includes coverage of behavioral counseling, prescription drugs for long-term weight management, and other prevention and treatment options.
The passage of TROA could lead to improved obesity care options because many private insurance companies model their covered health benefits to reflect Medicare.
You can help lawmakers understand the urgent need for expanded access to affordable, effective obesity treatments and how greater access to these tools will equip you to better care for your patients.
Use the new obesity advocacy toolkit to find the tools and resources you need, including an email template, sample phone script, op-ed template, and more, to assist you in reaching out to your elected officials and urging them to support the passage of TROA.
(TROA) (H.R. 4818/S. 2407). This legislation is a vital first step in expanding access to obesity treatment as it would expand Medicare coverage to include screening and treatment of obesity by a diverse range of health care providers who provide obesity care. The bill also includes coverage of behavioral counseling, prescription drugs for long-term weight management, and other prevention and treatment options.
The passage of TROA could lead to improved obesity care options because many private insurance companies model their covered health benefits to reflect Medicare.
You can help lawmakers understand the urgent need for expanded access to affordable, effective obesity treatments and how greater access to these tools will equip you to better care for your patients.
Use the new obesity advocacy toolkit to find the tools and resources you need, including an email template, sample phone script, op-ed template, and more, to assist you in reaching out to your elected officials and urging them to support the passage of TROA.
(TROA) (H.R. 4818/S. 2407). This legislation is a vital first step in expanding access to obesity treatment as it would expand Medicare coverage to include screening and treatment of obesity by a diverse range of health care providers who provide obesity care. The bill also includes coverage of behavioral counseling, prescription drugs for long-term weight management, and other prevention and treatment options.
The passage of TROA could lead to improved obesity care options because many private insurance companies model their covered health benefits to reflect Medicare.
You can help lawmakers understand the urgent need for expanded access to affordable, effective obesity treatments and how greater access to these tools will equip you to better care for your patients.
Use the new obesity advocacy toolkit to find the tools and resources you need, including an email template, sample phone script, op-ed template, and more, to assist you in reaching out to your elected officials and urging them to support the passage of TROA.
Landmark obesity legislation reintroduced in Congress
The AGA Government Affairs Committee is pleased to announce the Senate and House have reintroduced the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) (H.R. 4818/S. 2407). This legislation is a vital first step in expanding access to obesity treatment. If passed, the bill would expand Medicare coverage to include screening and treatment of obesity by health care providers who provide obesity care. The bill also includes coverage of behavioral counseling, prescription drugs for long-term weight management, and other prevention and treatment options.
The passage of TROA could lead to improved obesity care options for all Americans since many private insurance companies model their covered health benefits to reflect Medicare.
The AGA Government Affairs Committee is pleased to announce the Senate and House have reintroduced the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) (H.R. 4818/S. 2407). This legislation is a vital first step in expanding access to obesity treatment. If passed, the bill would expand Medicare coverage to include screening and treatment of obesity by health care providers who provide obesity care. The bill also includes coverage of behavioral counseling, prescription drugs for long-term weight management, and other prevention and treatment options.
The passage of TROA could lead to improved obesity care options for all Americans since many private insurance companies model their covered health benefits to reflect Medicare.
The AGA Government Affairs Committee is pleased to announce the Senate and House have reintroduced the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) (H.R. 4818/S. 2407). This legislation is a vital first step in expanding access to obesity treatment. If passed, the bill would expand Medicare coverage to include screening and treatment of obesity by health care providers who provide obesity care. The bill also includes coverage of behavioral counseling, prescription drugs for long-term weight management, and other prevention and treatment options.
The passage of TROA could lead to improved obesity care options for all Americans since many private insurance companies model their covered health benefits to reflect Medicare.
Another study links PPIs and dementia: AGA expert weighs in
A new study published in Neurology found an association between long–term proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) use and dementia. This was an observational study and does not prove that acid reflux drugs cause dementia.
“In this study, the authors note that long-term PPI use, defined as more than 4.5 years of use, was associated with dementia. It is important to note, however, that this does not necessarily mean that PPIs cause dementia. With observational studies, there is an inherent risk of bias and confounding, as the authors report. Some of these confounders include Helicobacter pylori status, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, and socioeconomic status,” said Fouad J. Moawad, MD, graduate of the AGA FORWARD Program and gastroenterologist at Scripps Health in San Diego. A 2017 study led by Andrew T. Chan, MD, MPH, of Mass General Brigham, Boston, examined the association between proton pump inhibitor use and cognitive function in women. The investigators found no “convincing association between PPI use and cognitive function. Our data do not support the suggestion that PPI use increases dementia risk.”
