Features

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Psychological Therapies for IBS

By

Tori Rodriguez, MA, LPC, AHC

Given the close relationship between IBS and mental health, the use of psychological modalities represents a growing area of interest in IBS management.

General Gastroenterology

Assessment of Antispasmodics Available in North America for the Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Pain

By

Vincent Soreca

Researchers reviewed and summarized the safety and efficacy of individual antispasmodics available in North America for the treatment of chronic abdominal pain.

Practice Management

Medical Billing Outsourcing Is on the Rise

By

John Schieszer, MA

Contracting with outside firms to handle medical billing can be a smart financial move for some medical practices.

Liver

Insights on Improving Care for Patients With NAFLD/NASH

By

Vincent Soreca

The American Gastroenterological Association offered strategies for clinical practice, future research, and policy agenda for the treatment of patients with NAFLD and NASH.

Microbiome

FMT: Can It Improve Immunotherapy Outcomes?

By

C. Andrew Kistler, MD, PharmD

Further research is warranted to understand the potential ways fecal microbiota transplantations may improve patients’ responses to immunotherapy.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

IBD and Obesity: Is there a Connection?

By

C. Andrew Kistler, MD, PharmD

One key factor that has developed increasing research interest is the role of a patient’s BMI, specifically those with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2), in the development of IBD.

Liver

Increasing Concerns Surrounding Prevalence of Infections in Cirrhosis

By

Rita Aghjayan

The natural history of cirrhosis is significantly affected by the increasing prevalence of infections, with strategies for prevention and treatment difficult to compose.

General Medicine

5 Best Practices for Medical Documentation

By

Lisa Gay, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CLCP

Expert discusses common medical record documentation mistakes, including failing to update prepopulated or copied notes from a previous visit.

Celiac Disease

Separating Fact From Fallacy in Celiac Disease

By

Vincent Soreca

Clinicians summarized the current research and clarified widespread misinformation on celiac disease.

Practice Management

HIPAA Provisions, Often Misunderstood, Impede Big Data Use

By

John Schieszer, MA

Many organizations adopt overly conservative policies that restrict otherwise completely legal uses of health care data.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

IBD and Osteoporosis: Key Takeaways and New Data

By

C. Andrew Kistler, MD, PharmD

Reviewing a patient’s potential risk for osteoporosis should be a routine part of each visit for patients with IBD.

General Medicine

AAP Policy Statement: Providing Trauma-Informed Care in Pediatric Health Care Systems

By

Meghna Rao

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement and an accompanying clinical report on identifying and addressing the effects of trauma and stress on children, families, and their health care providers.

Liver

COVID-19’s Continuing Toll: Increased Alcohol Use and Liver Disease Among Women

By

Tori Rodriguez, MA, LPC, AHC

To discuss the potential factors driving the increasing alcohol use among women as well as potential solutions, we interviewed David Streem, MD, and Leena P. Mittal, MD, FACLP.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Microscopic Colitis: Is Vedolizumab An Option?

By

C. Andrew Kistler, MD, PharmD

Due to the relatively high relapse rate and need for additional therapies, current research is being done on the use of Vedolizumab for the treatment of microscopic colitis.

Pediatric gastroenterology

Experts Discuss the Management of Childhood Obesity

By

Michelle Lampariello

Although the rise in pediatric obesity predates the COVID-19 pandemic, stressors experienced during the pandemic exposed inequities in children’s health.

Practice Management

Complying With HIPAA When Using Social Media

By

John Schieszer, MA

Among other considerations, health care providers must avoid giving individual medical advice.

Practice Management

Shrinking the Gastroenterology Gender Gap: A Call to Action

By

Kwamesha Joseph

While the causes of gender gaps are often complex and inextricably intertwined, a more in depth approach is needed to identify areas where immediate action can be taken to improve gender equity and diversity in gastroenterology.

Esophagus

A Case of Sudden-Onset Dysphagia During Lunch, Unresolved by PPIs

By

Karmen Elsen, MPA, PA-C

A patient presenting with sudden-onset dysphagia and vomiting initially is diagnosed with GERD but does not respond to PPIs. What is your diagnosis?

Practice Management

Disparities in Gastroenterology: Health Equity Begins with Cancer Screenings

By

Emily Pond

Unmitigated health disparities remain a persistent challenge throughout gastroenterology practice.

General Gastroenterology

What Does the Future of the Mental Health Pandemic Hold?

By

Aaron M. Hawkins, MD

With health experts across the country agreeing we are in the midst of a mental health pandemic, psychiatrist Aaron M. Hawkins, MD offers his view about the current state and the future of mental health in the United States.