News from AGA

AGA’s venture capital fund, the GI Opportunity Fund 1, recently announced it will be investing in EndoSound^®, a company that made waves as the winner of the 2022 AGA Shark Tank competition.

EndoSound is an Oregon-based medical device innovator developing technology that enhances access, reduces costs, and increases the safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures.

The EndoSound Vision System^® (EVS^®) is a disruptive EUS platform. Its attachable transducer and supportive components transform a conventional upper endoscope into a fully functional endoscopic ultrasound device. The cost of existing EUS systems has limited the availability of this crucial modality in the United States and around the world.

By reducing this cost, the EVS will provide physicians with a technological option that can enable care for their patients in a greater number of locations and settings. This brings the potential for enormous benefits to patients, payers, and providers by reducing costs in the healthcare system.

AGA’s venture capital fund, the GI Opportunity Fund 1, recently announced it will be investing in EndoSound^®, a company that made waves as the winner of the 2022 AGA Shark Tank competition.

EndoSound is an Oregon-based medical device innovator developing technology that enhances access, reduces costs, and increases the safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures.

The EndoSound Vision System^® (EVS^®) is a disruptive EUS platform. Its attachable transducer and supportive components transform a conventional upper endoscope into a fully functional endoscopic ultrasound device. The cost of existing EUS systems has limited the availability of this crucial modality in the United States and around the world.

By reducing this cost, the EVS will provide physicians with a technological option that can enable care for their patients in a greater number of locations and settings. This brings the potential for enormous benefits to patients, payers, and providers by reducing costs in the healthcare system.

AGA’s venture capital fund, the GI Opportunity Fund 1, recently announced it will be investing in EndoSound^®, a company that made waves as the winner of the 2022 AGA Shark Tank competition.

EndoSound is an Oregon-based medical device innovator developing technology that enhances access, reduces costs, and increases the safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures.

The EndoSound Vision System^® (EVS^®) is a disruptive EUS platform. Its attachable transducer and supportive components transform a conventional upper endoscope into a fully functional endoscopic ultrasound device. The cost of existing EUS systems has limited the availability of this crucial modality in the United States and around the world.

By reducing this cost, the EVS will provide physicians with a technological option that can enable care for their patients in a greater number of locations and settings. This brings the potential for enormous benefits to patients, payers, and providers by reducing costs in the healthcare system.

Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one 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 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.
• Named opportunities. Individuals interested in receiving name recognition for a listed AGA Institute program can do so by contributing a new, unrestricted gift to the AGA Research Foundation. The gift can be payable over five years. Endowed opportunities are also available.

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.

Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one 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 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.
• Named opportunities. Individuals interested in receiving name recognition for a listed AGA Institute program can do so by contributing a new, unrestricted gift to the AGA Research Foundation. The gift can be payable over five years. Endowed opportunities are also available.

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.

Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one 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 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.
• Named opportunities. Individuals interested in receiving name recognition for a listed AGA Institute program can do so by contributing a new, unrestricted gift to the AGA Research Foundation. The gift can be payable over five years. Endowed opportunities are also available.

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.

Congress filed its $1.7 trillion omnibus appropriations bill. The bill included positive news for GI and showcased the power of your voice in advocating for patient issues.

Here’s what you need to know:

Medicare payment cuts

Unfortunately, physicians treating Medicare patients will face cuts in the new year.

It is disappointing that Congress failed to stop the full cuts. However, the Medicare payment cuts will be lower than the initially proposed 8.5% cut. Physicians will face a 2% cut because of the 4% in PAYGO relief for 2023 and 2024, plus an additional 2.5% in relief for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

This is not an ideal outcome, but we are grateful to the more than 160 AGA members who raised their voices and sent over 600 messages to Congress. Your advocacy played a role in alleviating the final number of the cuts.

We will continue to urge Congress to stop the full cuts. Our top priority in 2023 remains addressing the Medicare reimbursement rates.
 

Two-year extension for telehealth

Good news! We have been ongoing supporters of telehealth expansion that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The inclusion of this 2-year telehealth extension will allow doctors to continue to treat Medicare patients in a virtual setting. This is crucial since it allows patients to continue receiving treatment from their doctor in a virtual setting, and it provides patients and providers with certainty.