A new article in press in Gastroenterology by Raaj S. Mehta and colleagues also studied this issue and concluded that in adults 65 years of age or older, PPIs were not associated with dementia or decline in cognition over time. These data provide reassurance about the safety of long-term use of PPIs among older adults.
The headlines may be confusing for patients. Here are AGA’s three talking points for communicating with patients about PPIs:
Talk to your doctor, before making any changes to your medication.
You have been prescribed PPIs for a reason, to treat a diagnosed medical condition. We can discuss the reason for your prescription, the dose and the timeframe for treatment.
Consider lifestyle modifications.
These may reduce or eliminate the need for PPIs for long-term use. These may include weight loss, avoiding tobacco or a change in your eating patterns. We can work together to determine the changes that are right for you.
Keep in touch.
Research continues to be done on PPI use. Current research recommends that patients who have a diagnosed condition that is helped by PPIs should stay on them, as benefits can outweigh risks.
A new study published in Neurology found an association between long–term proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) use and dementia. This was an observational study and does not prove that acid reflux drugs cause dementia.
“In this study, the authors note that long-term PPI use, defined as more than 4.5 years of use, was associated with dementia. It is important to note, however, that this does not necessarily mean that PPIs cause dementia. With observational studies, there is an inherent risk of bias and confounding, as the authors report. Some of these confounders include Helicobacter pylori status, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, and socioeconomic status,” said Fouad J. Moawad, MD, graduate of the AGA FORWARD Program and gastroenterologist at Scripps Health in San Diego. A 2017 study led by Andrew T. Chan, MD, MPH, of Mass General Brigham, Boston, examined the association between proton pump inhibitor use and cognitive function in women. The investigators found no “convincing association between PPI use and cognitive function. Our data do not support the suggestion that PPI use increases dementia risk.”
A new article in press in Gastroenterology by Raaj S. Mehta and colleagues also studied this issue and concluded that in adults 65 years of age or older, PPIs were not associated with dementia or decline in cognition over time. These data provide reassurance about the safety of long-term use of PPIs among older adults.
The headlines may be confusing for patients. Here are AGA’s three talking points for communicating with patients about PPIs:
Talk to your doctor, before making any changes to your medication.
You have been prescribed PPIs for a reason, to treat a diagnosed medical condition. We can discuss the reason for your prescription, the dose and the timeframe for treatment.
Consider lifestyle modifications.
These may reduce or eliminate the need for PPIs for long-term use. These may include weight loss, avoiding tobacco or a change in your eating patterns. We can work together to determine the changes that are right for you.
Keep in touch.
Research continues to be done on PPI use. Current research recommends that patients who have a diagnosed condition that is helped by PPIs should stay on them, as benefits can outweigh risks.
A new study published in Neurology found an association between long–term proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) use and dementia. This was an observational study and does not prove that acid reflux drugs cause dementia.
“In this study, the authors note that long-term PPI use, defined as more than 4.5 years of use, was associated with dementia. It is important to note, however, that this does not necessarily mean that PPIs cause dementia. With observational studies, there is an inherent risk of bias and confounding, as the authors report. Some of these confounders include Helicobacter pylori status, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, and socioeconomic status,” said Fouad J. Moawad, MD, graduate of the AGA FORWARD Program and gastroenterologist at Scripps Health in San Diego. A 2017 study led by Andrew T. Chan, MD, MPH, of Mass General Brigham, Boston, examined the association between proton pump inhibitor use and cognitive function in women. The investigators found no “convincing association between PPI use and cognitive function. Our data do not support the suggestion that PPI use increases dementia risk.”
A new article in press in Gastroenterology by Raaj S. Mehta and colleagues also studied this issue and concluded that in adults 65 years of age or older, PPIs were not associated with dementia or decline in cognition over time. These data provide reassurance about the safety of long-term use of PPIs among older adults.
The headlines may be confusing for patients. Here are AGA’s three talking points for communicating with patients about PPIs:
Talk to your doctor, before making any changes to your medication.
You have been prescribed PPIs for a reason, to treat a diagnosed medical condition. We can discuss the reason for your prescription, the dose and the timeframe for treatment.
Consider lifestyle modifications.
These may reduce or eliminate the need for PPIs for long-term use. These may include weight loss, avoiding tobacco or a change in your eating patterns. We can work together to determine the changes that are right for you.
Keep in touch.
Research continues to be done on PPI use. Current research recommends that patients who have a diagnosed condition that is helped by PPIs should stay on them, as benefits can outweigh risks.
