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Purchase Raffle Tickets for a Chance to Win
The ‘Vascular Spectacular’ Gala has officially sold out, but there are still ways for non-attendees to be a part of the fun. Raffle tickets are available for $20, and those who purchase will have a chance to win a $500, $250 or $100 cash prize. All proceeds benefit the SVS Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund and tickets are available through the evening of the event. Online raffle tickets can be purchased here.
The ‘Vascular Spectacular’ Gala has officially sold out, but there are still ways for non-attendees to be a part of the fun. Raffle tickets are available for $20, and those who purchase will have a chance to win a $500, $250 or $100 cash prize. All proceeds benefit the SVS Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund and tickets are available through the evening of the event. Online raffle tickets can be purchased here.
The ‘Vascular Spectacular’ Gala has officially sold out, but there are still ways for non-attendees to be a part of the fun. Raffle tickets are available for $20, and those who purchase will have a chance to win a $500, $250 or $100 cash prize. All proceeds benefit the SVS Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund and tickets are available through the evening of the event. Online raffle tickets can be purchased here.
Program at VAM set for Vascular Residents and Fellows
The SVS is introducing a dedicated program for vascular residents and fellows at the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting. The new program is set for 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, and will provide a forum to those nearing the end of their training that will allow them to explore several topics with leaders in vascular surgery. Discussion topics will focus on transition to practice, which will include presentations on business, career development, leadership and innovations on the horizon for vascular surgery. Attendance is open to all vascular residents and fellows enrolled in vascular fellowship programs or 0+5 residency programs. Participants must pre-register to participate. Register today and contact [email protected] for more information.
The SVS is introducing a dedicated program for vascular residents and fellows at the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting. The new program is set for 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, and will provide a forum to those nearing the end of their training that will allow them to explore several topics with leaders in vascular surgery. Discussion topics will focus on transition to practice, which will include presentations on business, career development, leadership and innovations on the horizon for vascular surgery. Attendance is open to all vascular residents and fellows enrolled in vascular fellowship programs or 0+5 residency programs. Participants must pre-register to participate. Register today and contact [email protected] for more information.
The SVS is introducing a dedicated program for vascular residents and fellows at the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting. The new program is set for 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, and will provide a forum to those nearing the end of their training that will allow them to explore several topics with leaders in vascular surgery. Discussion topics will focus on transition to practice, which will include presentations on business, career development, leadership and innovations on the horizon for vascular surgery. Attendance is open to all vascular residents and fellows enrolled in vascular fellowship programs or 0+5 residency programs. Participants must pre-register to participate. Register today and contact [email protected] for more information.
What’s Happening on Connect?
Do you allow your patients to eat during thrombolysis? Do you have any difficulties with your EMR? Have questions about the upcoming Vascular Annual Meeting? Sign in to SVSConnect and participate in discussions surrounding all things vascular. Your SVS credentials will get you into the community, and from there you’ll be able to ask questions, reply to discussions, post resources and network with other members. Log in to SVSConnect here. If you encounter sign-in difficulties, email [email protected] or call 312-334-2300.
Do you allow your patients to eat during thrombolysis? Do you have any difficulties with your EMR? Have questions about the upcoming Vascular Annual Meeting? Sign in to SVSConnect and participate in discussions surrounding all things vascular. Your SVS credentials will get you into the community, and from there you’ll be able to ask questions, reply to discussions, post resources and network with other members. Log in to SVSConnect here. If you encounter sign-in difficulties, email [email protected] or call 312-334-2300.
Do you allow your patients to eat during thrombolysis? Do you have any difficulties with your EMR? Have questions about the upcoming Vascular Annual Meeting? Sign in to SVSConnect and participate in discussions surrounding all things vascular. Your SVS credentials will get you into the community, and from there you’ll be able to ask questions, reply to discussions, post resources and network with other members. Log in to SVSConnect here. If you encounter sign-in difficulties, email [email protected] or call 312-334-2300.