$2.5 billion increase for NIH

Good news! The omnibus allocates $47.5 billion for the National Institutes of Health’s budget, a $2.5 billion increase from 2023. The increased federal research funding is something we advocated for with congressional offices during Advocacy Day and will support GI researchers who are conducting innovative research and developing treatment for digestive diseases and GI cancers.
 

AGA-submitted report language on IBD included

Good news! Two language requests submitted by AGA on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were included in the omnibus: one in the 2023 Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies funding bill and one in the 2023 Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies funding bill.

The first reaffirms the Appropriations Committee’s support for the NIH in funding basic, translational, and clinical studies on the diagnosis and treatment of IBD. The second encourages the FDA to improve diversity and patient-centricity in IBD clinical trials. The inclusion of these language requests in the omnibus highlights another successful advocacy effort by AGA.

Congress filed its $1.7 trillion omnibus appropriations bill. The bill included positive news for GI and showcased the power of your voice in advocating for patient issues.

Here’s what you need to know:

Medicare payment cuts

Unfortunately, physicians treating Medicare patients will face cuts in the new year.

It is disappointing that Congress failed to stop the full cuts. However, the Medicare payment cuts will be lower than the initially proposed 8.5% cut. Physicians will face a 2% cut because of the 4% in PAYGO relief for 2023 and 2024, plus an additional 2.5% in relief for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

This is not an ideal outcome, but we are grateful to the more than 160 AGA members who raised their voices and sent over 600 messages to Congress. Your advocacy played a role in alleviating the final number of the cuts.

We will continue to urge Congress to stop the full cuts. Our top priority in 2023 remains addressing the Medicare reimbursement rates.
 

Two-year extension for telehealth

Good news! We have been ongoing supporters of telehealth expansion that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The inclusion of this 2-year telehealth extension will allow doctors to continue to treat Medicare patients in a virtual setting. This is crucial since it allows patients to continue receiving treatment from their doctor in a virtual setting, and it provides patients and providers with certainty.

$2.5 billion increase for NIH

Good news! The omnibus allocates $47.5 billion for the National Institutes of Health’s budget, a $2.5 billion increase from 2023. The increased federal research funding is something we advocated for with congressional offices during Advocacy Day and will support GI researchers who are conducting innovative research and developing treatment for digestive diseases and GI cancers.
 

AGA-submitted report language on IBD included

Good news! Two language requests submitted by AGA on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were included in the omnibus: one in the 2023 Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies funding bill and one in the 2023 Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies funding bill.

The first reaffirms the Appropriations Committee’s support for the NIH in funding basic, translational, and clinical studies on the diagnosis and treatment of IBD. The second encourages the FDA to improve diversity and patient-centricity in IBD clinical trials. The inclusion of these language requests in the omnibus highlights another successful advocacy effort by AGA.

Congress filed its $1.7 trillion omnibus appropriations bill. The bill included positive news for GI and showcased the power of your voice in advocating for patient issues.

Here’s what you need to know:

Medicare payment cuts

Unfortunately, physicians treating Medicare patients will face cuts in the new year.

It is disappointing that Congress failed to stop the full cuts. However, the Medicare payment cuts will be lower than the initially proposed 8.5% cut. Physicians will face a 2% cut because of the 4% in PAYGO relief for 2023 and 2024, plus an additional 2.5% in relief for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

This is not an ideal outcome, but we are grateful to the more than 160 AGA members who raised their voices and sent over 600 messages to Congress. Your advocacy played a role in alleviating the final number of the cuts.

We will continue to urge Congress to stop the full cuts. Our top priority in 2023 remains addressing the Medicare reimbursement rates.
 

Two-year extension for telehealth

Good news! We have been ongoing supporters of telehealth expansion that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The inclusion of this 2-year telehealth extension will allow doctors to continue to treat Medicare patients in a virtual setting. This is crucial since it allows patients to continue receiving treatment from their doctor in a virtual setting, and it provides patients and providers with certainty.

$2.5 billion increase for NIH

Good news! The omnibus allocates $47.5 billion for the National Institutes of Health’s budget, a $2.5 billion increase from 2023. The increased federal research funding is something we advocated for with congressional offices during Advocacy Day and will support GI researchers who are conducting innovative research and developing treatment for digestive diseases and GI cancers.
 