AGA invests in virtual care clinic Oshi Health
specializing in treating patients with gastrointestinal disorders that has been named a recipient of funding through the AGA Center for GI Innovation & Technology’s GI Opportunity Fund.
Launched in 2020, Oshi Health works with employers, health insurance partners, health systems, and community GI practices to scale access to multidisciplinary care, reduce health care costs, and help improve outcomes for patients.
Research shows that a whole-person, multidisciplinary GI care model – which for Oshi includes nutrition and diet support, health coaching, behavioral and mental health services – is highly effective in mitigating symptoms. For example, a 2020 literature review published in the Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology documented far more advantages with integrated care models, as compared with the GI specialist model of care. The study found that integrated care teams were better equipped to meet the needs of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), patient outcomes and satisfaction were better, overall direct and indirect costs were lower, and psychological health needs were better addressed.
The AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology supports innovation and the development of new technology in gastroenterology, hepatology, nutrition, and obesity by guiding medical device and therapeutics innovators through the technology development and adoption process.
For more information about Oshi Health, visit https://oshihealth.com.
specializing in treating patients with gastrointestinal disorders that has been named a recipient of funding through the AGA Center for GI Innovation & Technology’s GI Opportunity Fund.
Launched in 2020, Oshi Health works with employers, health insurance partners, health systems, and community GI practices to scale access to multidisciplinary care, reduce health care costs, and help improve outcomes for patients.
Research shows that a whole-person, multidisciplinary GI care model – which for Oshi includes nutrition and diet support, health coaching, behavioral and mental health services – is highly effective in mitigating symptoms. For example, a 2020 literature review published in the Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology documented far more advantages with integrated care models, as compared with the GI specialist model of care. The study found that integrated care teams were better equipped to meet the needs of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), patient outcomes and satisfaction were better, overall direct and indirect costs were lower, and psychological health needs were better addressed.
The AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology supports innovation and the development of new technology in gastroenterology, hepatology, nutrition, and obesity by guiding medical device and therapeutics innovators through the technology development and adoption process.
For more information about Oshi Health, visit https://oshihealth.com.
specializing in treating patients with gastrointestinal disorders that has been named a recipient of funding through the AGA Center for GI Innovation & Technology’s GI Opportunity Fund.
Launched in 2020, Oshi Health works with employers, health insurance partners, health systems, and community GI practices to scale access to multidisciplinary care, reduce health care costs, and help improve outcomes for patients.
Research shows that a whole-person, multidisciplinary GI care model – which for Oshi includes nutrition and diet support, health coaching, behavioral and mental health services – is highly effective in mitigating symptoms. For example, a 2020 literature review published in the Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology documented far more advantages with integrated care models, as compared with the GI specialist model of care. The study found that integrated care teams were better equipped to meet the needs of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), patient outcomes and satisfaction were better, overall direct and indirect costs were lower, and psychological health needs were better addressed.
The AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology supports innovation and the development of new technology in gastroenterology, hepatology, nutrition, and obesity by guiding medical device and therapeutics innovators through the technology development and adoption process.
For more information about Oshi Health, visit https://oshihealth.com.
AGA president Barbara Jung asks UHC to cease advance notification
for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures, which took effect June 1, and UnitedHealthcare’s proposed “Gold Card” prior authorization program planned for 2024.
Dr. Jung made three requests: A request for UnitedHealthcare’s deidentified aggregate data on which the Advance Notification program is based.
She asked for clarification in regards to gastroenterologists who opt not to participate in the Advance Notification program. Will they be automatically subject to prior authorization when UnitedHealthcare implements the 2024 Gold Card program?
And, how will information gathered through the Advance Notification program shape the GI Gold Card prior authorization program that UnitedHealthcare plans to implement in 2024?
Dr. Jung asked for a written response to each of these three issues and a meeting to discuss concerns and questions.
She stated that the Advance Notification Program was launched without adequate communication to gastroenterologists, plus the AGA, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy have had questions and concerns that haven’t yet been addressed.
“Despite multiple requests, you have not shared any UnitedHealthcare-specific overuse or variation data on a code-by-code basis that would warrant such a burdensome process. Please share the deidentified aggregate data. Absent data, there is no rationale for such a policy. The Advance Notification program directly contradicts UnitedHealthcare’s publicly stated goals of reducing administrative burden and streamlining access to care – goals we support and encourage you to work toward in the gastroenterological specialty. In contrast, Advance Notification is imposing significant administrative burdens on physician practices, which will negatively impact patient access to timely, medically necessary care,” she wrote.