Join SVS Section on Outpatient & Office Vascular Care
The SVS recently established the Section on Outpatient & Office Vascular Care (SOOVC) for clinicians who work in outpatient and office vascular care centers. SOOVC membership is available to all SVS members in good standing, and hospital/practice administrators are welcome to join as Affiliate Members. Benefits for SOOVC members include, but are not limited to, specific programming at the Vascular Annual Meeting, discounts on SVS events, networking opportunities and access to SVSConnect. Please reach out to [email protected] or 312-334-2349 with questions.
The SVS recently established the Section on Outpatient & Office Vascular Care (SOOVC) for clinicians who work in outpatient and office vascular care centers. SOOVC membership is available to all SVS members in good standing, and hospital/practice administrators are welcome to join as Affiliate Members. Benefits for SOOVC members include, but are not limited to, specific programming at the Vascular Annual Meeting, discounts on SVS events, networking opportunities and access to SVSConnect. Please reach out to [email protected] or 312-334-2349 with questions.
The SVS recently established the Section on Outpatient & Office Vascular Care (SOOVC) for clinicians who work in outpatient and office vascular care centers. SOOVC membership is available to all SVS members in good standing, and hospital/practice administrators are welcome to join as Affiliate Members. Benefits for SOOVC members include, but are not limited to, specific programming at the Vascular Annual Meeting, discounts on SVS events, networking opportunities and access to SVSConnect. Please reach out to [email protected] or 312-334-2349 with questions.
Register for VRIC
The Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC) is a few short weeks away, and it’s still not too late to register. Don’t miss your chance to connect with vascular researchers at the 2019 program, “Hard Science: Calcification and Vascular Solutions,” on May 13 in Boston. Learning objectives at the meeting range from vascular regeneration, stem cells and wound healing to aortopathies and novel vascular devices. Register for VRIC here. If you have questions, please reach out to the SVS Education Department at [email protected].
The Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC) is a few short weeks away, and it’s still not too late to register. Don’t miss your chance to connect with vascular researchers at the 2019 program, “Hard Science: Calcification and Vascular Solutions,” on May 13 in Boston. Learning objectives at the meeting range from vascular regeneration, stem cells and wound healing to aortopathies and novel vascular devices. Register for VRIC here. If you have questions, please reach out to the SVS Education Department at [email protected].
The Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC) is a few short weeks away, and it’s still not too late to register. Don’t miss your chance to connect with vascular researchers at the 2019 program, “Hard Science: Calcification and Vascular Solutions,” on May 13 in Boston. Learning objectives at the meeting range from vascular regeneration, stem cells and wound healing to aortopathies and novel vascular devices. Register for VRIC here. If you have questions, please reach out to the SVS Education Department at [email protected].
Top AGA Community patient cases
Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses.
In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:
1. Biologic blood levels for pediatric IBD patient
An 11-year-old was experiencing right lower quadrant pain, a low-grade fever, painful red nodules in his legs, joint pain, moderate anemia, a peri-anal abscess and high fecal calprotectin. An MRI revealed signs of lower small bowel disease and moderate narrowing of the ileum. He was treated and showing no symptoms at about 20 weeks. The community discussed if the patient would benefit from adding adalimumab blood levels to his maintenance.
2. False positives in new DNA-based colon cancer tests
A discussion around some noninvasive colon cancer tests, such as Cologuard and liquid biopsy tests like Epi proColon, revealed community frustrations with false positives and dealing with an increased number of anxious patients awaiting colonoscopies.
3. Olmesartan-induced enteropathy
A female patient switched blood pressure medications and developed diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss. She tested positive for celiac-type enteropathy and was placed on a gluten-free diet, with symptoms resolving a couple weeks later. She switched back to her original medication, and her GI had questions for the community regarding potential for a long-term condition, as well as celiac serology follow-up.