AGA-submitted report language on IBD included

Good news! Two language requests submitted by AGA on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were included in the omnibus: one in the 2023 Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies funding bill and one in the 2023 Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies funding bill.

The first reaffirms the Appropriations Committee’s support for the NIH in funding basic, translational, and clinical studies on the diagnosis and treatment of IBD. The second encourages the FDA to improve diversity and patient-centricity in IBD clinical trials. The inclusion of these language requests in the omnibus highlights another successful advocacy effort by AGA.

Gifts to charitable organizations, such as the AGA Research Foundation, in your future plans ensure your support for our mission to fund young investigators continues even after your lifetime. See these three fast facts about planned giving.

#1. Wills are not for older adults only.

Having a plan for the future is important – no matter your age. A will makes your wishes known and provides your loved ones with peace of mind.

#2. Planned gifts are not complicated or confusing.

They don’t have to be. There are many types of planned gifts: Most are simple and affordable, like a gift in your will or living trust. You just need to find the one that best meets your needs.

#3. Planned gifts are not for the wealthy only.

Anyone can make a planned gift. Gifts of all sizes make a difference at the AGA Research Foundation. In fact, you may even be able to make a bigger impact than you thought possible when you make a planned gift.

For 2023, consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will. You will help support researchers and help spark future discoveries in GI.

Want to learn more about including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your future plans? Visit our website at https://gastro.planmylegacy.org or contact us at [email protected].

Gifts to charitable organizations, such as the AGA Research Foundation, in your future plans ensure your support for our mission to fund young investigators continues even after your lifetime. See these three fast facts about planned giving.

#1. Wills are not for older adults only.

Having a plan for the future is important – no matter your age. A will makes your wishes known and provides your loved ones with peace of mind.

#2. Planned gifts are not complicated or confusing.

They don’t have to be. There are many types of planned gifts: Most are simple and affordable, like a gift in your will or living trust. You just need to find the one that best meets your needs.

#3. Planned gifts are not for the wealthy only.

Anyone can make a planned gift. Gifts of all sizes make a difference at the AGA Research Foundation. In fact, you may even be able to make a bigger impact than you thought possible when you make a planned gift.

For 2023, consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will. You will help support researchers and help spark future discoveries in GI.

Want to learn more about including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your future plans? Visit our website at https://gastro.planmylegacy.org or contact us at [email protected].

Gifts to charitable organizations, such as the AGA Research Foundation, in your future plans ensure your support for our mission to fund young investigators continues even after your lifetime. See these three fast facts about planned giving.

#1. Wills are not for older adults only.

Having a plan for the future is important – no matter your age. A will makes your wishes known and provides your loved ones with peace of mind.

#2. Planned gifts are not complicated or confusing.

They don’t have to be. There are many types of planned gifts: Most are simple and affordable, like a gift in your will or living trust. You just need to find the one that best meets your needs.

#3. Planned gifts are not for the wealthy only.

Anyone can make a planned gift. Gifts of all sizes make a difference at the AGA Research Foundation. In fact, you may even be able to make a bigger impact than you thought possible when you make a planned gift.

For 2023, consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will. You will help support researchers and help spark future discoveries in GI.

Want to learn more about including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your future plans? Visit our website at https://gastro.planmylegacy.org or contact us at [email protected].

Each year, the AGA Research Foundation provides research funding to transform the lives of talented investigators.

What will the practice of gastroenterology look like in 20 years? It is our hope that physicians have an abundance of new tools and treatments to care for their patients suffering from digestive disorders.

How will we get there? New treatments and devices are the result of years of research.

To help make this dream a reality, AGA – through the AGA Research Foundation – has made a commitment to support investigators in GI and hepatology with its Research Awards Program. In the past year, the AGA Research Foundation provided $2.5 million in research funding to 61 highly qualified investigators. These diverse researchers range from young investigators to more seasoned leaders in GI, all embarking on novel research projects that will advance our understanding of digestive conditions and pave the way for future discoveries in the field.

The AGA Research Foundation sincerely thanks all of its donors – without their contributions, this work wouldn’t be possible.