Practice burden
“The chaotic rollout of the new data reporting requirements led to widespread confusion throughout the gastroenterological community and has since forced physicians and staff to spend multiple hours every day completing reporting requirements for data that UnitedHealthcare already has through claims forms. This is a serious drain on gastroenterology practices’ time, staff, and resources – which should be entirely focused on patient care, not reams of paperwork,” Dr. Jung wrote.
AGA members have stated that:
- Most local UHC representatives are unaware of the Advance Notification Program for GI endoscopy program and are unable to advise them regarding concerns or problems.
- Local UHC representatives have no information on the Gold Card program and how it might operate.
Many practices report they have not received any follow-up from UHC requesting additional records via the Advance Notification Program.
Some large GI practices report it takes their staff 5-7 minutes per patient to enter the required data. Others quantify the additional work of participating in the advance notification program as 25%-35% more work than before the program was implemented.
Practices with large UHC volume report having to divert multiple staff to work full-time on UHC accounts.
All practices report that they are required to input/upload the same clinical information as other UHC prior authorizations. Some practices additionally take a screenshot of the statement that the procedure does not require precertification and place it in the patient notes as a precaution in case issues arise in the future.
GI practices that have tried to use the telephone number to report a change in procedure report spending an average of an hour on hold per case.
Dr. Jung said that “given these challenges, many practices are not participating” in the advance notification program.
“AGA is troubled by the serious lack of specific details about the Gold Card prior authorization program to date. With less than 6 months until 2024, UnitedHealthcare has not issued any details about eligibility criteria, participation, or what new prior authorization requirements may be implemented for practices that do not qualify for a Gold Card. We resolutely oppose the implementation of any type of preauthorization requirements for colonoscopies and endoscopies. We are medical practitioners who have years of training and experience treating patients. Our medical decisions are evidence-based, which no prior authorization policy can claim.
“As you recognized when announcing UnitedHealthcare will slash prior authorization requirements by 20% earlier this spring, requiring physicians to apply for and receive preapproval before being able to deliver medically necessary care is not just frustrating – it is disruptive and dangerous for patients’ health. This is particularly true when it comes to performing colonoscopies and endoscopies, which are vital for detecting and monitoring diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, the second deadliest form of cancer in the United States.
“AGA stands ready to partner with UnitedHealthcare on mutually beneficial educational initiatives to promote appropriate use of endoscopy procedures. However, we reiterate our call for UnitedHealthcare to halt the confusing and burdensome Advance Notification Program – and scrap plans to implement a Gold Card prior authorization program as planned in 2024. Instead, we invite UnitedHealthcare to work collaboratively with us to develop programs that improve quality of care without creating barriers to treatment for patients and unnecessary and inappropriate administrative burdens for physicians. We urge you to stop the Advance Notification and any prior authorization programs impacting GI endoscopy and directly engage with AGA to ensure patients’ continued access to high-value, patient-centered endoscopy care. Please contact Leslie Narramore at [email protected] at your earliest convenience so we can resume our dialogue.”
Dr. Jung closed the letter urging UHC to stop the advance notification program and planned prior authorization programs and instead engage in a dialogue with AGA about the issues.
To read Dr. Jung’s letter in full, see https://shorturl.at/dhjyH.
for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures, which took effect June 1, and UnitedHealthcare’s proposed “Gold Card” prior authorization program planned for 2024.
Dr. Jung made three requests: A request for UnitedHealthcare’s deidentified aggregate data on which the Advance Notification program is based.
She asked for clarification in regards to gastroenterologists who opt not to participate in the Advance Notification program. Will they be automatically subject to prior authorization when UnitedHealthcare implements the 2024 Gold Card program?
And, how will information gathered through the Advance Notification program shape the GI Gold Card prior authorization program that UnitedHealthcare plans to implement in 2024?
Dr. Jung asked for a written response to each of these three issues and a meeting to discuss concerns and questions.
She stated that the Advance Notification Program was launched without adequate communication to gastroenterologists, plus the AGA, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy have had questions and concerns that haven’t yet been addressed.
“Despite multiple requests, you have not shared any UnitedHealthcare-specific overuse or variation data on a code-by-code basis that would warrant such a burdensome process. Please share the deidentified aggregate data. Absent data, there is no rationale for such a policy. The Advance Notification program directly contradicts UnitedHealthcare’s publicly stated goals of reducing administrative burden and streamlining access to care – goals we support and encourage you to work toward in the gastroenterological specialty. In contrast, Advance Notification is imposing significant administrative burdens on physician practices, which will negatively impact patient access to timely, medically necessary care,” she wrote.