4. Inactive UC
A 49-year-old woman with a history of pancolitis hasn’t required therapy for over 10 years. Recent biopsies showed architectural distortion and atrophy consistent with inactive colitis, without any active colitis in the rectum, but the descending colon presented a polyp mucosa with chronic colitis, erosion, and regenerative hyperplasia. Given her history, the physician solicited advice on therapy and rescoping consistency going forward.
More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.
Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses.
In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:
1. Biologic blood levels for pediatric IBD patient
An 11-year-old was experiencing right lower quadrant pain, a low-grade fever, painful red nodules in his legs, joint pain, moderate anemia, a peri-anal abscess and high fecal calprotectin. An MRI revealed signs of lower small bowel disease and moderate narrowing of the ileum. He was treated and showing no symptoms at about 20 weeks. The community discussed if the patient would benefit from adding adalimumab blood levels to his maintenance.
2. False positives in new DNA-based colon cancer tests
A discussion around some noninvasive colon cancer tests, such as Cologuard and liquid biopsy tests like Epi proColon, revealed community frustrations with false positives and dealing with an increased number of anxious patients awaiting colonoscopies.
3. Olmesartan-induced enteropathy
A female patient switched blood pressure medications and developed diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss. She tested positive for celiac-type enteropathy and was placed on a gluten-free diet, with symptoms resolving a couple weeks later. She switched back to her original medication, and her GI had questions for the community regarding potential for a long-term condition, as well as celiac serology follow-up.
4. Inactive UC
A 49-year-old woman with a history of pancolitis hasn’t required therapy for over 10 years. Recent biopsies showed architectural distortion and atrophy consistent with inactive colitis, without any active colitis in the rectum, but the descending colon presented a polyp mucosa with chronic colitis, erosion, and regenerative hyperplasia. Given her history, the physician solicited advice on therapy and rescoping consistency going forward.
More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.
Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses.
In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:
1. Biologic blood levels for pediatric IBD patient
An 11-year-old was experiencing right lower quadrant pain, a low-grade fever, painful red nodules in his legs, joint pain, moderate anemia, a peri-anal abscess and high fecal calprotectin. An MRI revealed signs of lower small bowel disease and moderate narrowing of the ileum. He was treated and showing no symptoms at about 20 weeks. The community discussed if the patient would benefit from adding adalimumab blood levels to his maintenance.
2. False positives in new DNA-based colon cancer tests
A discussion around some noninvasive colon cancer tests, such as Cologuard and liquid biopsy tests like Epi proColon, revealed community frustrations with false positives and dealing with an increased number of anxious patients awaiting colonoscopies.
3. Olmesartan-induced enteropathy
A female patient switched blood pressure medications and developed diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss. She tested positive for celiac-type enteropathy and was placed on a gluten-free diet, with symptoms resolving a couple weeks later. She switched back to her original medication, and her GI had questions for the community regarding potential for a long-term condition, as well as celiac serology follow-up.
4. Inactive UC
A 49-year-old woman with a history of pancolitis hasn’t required therapy for over 10 years. Recent biopsies showed architectural distortion and atrophy consistent with inactive colitis, without any active colitis in the rectum, but the descending colon presented a polyp mucosa with chronic colitis, erosion, and regenerative hyperplasia. Given her history, the physician solicited advice on therapy and rescoping consistency going forward.
More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.
Screening colonoscopy coinsurance fix legislation introduced
Medicare beneficiaries who have a screening colonoscopy and have polyps found and removed, find themselves on the hook for the coinsurance since the screening is now classified as a therapeutic procedure. AGA has been working for years with Congress to change this since removal of polyps is integral to the screening. Screenings save lives and Congress must enact legislation to fix this “surprise bill” that beneficiaries face.
Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, Roger Wicker, R-MS, Ben Cardin, D-MD, and Susan Collins, R-ME, and Reps. Donald Payne Jr., D-NJ, Rodney Davis, R-IL, Donald McEachin, D-VA, and David McKinley, R-WV, have introduced the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would waive the Medicare coinsurance for a screening colonoscopy that becomes therapeutic. Fixing this barrier will ensure that seniors will have access to lifesaving screenings and we will continue to make progress in fighting colorectal cancer.
AGA continues to advocate that Congress support and pass the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act and we need your help. Please take a moment to ask your legislator to support this important legislation by going to www.gastro.org/take-action.
Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. despite the evidence that screening can save lives. The Affordable Care Act made great strides in ensuring that all Americans have access and coverage of lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings without cost sharing and clarified that private insurers could not impose cost sharing on screening colonoscopies that become therapeutic since “removal of polyps is integral” to the screening. We believe that same policy should be applied to our nation’s seniors and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid should use their authority to make this change.
AGA is committed to ensuring that patients have access to quality lifesaving screenings. Unfortunately, this current Medicare policy has caused enormous confusion among patients and providers and we continue to provide information and education to practices on how this policy impacts their patients. Fixing this problem will alleviate this confusion and ensure that Medicare patients are incentivized to have preventive screenings.
Medicare beneficiaries who have a screening colonoscopy and have polyps found and removed, find themselves on the hook for the coinsurance since the screening is now classified as a therapeutic procedure. AGA has been working for years with Congress to change this since removal of polyps is integral to the screening. Screenings save lives and Congress must enact legislation to fix this “surprise bill” that beneficiaries face.
Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, Roger Wicker, R-MS, Ben Cardin, D-MD, and Susan Collins, R-ME, and Reps. Donald Payne Jr., D-NJ, Rodney Davis, R-IL, Donald McEachin, D-VA, and David McKinley, R-WV, have introduced the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would waive the Medicare coinsurance for a screening colonoscopy that becomes therapeutic. Fixing this barrier will ensure that seniors will have access to lifesaving screenings and we will continue to make progress in fighting colorectal cancer.
AGA continues to advocate that Congress support and pass the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act and we need your help. Please take a moment to ask your legislator to support this important legislation by going to www.gastro.org/take-action.
Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. despite the evidence that screening can save lives. The Affordable Care Act made great strides in ensuring that all Americans have access and coverage of lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings without cost sharing and clarified that private insurers could not impose cost sharing on screening colonoscopies that become therapeutic since “removal of polyps is integral” to the screening. We believe that same policy should be applied to our nation’s seniors and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid should use their authority to make this change.
AGA is committed to ensuring that patients have access to quality lifesaving screenings. Unfortunately, this current Medicare policy has caused enormous confusion among patients and providers and we continue to provide information and education to practices on how this policy impacts their patients. Fixing this problem will alleviate this confusion and ensure that Medicare patients are incentivized to have preventive screenings.
Medicare beneficiaries who have a screening colonoscopy and have polyps found and removed, find themselves on the hook for the coinsurance since the screening is now classified as a therapeutic procedure. AGA has been working for years with Congress to change this since removal of polyps is integral to the screening. Screenings save lives and Congress must enact legislation to fix this “surprise bill” that beneficiaries face.
Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, Roger Wicker, R-MS, Ben Cardin, D-MD, and Susan Collins, R-ME, and Reps. Donald Payne Jr., D-NJ, Rodney Davis, R-IL, Donald McEachin, D-VA, and David McKinley, R-WV, have introduced the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would waive the Medicare coinsurance for a screening colonoscopy that becomes therapeutic. Fixing this barrier will ensure that seniors will have access to lifesaving screenings and we will continue to make progress in fighting colorectal cancer.
AGA continues to advocate that Congress support and pass the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act and we need your help. Please take a moment to ask your legislator to support this important legislation by going to www.gastro.org/take-action.
Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. despite the evidence that screening can save lives. The Affordable Care Act made great strides in ensuring that all Americans have access and coverage of lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings without cost sharing and clarified that private insurers could not impose cost sharing on screening colonoscopies that become therapeutic since “removal of polyps is integral” to the screening. We believe that same policy should be applied to our nation’s seniors and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid should use their authority to make this change.