You can help spark the scientific breakthroughs of today so clinicians will have the tools to improve care tomorrow. Donate your tax-deductible gift today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.

Each year, the AGA Research Foundation provides research funding to transform the lives of talented investigators.

What will the practice of gastroenterology look like in 20 years? It is our hope that physicians have an abundance of new tools and treatments to care for their patients suffering from digestive disorders.

How will we get there? New treatments and devices are the result of years of research.

To help make this dream a reality, AGA – through the AGA Research Foundation – has made a commitment to support investigators in GI and hepatology with its Research Awards Program. In the past year, the AGA Research Foundation provided $2.5 million in research funding to 61 highly qualified investigators. These diverse researchers range from young investigators to more seasoned leaders in GI, all embarking on novel research projects that will advance our understanding of digestive conditions and pave the way for future discoveries in the field.

The AGA Research Foundation sincerely thanks all of its donors – without their contributions, this work wouldn’t be possible.

You can help spark the scientific breakthroughs of today so clinicians will have the tools to improve care tomorrow. Donate your tax-deductible gift today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.

Each year, the AGA Research Foundation provides research funding to transform the lives of talented investigators.

What will the practice of gastroenterology look like in 20 years? It is our hope that physicians have an abundance of new tools and treatments to care for their patients suffering from digestive disorders.

How will we get there? New treatments and devices are the result of years of research.

To help make this dream a reality, AGA – through the AGA Research Foundation – has made a commitment to support investigators in GI and hepatology with its Research Awards Program. In the past year, the AGA Research Foundation provided $2.5 million in research funding to 61 highly qualified investigators. These diverse researchers range from young investigators to more seasoned leaders in GI, all embarking on novel research projects that will advance our understanding of digestive conditions and pave the way for future discoveries in the field.

The AGA Research Foundation sincerely thanks all of its donors – without their contributions, this work wouldn’t be possible.

You can help spark the scientific breakthroughs of today so clinicians will have the tools to improve care tomorrow. Donate your tax-deductible gift today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.

In the Senate, Democrats clinched the majority with 50 seats. Only one race, Georgia, is still undecided where a December runoff is planned. This race will not flip the majority since Vice President Kamala Harris casts tie-breaking votes as the President of the Senate.

Republicans recaptured control of the House after reaching 218 seats – enough to take control but the sweeping flip “red wave” did not occur as predicted. Republicans currently hold 220 seats to 213 Democratic seats, while two seats remain undecided. Margins in both chambers are slim, reflecting the division in the country.
 

What does this mean? 

The majorities in both chambers are razor thin and compromises will need to be made to pass funding bills and other priorities.

AGA will continue to prioritize our bipartisan efforts with congressional champions on both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.), Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). For the remainder of this Congress, we will fight to:

• Encourage the Senate to take a vote on the House-passed prior authorization reform bill.
• Support robust federal research funding for gastroenterology.
• Reduce dangerous cuts in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

In the Senate, Democrats clinched the majority with 50 seats. Only one race, Georgia, is still undecided where a December runoff is planned. This race will not flip the majority since Vice President Kamala Harris casts tie-breaking votes as the President of the Senate.

Republicans recaptured control of the House after reaching 218 seats – enough to take control but the sweeping flip “red wave” did not occur as predicted. Republicans currently hold 220 seats to 213 Democratic seats, while two seats remain undecided. Margins in both chambers are slim, reflecting the division in the country.
 

What does this mean? 

The majorities in both chambers are razor thin and compromises will need to be made to pass funding bills and other priorities.

AGA will continue to prioritize our bipartisan efforts with congressional champions on both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.), Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). For the remainder of this Congress, we will fight to:

• Encourage the Senate to take a vote on the House-passed prior authorization reform bill.
• Support robust federal research funding for gastroenterology.
• Reduce dangerous cuts in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

In the Senate, Democrats clinched the majority with 50 seats. Only one race, Georgia, is still undecided where a December runoff is planned. This race will not flip the majority since Vice President Kamala Harris casts tie-breaking votes as the President of the Senate.

Republicans recaptured control of the House after reaching 218 seats – enough to take control but the sweeping flip “red wave” did not occur as predicted. Republicans currently hold 220 seats to 213 Democratic seats, while two seats remain undecided. Margins in both chambers are slim, reflecting the division in the country.
 