Practice burden
“The chaotic rollout of the new data reporting requirements led to widespread confusion throughout the gastroenterological community and has since forced physicians and staff to spend multiple hours every day completing reporting requirements for data that UnitedHealthcare already has through claims forms. This is a serious drain on gastroenterology practices’ time, staff, and resources – which should be entirely focused on patient care, not reams of paperwork,” Dr. Jung wrote.
AGA members have stated that:
- Most local UHC representatives are unaware of the Advance Notification Program for GI endoscopy program and are unable to advise them regarding concerns or problems.
- Local UHC representatives have no information on the Gold Card program and how it might operate.
Many practices report they have not received any follow-up from UHC requesting additional records via the Advance Notification Program.
Some large GI practices report it takes their staff 5-7 minutes per patient to enter the required data. Others quantify the additional work of participating in the advance notification program as 25%-35% more work than before the program was implemented.
Practices with large UHC volume report having to divert multiple staff to work full-time on UHC accounts.
All practices report that they are required to input/upload the same clinical information as other UHC prior authorizations. Some practices additionally take a screenshot of the statement that the procedure does not require precertification and place it in the patient notes as a precaution in case issues arise in the future.
GI practices that have tried to use the telephone number to report a change in procedure report spending an average of an hour on hold per case.
Dr. Jung said that “given these challenges, many practices are not participating” in the advance notification program.
“AGA is troubled by the serious lack of specific details about the Gold Card prior authorization program to date. With less than 6 months until 2024, UnitedHealthcare has not issued any details about eligibility criteria, participation, or what new prior authorization requirements may be implemented for practices that do not qualify for a Gold Card. We resolutely oppose the implementation of any type of preauthorization requirements for colonoscopies and endoscopies. We are medical practitioners who have years of training and experience treating patients. Our medical decisions are evidence-based, which no prior authorization policy can claim.
“As you recognized when announcing UnitedHealthcare will slash prior authorization requirements by 20% earlier this spring, requiring physicians to apply for and receive preapproval before being able to deliver medically necessary care is not just frustrating – it is disruptive and dangerous for patients’ health. This is particularly true when it comes to performing colonoscopies and endoscopies, which are vital for detecting and monitoring diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, the second deadliest form of cancer in the United States.
“AGA stands ready to partner with UnitedHealthcare on mutually beneficial educational initiatives to promote appropriate use of endoscopy procedures. However, we reiterate our call for UnitedHealthcare to halt the confusing and burdensome Advance Notification Program – and scrap plans to implement a Gold Card prior authorization program as planned in 2024. Instead, we invite UnitedHealthcare to work collaboratively with us to develop programs that improve quality of care without creating barriers to treatment for patients and unnecessary and inappropriate administrative burdens for physicians. We urge you to stop the Advance Notification and any prior authorization programs impacting GI endoscopy and directly engage with AGA to ensure patients’ continued access to high-value, patient-centered endoscopy care. Please contact Leslie Narramore at [email protected] at your earliest convenience so we can resume our dialogue.”
Dr. Jung closed the letter urging UHC to stop the advance notification program and planned prior authorization programs and instead engage in a dialogue with AGA about the issues.
To read Dr. Jung’s letter in full, see https://shorturl.at/dhjyH.
for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures, which took effect June 1, and UnitedHealthcare’s proposed “Gold Card” prior authorization program planned for 2024.
Dr. Jung made three requests: A request for UnitedHealthcare’s deidentified aggregate data on which the Advance Notification program is based.
She asked for clarification in regards to gastroenterologists who opt not to participate in the Advance Notification program. Will they be automatically subject to prior authorization when UnitedHealthcare implements the 2024 Gold Card program?
And, how will information gathered through the Advance Notification program shape the GI Gold Card prior authorization program that UnitedHealthcare plans to implement in 2024?
Dr. Jung asked for a written response to each of these three issues and a meeting to discuss concerns and questions.
She stated that the Advance Notification Program was launched without adequate communication to gastroenterologists, plus the AGA, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy have had questions and concerns that haven’t yet been addressed.
“Despite multiple requests, you have not shared any UnitedHealthcare-specific overuse or variation data on a code-by-code basis that would warrant such a burdensome process. Please share the deidentified aggregate data. Absent data, there is no rationale for such a policy. The Advance Notification program directly contradicts UnitedHealthcare’s publicly stated goals of reducing administrative burden and streamlining access to care – goals we support and encourage you to work toward in the gastroenterological specialty. In contrast, Advance Notification is imposing significant administrative burdens on physician practices, which will negatively impact patient access to timely, medically necessary care,” she wrote.