AGA is committed to ensuring that patients have access to quality lifesaving screenings. Unfortunately, this current Medicare policy has caused enormous confusion among patients and providers and we continue to provide information and education to practices on how this policy impacts their patients. Fixing this problem will alleviate this confusion and ensure that Medicare patients are incentivized to have preventive screenings.
‘Put your own oxygen mask on first’
Takeaways from the leadership conference stress the importance of self-care, emotional intelligence, and remaining optimistic.
“Leadership 101: put your own oxygen mask on first @DarwinConwell #AGAleads #AGAForward @AmerGastroAssn”— Dr Michelle T. Long (@DrMTLong)
The inaugural Leadership Development Conference combined participants from three AGA programs for a weekend of networking, mentorship, and mapping out goals and initiatives.
Attendees included the 2020 class of AGA Future Leaders and mentors, Women’s Leadership Conference participants, and mentors and scholars of the new AGA FORWARD Program, an NIH-funded initiative that supports underrepresented minority physicians and scientists.
“Got to meet one of my tweeps heroes today! She’s even more awesome in real life!! #AGALeads #WomenInMedicine #WomenInGI @drfolamay @AmerGastroAssn” — Dr Aline Charabaty (@DCharabaty)
“Dr. Boland (Lynch syndrome) discussing career success in an ever changing scientific environment #AGALeads #AGAForward” — Eric J. Vargas M.D. (@EricJVargasMD)
“7 AGA Presidents, moderated by Dr. Anandasabapathy on Pathways to Leadership and Overcoming Challenges of the Era Presidential Panel @AmerGastroAssn Leadership conference program @SeragHashem @BCMDeptMedicine @KanwalFasiha @Aketwaroo @richashukla84” — Ruben Hernaez (@ruben_hernaez)
The event coincided with International Women’s Day, giving Women’s Leadership Conference attendees the chance to celebrate their journeys and grow into leadership roles with other #WomenInGI.
“#AGALeads #womenleadershipconference #womeninGI #InternationWomensDay with some amazing ladies in GI!! @AmerGastroAssn @AlisonGoldinMD @ibddocmaria @joanwchen” — ReezwanaCMD (@reezwanc)
“#AGAleads #WomeninGI women negotiating in a group are perceived favorably – Ellen Zimmerman, MD”
— Fazia Mir-Shaffi,MD (@Faiziya) March 9, 2019
“What I learned at @AmerGastroAssn #womeninGI Leadership course (after waiting a bit to see what stuck w me)
1. If you say yes to a request, you’re saying yes to doing it well.
2. Knowing your limitations will serve you better than being great at everything” — Laura Targownik (@UofM_GI_Head)
Aline Charabaty Pishvaian, MD, shared some takeaways in the AGA Community forum (community.gastro.org) about challenges women in GI face — a breakout discussion from the Women’s Leadership Conference.
View more insight and takeaways from participants on Twitter using #AGALeads.
Takeaways from the leadership conference stress the importance of self-care, emotional intelligence, and remaining optimistic.
Takeaways from the leadership conference stress the importance of self-care, emotional intelligence, and remaining optimistic.
“Leadership 101: put your own oxygen mask on first @DarwinConwell #AGAleads #AGAForward @AmerGastroAssn”— Dr Michelle T. Long (@DrMTLong)
The inaugural Leadership Development Conference combined participants from three AGA programs for a weekend of networking, mentorship, and mapping out goals and initiatives.
Attendees included the 2020 class of AGA Future Leaders and mentors, Women’s Leadership Conference participants, and mentors and scholars of the new AGA FORWARD Program, an NIH-funded initiative that supports underrepresented minority physicians and scientists.