What does this mean? 

The majorities in both chambers are razor thin and compromises will need to be made to pass funding bills and other priorities.

AGA will continue to prioritize our bipartisan efforts with congressional champions on both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.), Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). For the remainder of this Congress, we will fight to:

• Encourage the Senate to take a vote on the House-passed prior authorization reform bill.
• Support robust federal research funding for gastroenterology.
• Reduce dangerous cuts in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

AGA has announced that the association’s new venture capital fund, GI Opportunity Fund 1, completed its first investment, rounding out the Series A financing of Virgo Surgical Video Solutions (“Virgo”) of Carlsbad, Calif.

Virgo provides gastroenterologists, clinical trial sponsors, and trial site investigators with artificial intelligence–fueled, always-on endoscopic procedure recording and patient recruitment tools for clinical trials in gastroenterology, starting with inflammatory bowel disease clinical trials.

AGA has announced that the association’s new venture capital fund, GI Opportunity Fund 1, completed its first investment, rounding out the Series A financing of Virgo Surgical Video Solutions (“Virgo”) of Carlsbad, Calif.

Virgo provides gastroenterologists, clinical trial sponsors, and trial site investigators with artificial intelligence–fueled, always-on endoscopic procedure recording and patient recruitment tools for clinical trials in gastroenterology, starting with inflammatory bowel disease clinical trials.

AGA has announced that the association’s new venture capital fund, GI Opportunity Fund 1, completed its first investment, rounding out the Series A financing of Virgo Surgical Video Solutions (“Virgo”) of Carlsbad, Calif.

Virgo provides gastroenterologists, clinical trial sponsors, and trial site investigators with artificial intelligence–fueled, always-on endoscopic procedure recording and patient recruitment tools for clinical trials in gastroenterology, starting with inflammatory bowel disease clinical trials.

A task force of GIs from the four major GI societies – AGA, AASLD, ACG, and ASGE – has released a multisociety strategic plan outlining goals and milestones the GI specialty needs to achieve to reduce the environmental impact of the practice.

Key takeaway: As a procedure-intense subspecialty, gastroenterology, and in particular endoscopy, is a major contributor to health care’s carbon footprint and other environmental impacts. Endoscopy is the third largest generator of medical waste in a hospital (2 kg total waste per procedure) with most ending in landfills. With this strategic plan, the participating societies are committed to promoting and supporting a sustainable, high-quality GI practice.

The U.S. GI multisociety strategic plan, which has also been endorsed by 23 GI societies globally, is a collaborative effort that invites members to undertake initiatives to establish an environmentally sustainable, high-quality practice and promote planetary health. Each society will prioritize and adapt their initiatives in accordance with their individual societal goals. Some initiatives may be undertaken by a single society, whereas other objectives and initiatives may be approached jointly. It is a 5-year plan that covers seven major domains:

• Clinical setting.
• Education.
• Research.
• Society efforts.
• Intersociety efforts.
• Industry.
• Advocacy.

The plan was developed by the U.S. Multi-GI Society Task Force on Climate Change, which is composed of leading experts from AASLD, ACG, AGA, and ASGE.

For more information, view the full publication: GI Multisociety Strategic Plan on Environmental Sustainability, published in Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, HEPATOLOGY, and The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

A task force of GIs from the four major GI societies – AGA, AASLD, ACG, and ASGE – has released a multisociety strategic plan outlining goals and milestones the GI specialty needs to achieve to reduce the environmental impact of the practice.

Key takeaway: As a procedure-intense subspecialty, gastroenterology, and in particular endoscopy, is a major contributor to health care’s carbon footprint and other environmental impacts. Endoscopy is the third largest generator of medical waste in a hospital (2 kg total waste per procedure) with most ending in landfills. With this strategic plan, the participating societies are committed to promoting and supporting a sustainable, high-quality GI practice.