Practice burden
“The chaotic rollout of the new data reporting requirements led to widespread confusion throughout the gastroenterological community and has since forced physicians and staff to spend multiple hours every day completing reporting requirements for data that UnitedHealthcare already has through claims forms. This is a serious drain on gastroenterology practices’ time, staff, and resources – which should be entirely focused on patient care, not reams of paperwork,” Dr. Jung wrote.
AGA members have stated that:
- Most local UHC representatives are unaware of the Advance Notification Program for GI endoscopy program and are unable to advise them regarding concerns or problems.
- Local UHC representatives have no information on the Gold Card program and how it might operate.
Many practices report they have not received any follow-up from UHC requesting additional records via the Advance Notification Program.
Some large GI practices report it takes their staff 5-7 minutes per patient to enter the required data. Others quantify the additional work of participating in the advance notification program as 25%-35% more work than before the program was implemented.
Practices with large UHC volume report having to divert multiple staff to work full-time on UHC accounts.
All practices report that they are required to input/upload the same clinical information as other UHC prior authorizations. Some practices additionally take a screenshot of the statement that the procedure does not require precertification and place it in the patient notes as a precaution in case issues arise in the future.
GI practices that have tried to use the telephone number to report a change in procedure report spending an average of an hour on hold per case.
Dr. Jung said that “given these challenges, many practices are not participating” in the advance notification program.
“AGA is troubled by the serious lack of specific details about the Gold Card prior authorization program to date. With less than 6 months until 2024, UnitedHealthcare has not issued any details about eligibility criteria, participation, or what new prior authorization requirements may be implemented for practices that do not qualify for a Gold Card. We resolutely oppose the implementation of any type of preauthorization requirements for colonoscopies and endoscopies. We are medical practitioners who have years of training and experience treating patients. Our medical decisions are evidence-based, which no prior authorization policy can claim.
“As you recognized when announcing UnitedHealthcare will slash prior authorization requirements by 20% earlier this spring, requiring physicians to apply for and receive preapproval before being able to deliver medically necessary care is not just frustrating – it is disruptive and dangerous for patients’ health. This is particularly true when it comes to performing colonoscopies and endoscopies, which are vital for detecting and monitoring diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, the second deadliest form of cancer in the United States.
“AGA stands ready to partner with UnitedHealthcare on mutually beneficial educational initiatives to promote appropriate use of endoscopy procedures. However, we reiterate our call for UnitedHealthcare to halt the confusing and burdensome Advance Notification Program – and scrap plans to implement a Gold Card prior authorization program as planned in 2024. Instead, we invite UnitedHealthcare to work collaboratively with us to develop programs that improve quality of care without creating barriers to treatment for patients and unnecessary and inappropriate administrative burdens for physicians. We urge you to stop the Advance Notification and any prior authorization programs impacting GI endoscopy and directly engage with AGA to ensure patients’ continued access to high-value, patient-centered endoscopy care. Please contact Leslie Narramore at [email protected] at your earliest convenience so we can resume our dialogue.”
Dr. Jung closed the letter urging UHC to stop the advance notification program and planned prior authorization programs and instead engage in a dialogue with AGA about the issues.
To read Dr. Jung’s letter in full, see https://shorturl.at/dhjyH.
AGA Research Scholar Awards advance the GI field
AGA’s flagship award is the Research Scholar Award (RSA), which provides career development support for young investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology research.
The AGA Research Awards program has a significant impact on digestive disease research.
- More than $58 million has been awarded in research grants.
- More than 1,000 scientists have been awarded grants.
- Over the first 30 years of the Research Scholar Awards program, 57% of RSA recipients subsequently received at least one NIH R01 award, with 5 years on average between the RSA and first R01. Collectively, this group of investigators has secured 280 distinct R01 or equivalent awards.
Funded by the generosity of donors, the AGA Research Foundation’s research award program ensures that we are building a community of researchers whose work serves the greater community and benefits patients.
“In order to produce truly innovative work at the forefront of current discoveries, donations to research in GI are essential and cannot be replaced by other funding sources,” states Kathleen Curtius, PhD, MS, 2022 AGA Foundation Research Scholar Award recipient.
Join others in supporting the AGA Research Foundation. You will ensure that young researchers have opportunities to continue their lifesaving work. Your tax-deductible contribution supports the Foundation’s research award program, including the RSA, which ensures that studies are funded, discoveries are made, and patients are treated.
To learn more or to make a contribution, visit www.foundation.gastro.org.
AGA’s flagship award is the Research Scholar Award (RSA), which provides career development support for young investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology research.
The AGA Research Awards program has a significant impact on digestive disease research.
- More than $58 million has been awarded in research grants.
- More than 1,000 scientists have been awarded grants.