“Got to meet one of my tweeps heroes today! She’s even more awesome in real life!! #AGALeads #WomenInMedicine #WomenInGI @drfolamay @AmerGastroAssn” — Dr Aline Charabaty (@DCharabaty)
“Dr. Boland (Lynch syndrome) discussing career success in an ever changing scientific environment #AGALeads #AGAForward” — Eric J. Vargas M.D. (@EricJVargasMD)
“7 AGA Presidents, moderated by Dr. Anandasabapathy on Pathways to Leadership and Overcoming Challenges of the Era Presidential Panel @AmerGastroAssn Leadership conference program @SeragHashem @BCMDeptMedicine @KanwalFasiha @Aketwaroo @richashukla84” — Ruben Hernaez (@ruben_hernaez)
The event coincided with International Women’s Day, giving Women’s Leadership Conference attendees the chance to celebrate their journeys and grow into leadership roles with other #WomenInGI.
“#AGALeads #womenleadershipconference #womeninGI #InternationWomensDay with some amazing ladies in GI!! @AmerGastroAssn @AlisonGoldinMD @ibddocmaria @joanwchen” — ReezwanaCMD (@reezwanc)
“#AGAleads #WomeninGI women negotiating in a group are perceived favorably – Ellen Zimmerman, MD”
— Fazia Mir-Shaffi,MD (@Faiziya) March 9, 2019
“What I learned at @AmerGastroAssn #womeninGI Leadership course (after waiting a bit to see what stuck w me)
1. If you say yes to a request, you’re saying yes to doing it well.
2. Knowing your limitations will serve you better than being great at everything” — Laura Targownik (@UofM_GI_Head)
Aline Charabaty Pishvaian, MD, shared some takeaways in the AGA Community forum (community.gastro.org) about challenges women in GI face — a breakout discussion from the Women’s Leadership Conference.
View more insight and takeaways from participants on Twitter using #AGALeads.
“Leadership 101: put your own oxygen mask on first @DarwinConwell #AGAleads #AGAForward @AmerGastroAssn”— Dr Michelle T. Long (@DrMTLong)
The inaugural Leadership Development Conference combined participants from three AGA programs for a weekend of networking, mentorship, and mapping out goals and initiatives.
Attendees included the 2020 class of AGA Future Leaders and mentors, Women’s Leadership Conference participants, and mentors and scholars of the new AGA FORWARD Program, an NIH-funded initiative that supports underrepresented minority physicians and scientists.
“Got to meet one of my tweeps heroes today! She’s even more awesome in real life!! #AGALeads #WomenInMedicine #WomenInGI @drfolamay @AmerGastroAssn” — Dr Aline Charabaty (@DCharabaty)
“Dr. Boland (Lynch syndrome) discussing career success in an ever changing scientific environment #AGALeads #AGAForward” — Eric J. Vargas M.D. (@EricJVargasMD)
“7 AGA Presidents, moderated by Dr. Anandasabapathy on Pathways to Leadership and Overcoming Challenges of the Era Presidential Panel @AmerGastroAssn Leadership conference program @SeragHashem @BCMDeptMedicine @KanwalFasiha @Aketwaroo @richashukla84” — Ruben Hernaez (@ruben_hernaez)
The event coincided with International Women’s Day, giving Women’s Leadership Conference attendees the chance to celebrate their journeys and grow into leadership roles with other #WomenInGI.
“#AGALeads #womenleadershipconference #womeninGI #InternationWomensDay with some amazing ladies in GI!! @AmerGastroAssn @AlisonGoldinMD @ibddocmaria @joanwchen” — ReezwanaCMD (@reezwanc)
“#AGAleads #WomeninGI women negotiating in a group are perceived favorably – Ellen Zimmerman, MD”
— Fazia Mir-Shaffi,MD (@Faiziya) March 9, 2019
“What I learned at @AmerGastroAssn #womeninGI Leadership course (after waiting a bit to see what stuck w me)
1. If you say yes to a request, you’re saying yes to doing it well.
2. Knowing your limitations will serve you better than being great at everything” — Laura Targownik (@UofM_GI_Head)
Aline Charabaty Pishvaian, MD, shared some takeaways in the AGA Community forum (community.gastro.org) about challenges women in GI face — a breakout discussion from the Women’s Leadership Conference.