The U.S. GI multisociety strategic plan, which has also been endorsed by 23 GI societies globally, is a collaborative effort that invites members to undertake initiatives to establish an environmentally sustainable, high-quality practice and promote planetary health. Each society will prioritize and adapt their initiatives in accordance with their individual societal goals. Some initiatives may be undertaken by a single society, whereas other objectives and initiatives may be approached jointly. It is a 5-year plan that covers seven major domains:

• Clinical setting.
• Education.
• Research.
• Society efforts.
• Intersociety efforts.
• Industry.
• Advocacy.

The plan was developed by the U.S. Multi-GI Society Task Force on Climate Change, which is composed of leading experts from AASLD, ACG, AGA, and ASGE.

For more information, view the full publication: GI Multisociety Strategic Plan on Environmental Sustainability, published in Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, HEPATOLOGY, and The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

A task force of GIs from the four major GI societies – AGA, AASLD, ACG, and ASGE – has released a multisociety strategic plan outlining goals and milestones the GI specialty needs to achieve to reduce the environmental impact of the practice.

Key takeaway: As a procedure-intense subspecialty, gastroenterology, and in particular endoscopy, is a major contributor to health care’s carbon footprint and other environmental impacts. Endoscopy is the third largest generator of medical waste in a hospital (2 kg total waste per procedure) with most ending in landfills. With this strategic plan, the participating societies are committed to promoting and supporting a sustainable, high-quality GI practice.

The U.S. GI multisociety strategic plan, which has also been endorsed by 23 GI societies globally, is a collaborative effort that invites members to undertake initiatives to establish an environmentally sustainable, high-quality practice and promote planetary health. Each society will prioritize and adapt their initiatives in accordance with their individual societal goals. Some initiatives may be undertaken by a single society, whereas other objectives and initiatives may be approached jointly. It is a 5-year plan that covers seven major domains:

• Clinical setting.
• Education.
• Research.
• Society efforts.
• Intersociety efforts.
• Industry.
• Advocacy.

The plan was developed by the U.S. Multi-GI Society Task Force on Climate Change, which is composed of leading experts from AASLD, ACG, AGA, and ASGE.

For more information, view the full publication: GI Multisociety Strategic Plan on Environmental Sustainability, published in Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, HEPATOLOGY, and The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its final rules for 2023 Medicare payments.

Good news! The full CRC continuum will be covered in Medicare.

In a win for patients and thanks to our collective advocacy efforts from AGA and partner societies, CMS expanded the regulatory definition of “colorectal cancer screening tests” and will waive cost sharing for a necessary follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based screening test.

Bad news: Looming cuts on the horizon, GI societies to take action.

The rule finalizes more than 4% in mandated Medicare physician reimbursement cuts through decreases in the conversion factor and expiration of temporary fixes passed by Congress. The CY 2023 conversion factor is $33.06, an unacceptable cut for our members. The GI societies continue to work with a coalition of national and state medical societies to urge Congress to prevent these cuts before Jan. 1, 2023.

Good news: ASC + hospital payments on the rise.

ASC payments and facility fee payments increase 3.8% for institutions that meet quality reporting requirements. The CY 2023 ASC conversion factor is $51.854 and the hospital outpatient conversion factor is $85.585.

CMS removed motility codes 91117 and 91122 from APC 5731, where their payments would have been cut 21%, and finalized their placement in APC 5722, where they get a 3% payment increase beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Thank you to the motility community for helping us secure this win.

CMS raises the hospital payment for ESD code C9779 to $3,260.69, a $765.65 increase from 2022. We continue to work with CMS on our request for separate codes for lower ESD and upper ESD and payments that better reflect their unique resource costs.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its final rules for 2023 Medicare payments.

Good news! The full CRC continuum will be covered in Medicare.

In a win for patients and thanks to our collective advocacy efforts from AGA and partner societies, CMS expanded the regulatory definition of “colorectal cancer screening tests” and will waive cost sharing for a necessary follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based screening test.

Bad news: Looming cuts on the horizon, GI societies to take action.

The rule finalizes more than 4% in mandated Medicare physician reimbursement cuts through decreases in the conversion factor and expiration of temporary fixes passed by Congress. The CY 2023 conversion factor is $33.06, an unacceptable cut for our members. The GI societies continue to work with a coalition of national and state medical societies to urge Congress to prevent these cuts before Jan. 1, 2023.

Good news: ASC + hospital payments on the rise.