- Over the first 30 years of the Research Scholar Awards program, 57% of RSA recipients subsequently received at least one NIH R01 award, with 5 years on average between the RSA and first R01. Collectively, this group of investigators has secured 280 distinct R01 or equivalent awards.
Funded by the generosity of donors, the AGA Research Foundation’s research award program ensures that we are building a community of researchers whose work serves the greater community and benefits patients.
“In order to produce truly innovative work at the forefront of current discoveries, donations to research in GI are essential and cannot be replaced by other funding sources,” states Kathleen Curtius, PhD, MS, 2022 AGA Foundation Research Scholar Award recipient.
Join others in supporting the AGA Research Foundation. You will ensure that young researchers have opportunities to continue their lifesaving work. Your tax-deductible contribution supports the Foundation’s research award program, including the RSA, which ensures that studies are funded, discoveries are made, and patients are treated.
To learn more or to make a contribution, visit www.foundation.gastro.org.
AGA’s flagship award is the Research Scholar Award (RSA), which provides career development support for young investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology research.
The AGA Research Awards program has a significant impact on digestive disease research.
- More than $58 million has been awarded in research grants.
- More than 1,000 scientists have been awarded grants.
- Over the first 30 years of the Research Scholar Awards program, 57% of RSA recipients subsequently received at least one NIH R01 award, with 5 years on average between the RSA and first R01. Collectively, this group of investigators has secured 280 distinct R01 or equivalent awards.
Funded by the generosity of donors, the AGA Research Foundation’s research award program ensures that we are building a community of researchers whose work serves the greater community and benefits patients.
“In order to produce truly innovative work at the forefront of current discoveries, donations to research in GI are essential and cannot be replaced by other funding sources,” states Kathleen Curtius, PhD, MS, 2022 AGA Foundation Research Scholar Award recipient.
Join others in supporting the AGA Research Foundation. You will ensure that young researchers have opportunities to continue their lifesaving work. Your tax-deductible contribution supports the Foundation’s research award program, including the RSA, which ensures that studies are funded, discoveries are made, and patients are treated.
To learn more or to make a contribution, visit www.foundation.gastro.org.
Investing in the future of GI
This leads to promising investigators walking away from GI research frustrated by a lack of support. Investigators in the early stages of their careers are particularly hard hit.
Decades of research have revolutionized the care of many digestive disease patients. These patients, as well as everyone in the GI field – clinicians and researchers alike – have benefited from discoveries made by dedicated investigators, past and present.
Creative young researchers are poised to make groundbreaking discoveries that will shape the future of gastroenterology. Unfortunately, declining government funding for biomedical research puts this potential in jeopardy. We’re at risk of losing an entire generation of researchers if we don’t act now.
To fill this gap, the AGA Research Foundation invites you to support young investigators’ research careers, allowing them to make discoveries that could ultimately improve patient care and even cure diseases.
“We are at the threshold of key research advances that will cure digestive diseases. We have the manpower, we have trained the people, now we need to have the security that they can stay in research and advance these cures,” said Kim Elaine Barrett, PhD, AGAF, AGA legacy society donor and AGA governing board member.
By joining others in supporting the AGA Research Foundation, you will ensure that young researchers have opportunities to continue their life-saving work.
Learn more or make a contribution at www.foundation.gastro.org.
This leads to promising investigators walking away from GI research frustrated by a lack of support. Investigators in the early stages of their careers are particularly hard hit.
Decades of research have revolutionized the care of many digestive disease patients. These patients, as well as everyone in the GI field – clinicians and researchers alike – have benefited from discoveries made by dedicated investigators, past and present.
Creative young researchers are poised to make groundbreaking discoveries that will shape the future of gastroenterology. Unfortunately, declining government funding for biomedical research puts this potential in jeopardy. We’re at risk of losing an entire generation of researchers if we don’t act now.
To fill this gap, the AGA Research Foundation invites you to support young investigators’ research careers, allowing them to make discoveries that could ultimately improve patient care and even cure diseases.
“We are at the threshold of key research advances that will cure digestive diseases. We have the manpower, we have trained the people, now we need to have the security that they can stay in research and advance these cures,” said Kim Elaine Barrett, PhD, AGAF, AGA legacy society donor and AGA governing board member.
By joining others in supporting the AGA Research Foundation, you will ensure that young researchers have opportunities to continue their life-saving work.
Learn more or make a contribution at www.foundation.gastro.org.
This leads to promising investigators walking away from GI research frustrated by a lack of support. Investigators in the early stages of their careers are particularly hard hit.