View more insight and takeaways from participants on Twitter using #AGALeads.
AGA president advocates for increased access to care for digestive disease patients
AGA President David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, was on Capitol Hill advocating for legislation to ensure that digestive disease patients have timely access to lifesaving treatments and touted the importance of increasing access to colorectal cancer screenings. Specifically, Dr. Lieberman sought support for H.R. 1570/S. 668, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, legislation that would fix the current Medicare screening colonoscopy coinsurance problem. Currently, when a Medicare beneficiary has a screening colonoscopy that turns therapeutic, the procedure is no longer considered a screening and the patient is on the hook for the “surprise” bill. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would fix this problem for beneficiaries.
Dr. Lieberman also participated in a congressional briefing sponsored by AGA, ACG, and ASGE on the importance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and spoke of the geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers to CRC screening and how it impacts the rates of screening. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-MA, chair of the House Rules Committee, also spoke about the importance of CRC screenings and the number of lives that can be saved with screening. He also stressed that we have made strides in screening because of the research that is funded through the NIH which Congress needs to continue to support.
Protection for patients who are subject to step-therapy protocols was another area that Dr. Lieberman emphasized during his meetings with congressional staff. Step therapy is a utilization management tool where insurers force patients to fail one or more therapies before they will cover the initial therapy recommended by their physician. This policy is more and more common especially for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who rely on biologics for treatment. Dr. Lieberman stressed that forcing a patient to fail a medication that they know will be ineffective is in violation of the Hippocratic oath. Restoring the Patient’s Voice Act, legislation soon to be reintroduced by Reps. Raul Ruiz, D-CA, and Brad Wenstrup, R-OH, would provide an expeditated appeals process and provide some common sense exceptions for patients when subjected to step therapy.
Dr. Lieberman stressed the importance of funding the NIH and requested Congress increase their budget by $2 billion in fiscal year 2020. Dr. Lieberman described the NIH as our country’s crown jewel since it invests in biomedical research that will ultimately find cures for countless conditions, increase our country’s economic competitiveness, and spur industries and invests in our country’s best and brightest scientists. We are hopeful that Congress will reject the Trump Administration’s recommendation of a 12% cut for NIH and instead continue to provide the necessary increases the agency needs to remain competitive.
AGA President David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, was on Capitol Hill advocating for legislation to ensure that digestive disease patients have timely access to lifesaving treatments and touted the importance of increasing access to colorectal cancer screenings. Specifically, Dr. Lieberman sought support for H.R. 1570/S. 668, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, legislation that would fix the current Medicare screening colonoscopy coinsurance problem. Currently, when a Medicare beneficiary has a screening colonoscopy that turns therapeutic, the procedure is no longer considered a screening and the patient is on the hook for the “surprise” bill. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would fix this problem for beneficiaries.
Dr. Lieberman also participated in a congressional briefing sponsored by AGA, ACG, and ASGE on the importance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and spoke of the geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers to CRC screening and how it impacts the rates of screening. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-MA, chair of the House Rules Committee, also spoke about the importance of CRC screenings and the number of lives that can be saved with screening. He also stressed that we have made strides in screening because of the research that is funded through the NIH which Congress needs to continue to support.
Protection for patients who are subject to step-therapy protocols was another area that Dr. Lieberman emphasized during his meetings with congressional staff. Step therapy is a utilization management tool where insurers force patients to fail one or more therapies before they will cover the initial therapy recommended by their physician. This policy is more and more common especially for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who rely on biologics for treatment. Dr. Lieberman stressed that forcing a patient to fail a medication that they know will be ineffective is in violation of the Hippocratic oath. Restoring the Patient’s Voice Act, legislation soon to be reintroduced by Reps. Raul Ruiz, D-CA, and Brad Wenstrup, R-OH, would provide an expeditated appeals process and provide some common sense exceptions for patients when subjected to step therapy.