ASC payments and facility fee payments increase 3.8% for institutions that meet quality reporting requirements. The CY 2023 ASC conversion factor is $51.854 and the hospital outpatient conversion factor is $85.585.

CMS removed motility codes 91117 and 91122 from APC 5731, where their payments would have been cut 21%, and finalized their placement in APC 5722, where they get a 3% payment increase beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Thank you to the motility community for helping us secure this win.

CMS raises the hospital payment for ESD code C9779 to $3,260.69, a $765.65 increase from 2022. We continue to work with CMS on our request for separate codes for lower ESD and upper ESD and payments that better reflect their unique resource costs.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its final rules for 2023 Medicare payments.

Good news! The full CRC continuum will be covered in Medicare.

In a win for patients and thanks to our collective advocacy efforts from AGA and partner societies, CMS expanded the regulatory definition of “colorectal cancer screening tests” and will waive cost sharing for a necessary follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based screening test.

Bad news: Looming cuts on the horizon, GI societies to take action.

The rule finalizes more than 4% in mandated Medicare physician reimbursement cuts through decreases in the conversion factor and expiration of temporary fixes passed by Congress. The CY 2023 conversion factor is $33.06, an unacceptable cut for our members. The GI societies continue to work with a coalition of national and state medical societies to urge Congress to prevent these cuts before Jan. 1, 2023.

Good news: ASC + hospital payments on the rise.

ASC payments and facility fee payments increase 3.8% for institutions that meet quality reporting requirements. The CY 2023 ASC conversion factor is $51.854 and the hospital outpatient conversion factor is $85.585.

CMS removed motility codes 91117 and 91122 from APC 5731, where their payments would have been cut 21%, and finalized their placement in APC 5722, where they get a 3% payment increase beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Thank you to the motility community for helping us secure this win.

CMS raises the hospital payment for ESD code C9779 to $3,260.69, a $765.65 increase from 2022. We continue to work with CMS on our request for separate codes for lower ESD and upper ESD and payments that better reflect their unique resource costs.

AGA released new evidence-based guidelines strongly recommending patients with obesity use recently approved medications paired with lifestyle changes.

The following medications, paired with healthy eating and regular physical activity, are first-line medical options and result in moderate weight loss as noted as a percentage of body weight (reported as the difference compared to percent weight loss observed in the placebo group).

• Semaglutide (Wegovy®), weight loss percentage: 10.8%
• Phentermine-topiramate ER (Qsymia®), weight loss percentage: 8.5%
• Liraglutide (Saxenda®), weight loss percentage: 4.8%
• Naltrexone-bupropion ER (Contrave®), weight loss percentage: 3.0%

Read the AGA Clinical Guidelines on Pharmacological Interventions for Adults with Obesity for the complete recommendations.

AGA released new evidence-based guidelines strongly recommending patients with obesity use recently approved medications paired with lifestyle changes.

The following medications, paired with healthy eating and regular physical activity, are first-line medical options and result in moderate weight loss as noted as a percentage of body weight (reported as the difference compared to percent weight loss observed in the placebo group).

• Semaglutide (Wegovy®), weight loss percentage: 10.8%
• Phentermine-topiramate ER (Qsymia®), weight loss percentage: 8.5%
• Liraglutide (Saxenda®), weight loss percentage: 4.8%
• Naltrexone-bupropion ER (Contrave®), weight loss percentage: 3.0%

Read the AGA Clinical Guidelines on Pharmacological Interventions for Adults with Obesity for the complete recommendations.

AGA released new evidence-based guidelines strongly recommending patients with obesity use recently approved medications paired with lifestyle changes.

The following medications, paired with healthy eating and regular physical activity, are first-line medical options and result in moderate weight loss as noted as a percentage of body weight (reported as the difference compared to percent weight loss observed in the placebo group).

• Semaglutide (Wegovy®), weight loss percentage: 10.8%
• Phentermine-topiramate ER (Qsymia®), weight loss percentage: 8.5%
• Liraglutide (Saxenda®), weight loss percentage: 4.8%
• Naltrexone-bupropion ER (Contrave®), weight loss percentage: 3.0%

Read the AGA Clinical Guidelines on Pharmacological Interventions for Adults with Obesity for the complete recommendations.