Decades of research have revolutionized the care of many digestive disease patients. These patients, as well as everyone in the GI field – clinicians and researchers alike – have benefited from discoveries made by dedicated investigators, past and present.
Creative young researchers are poised to make groundbreaking discoveries that will shape the future of gastroenterology. Unfortunately, declining government funding for biomedical research puts this potential in jeopardy. We’re at risk of losing an entire generation of researchers if we don’t act now.
To fill this gap, the AGA Research Foundation invites you to support young investigators’ research careers, allowing them to make discoveries that could ultimately improve patient care and even cure diseases.
“We are at the threshold of key research advances that will cure digestive diseases. We have the manpower, we have trained the people, now we need to have the security that they can stay in research and advance these cures,” said Kim Elaine Barrett, PhD, AGAF, AGA legacy society donor and AGA governing board member.
By joining others in supporting the AGA Research Foundation, you will ensure that young researchers have opportunities to continue their life-saving work.
Learn more or make a contribution at www.foundation.gastro.org.
Trailblazer for women in gastroenterology, Dr. Barbara H. Jung takes over as AGA president
She currently serves as the first woman Robert G. Petersdorf professor and chair of internal medicine at the University of Washington, Seattle, and is the fourth woman to lead the American Gastroenterological Association as its president.
Dr. Jung is an international expert in the field of transforming growth factor–beta superfamily signaling in colon cancer and has made significant contributions at AGA prior to becoming president, most recently as a member of the finance and operations committee, chair-elect of the audit committee and vice chair of the AGA Research Foundation.
Born in Portland, Ore., and raised in Munich, Germany, Dr. Jung’s parents provided unconditional support for her career choice in medicine and nurtured her leadership skills throughout her childhood.
Her academic career began at Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich followed by postdoctoral studies in colon cancer at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in San Diego and eventually culminating in an internal medicine residency at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Jung joined the AGA Governing Board in June 2021 as vice president and served as president-elect prior to assuming the top leadership role. Over her time as an AGA member (which started during fellowship), Dr. Jung has also served on the AGA Audit Committee, AGA Registry Research and Publications Committee, AGA Research Policy Committee, and AGA Innovation and Technology Task Force. In 2017, she co-organized the AGA Academic Skills Workshop to train the next generation of gastroenterologists.
She currently serves as the first woman Robert G. Petersdorf professor and chair of internal medicine at the University of Washington, Seattle, and is the fourth woman to lead the American Gastroenterological Association as its president.
Dr. Jung is an international expert in the field of transforming growth factor–beta superfamily signaling in colon cancer and has made significant contributions at AGA prior to becoming president, most recently as a member of the finance and operations committee, chair-elect of the audit committee and vice chair of the AGA Research Foundation.
Born in Portland, Ore., and raised in Munich, Germany, Dr. Jung’s parents provided unconditional support for her career choice in medicine and nurtured her leadership skills throughout her childhood.
Her academic career began at Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich followed by postdoctoral studies in colon cancer at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in San Diego and eventually culminating in an internal medicine residency at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Jung joined the AGA Governing Board in June 2021 as vice president and served as president-elect prior to assuming the top leadership role. Over her time as an AGA member (which started during fellowship), Dr. Jung has also served on the AGA Audit Committee, AGA Registry Research and Publications Committee, AGA Research Policy Committee, and AGA Innovation and Technology Task Force. In 2017, she co-organized the AGA Academic Skills Workshop to train the next generation of gastroenterologists.
She currently serves as the first woman Robert G. Petersdorf professor and chair of internal medicine at the University of Washington, Seattle, and is the fourth woman to lead the American Gastroenterological Association as its president.
Dr. Jung is an international expert in the field of transforming growth factor–beta superfamily signaling in colon cancer and has made significant contributions at AGA prior to becoming president, most recently as a member of the finance and operations committee, chair-elect of the audit committee and vice chair of the AGA Research Foundation.
Born in Portland, Ore., and raised in Munich, Germany, Dr. Jung’s parents provided unconditional support for her career choice in medicine and nurtured her leadership skills throughout her childhood.
Her academic career began at Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich followed by postdoctoral studies in colon cancer at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in San Diego and eventually culminating in an internal medicine residency at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Jung joined the AGA Governing Board in June 2021 as vice president and served as president-elect prior to assuming the top leadership role. Over her time as an AGA member (which started during fellowship), Dr. Jung has also served on the AGA Audit Committee, AGA Registry Research and Publications Committee, AGA Research Policy Committee, and AGA Innovation and Technology Task Force. In 2017, she co-organized the AGA Academic Skills Workshop to train the next generation of gastroenterologists.