Dr. Lieberman stressed the importance of funding the NIH and requested Congress increase their budget by $2 billion in fiscal year 2020. Dr. Lieberman described the NIH as our country’s crown jewel since it invests in biomedical research that will ultimately find cures for countless conditions, increase our country’s economic competitiveness, and spur industries and invests in our country’s best and brightest scientists. We are hopeful that Congress will reject the Trump Administration’s recommendation of a 12% cut for NIH and instead continue to provide the necessary increases the agency needs to remain competitive.
AGA President David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, was on Capitol Hill advocating for legislation to ensure that digestive disease patients have timely access to lifesaving treatments and touted the importance of increasing access to colorectal cancer screenings. Specifically, Dr. Lieberman sought support for H.R. 1570/S. 668, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, legislation that would fix the current Medicare screening colonoscopy coinsurance problem. Currently, when a Medicare beneficiary has a screening colonoscopy that turns therapeutic, the procedure is no longer considered a screening and the patient is on the hook for the “surprise” bill. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would fix this problem for beneficiaries.
Dr. Lieberman also participated in a congressional briefing sponsored by AGA, ACG, and ASGE on the importance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and spoke of the geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers to CRC screening and how it impacts the rates of screening. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-MA, chair of the House Rules Committee, also spoke about the importance of CRC screenings and the number of lives that can be saved with screening. He also stressed that we have made strides in screening because of the research that is funded through the NIH which Congress needs to continue to support.
Protection for patients who are subject to step-therapy protocols was another area that Dr. Lieberman emphasized during his meetings with congressional staff. Step therapy is a utilization management tool where insurers force patients to fail one or more therapies before they will cover the initial therapy recommended by their physician. This policy is more and more common especially for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who rely on biologics for treatment. Dr. Lieberman stressed that forcing a patient to fail a medication that they know will be ineffective is in violation of the Hippocratic oath. Restoring the Patient’s Voice Act, legislation soon to be reintroduced by Reps. Raul Ruiz, D-CA, and Brad Wenstrup, R-OH, would provide an expeditated appeals process and provide some common sense exceptions for patients when subjected to step therapy.
Dr. Lieberman stressed the importance of funding the NIH and requested Congress increase their budget by $2 billion in fiscal year 2020. Dr. Lieberman described the NIH as our country’s crown jewel since it invests in biomedical research that will ultimately find cures for countless conditions, increase our country’s economic competitiveness, and spur industries and invests in our country’s best and brightest scientists. We are hopeful that Congress will reject the Trump Administration’s recommendation of a 12% cut for NIH and instead continue to provide the necessary increases the agency needs to remain competitive.
Are you ready to celebrate 50 years of DDW®?
With 2019 being the 50th anniversary of Digestive Disease Week® (DDW), this year’s meeting is one you won’t want to miss. AGA looks forward to seeing members May 18 to 21, 2019, in San Diego, California. Register and view additional information on the DDW website. You can learn more about AGA programming and events at DDW by visiting www.gastro.org/DDW.
With 2019 being the 50th anniversary of Digestive Disease Week® (DDW), this year’s meeting is one you won’t want to miss. AGA looks forward to seeing members May 18 to 21, 2019, in San Diego, California. Register and view additional information on the DDW website. You can learn more about AGA programming and events at DDW by visiting www.gastro.org/DDW.
With 2019 being the 50th anniversary of Digestive Disease Week® (DDW), this year’s meeting is one you won’t want to miss. AGA looks forward to seeing members May 18 to 21, 2019, in San Diego, California. Register and view additional information on the DDW website. You can learn more about AGA programming and events at DDW by visiting www.gastro.org/DDW.