Advertise on podcast: Gastro Broadcast

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Steven Klein of Wilmington Gastroenterology about how UnitedHealthcare’s recent 15% reimbursement reduction for anesthesia services provided by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) could affect the way independent gastroenterology practices structure anesthesia services and maintain patient access to procedures such as colonoscopy. Dr. Klein explains how independent GI practices rely on CRNAs to provide anesthesia and how those services are structured within his practice, offering a practical view of how insurer policy decisions can reshape care delivery in outpatient endoscopy settings. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Klein as they examine how this policy compounds existing pressures such as prior authorization requirements and site-of-service restrictions, the downstream effects on colorectal cancer screening and other procedures, and what insurers and policymakers need to understand about the real-world impact of these decisions on patient access. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, episode 88, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dru Riddle, Professor of Professional Practice and Director of Clinical Education in the School of Nurse Anesthesia at Texas Christian University and a past president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, about the role certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) play in providing anesthesia for GI care. CRNAs are essential to maintaining access to GI procedures that require anesthesia, particularly in outpatient endoscopy centers where many GI practices rely on CRNAs as their primary anesthesia workforce. UnitedHealthcare recently implemented a 15 percent reduction in reimbursement for anesthesia services provided by CRNAs, which could make it harder for outpatient endoscopy centers to maintain anesthesia coverage, push more care into hospital settings, and limit timely access to GI procedures. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Riddle as they discuss the importance of CRNA-delivered anesthesia, the potential impact of insurer policy changes on patient access to GI care, and practical considerations for independent GI practices that are navigating these issues. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 87, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Chi Kapoor, founder and managing partner of KITC, a cybersecurity firm that works with healthcare organizations to protect sensitive data, maintain regulatory compliance, and strengthen resilience against digital threats. As cyberattacks against healthcare organizations continue to rise, private practice gastroenterology groups face growing exposure due to interconnected systems, third-party vendors, legacy medical devices, and increasing reliance on digital tools. Kapoor discusses why medical practices are frequent targets for ransomware and phishing attacks, where GI practices are most vulnerable, and how risks can originate outside a practice’s direct control through vendors, cloud platforms, and outdated infrastructure. Join Rosenberg and Kapoor as they explore practical, cost-conscious steps GI practices can take to strengthen cybersecurity, build a culture of security among staff, address vulnerabilities without disrupting patient care, and prepare for emerging risks tied to telehealth, AI-enabled tools, and cloud-based systems. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 86, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Caitlin Houghton, a foregut surgeon at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. Dr. Houghton specializes in the management of GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus, focusing on identifying patients at highest risk for esophageal cancer and using advanced endoscopic techniques to personalize care. GERD Awareness Week coincides with the start of the holiday season, a time when patients often notice their reflux symptoms worsening. Dr. Houghton discusses emerging trends in GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus that private practice gastroenterologists should be tracking. She also shares insights from cases like her uncle Pat, who developed long-segment Barrett’s with minimal reflux symptoms, and offers guidance on how clinicians can better counsel patients who may be asymptomatic but still at risk. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Houghton as they explore practical approaches to risk stratification, indications for upper endoscopy, and how to weigh treatment options for patients with Barrett's esophagus. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 85, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Mallika Khandelwal, founder and CEO of Squad Health, and Tasha Cieslak, practice manager of Louisiana Gastroenterology Associates about how independent GI practices can streamline the management of complex prescription workflows. Squad Health is an AI-enabled healthcare technology company developing solutions to streamline access to specialty medications and reduce the workload around prior authorizations and appeals. Join Lisa, Mallika, and Tasha as they discuss how technology can ease administrative burden in gastroenterology, what early automation looks like inside a busy practice, and the innovations ahead for practices adopting AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency and access to care. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 84, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Sahil Patel and Patrick Leonard of SideBy Care, a virtual platform that partners with GI practices to support patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. SideBy Care provides gut-brain therapy, nutrition counseling, and behavioral support through a multidisciplinary team - services that are typically covered by insurance and integrate seamlessly into existing GI practice workflows. Join Dr. Mathew, Dr. Patel, and Patrick Leonard as they explore how collaboration between gastroenterologists and digital care teams can expand access, improve outcomes, and enhance the patient experience. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 83, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Michael Weinstein interviews Dr. Casey Chapman, chief medical officer of the GI Alliance, and Jonathan Ng, founder and CEO of Iterative Health, about a new strategic partnership to expand access to clinical trials across 400 GI Alliance locations in 20 states. By integrating the GI Alliance's established research sites with Iterative Health’s Site Network, the collaboration creates one of the largest GI-focused research networks in the country. Dr. Chapman and Mr. Ng highlight how private practice gastroenterology can play a leading role in advancing research by making clinical trials more accessible to patients in community settings. Join Dr. Weinstein, Dr. Chapman, and Mr. Ng as they explore the growth of clinical research in private practice and how collaboration can advance the field of gastroenterology. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 82, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam interviews Dr. Larry Kim of South Denver GI, where he has spent his career advancing patient care, expanding advanced endoscopy and research programs, and fostering a practice that champions diversity and collaboration in independent GI. As the 120th president of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), Dr. Kim builds on 25 years of leadership advancing research, education, advocacy, and quality initiatives that strengthen the specialty and support gastroenterologists nationwide. He is committed to fostering an inclusive, patient-centered specialty and championing the next generation of GI leaders. Join Dr. Gunaratnam and Dr. Kim for a conversation about his vision for AGA, the challenges and opportunities ahead for gastroenterology, and how community practice and national leadership intersect to advance patient care. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 81, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Dr. Reezwana Chowdhury, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins specializing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Tina Aswani-Omprakash, executive director of the South Asian IBD Alliance. The South Asian IBD Alliance creates resources, research, and education for IBD patients of South Asian origin and healthcare providers - to minimize disparities, dispel stigma, promote early diagnosis, and improve access to treatment. Join Dr. Rosenberg, Dr. Chowdhury, and Ms. Aswani‑Omprakash as they explore how physicians independent GI practices can use these tools to provide culturally competent, personalized care, improving outcomes for South Asians living with IBD. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 80, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Fred Rosenberg interviews Jess Ivy, the Head of Nutrition at Sylvan Health, which focuses on empowering patients with chronic diseases through affordable and accessible nutrition counseling. Sylvan health provides a comprehensive nutrition service line to support the broader care model within GI practices and to help addresses dietary and lifestyle factors that can play a positive role in digestive health. Join Dr. Rosenberg and Jess as they explore how independent GI practices can integrate evidence-based nutrition programs into their care plans and potentially improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 79, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam interviews Dr. Deepti Mehtani, vice president of clinical solutions for NextGen Healthcare, about its recently launched Gastro Suite, which brings gastro-specific workflows to the NextGen electronic health record to streamline repetitive tasks, deliver faster insights, and support an enhanced patient experience. The suite is easily integrated with other solutions from NextGen Healthcare, enabling hands-free mobile documentation with NextGen Ambient Assist, enhanced patient engagement with the NextGen Closed Loop Patient and Practice Experience, billing automation, cloud hosting, and advanced interoperability. Join Dr. Gunaratnam and Dr. Mehtani as they explore what independent GI practices should be considering when looking for an industry partner to help improve their data and technology platforms. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 78, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Dr. Brittany Panico, a rheumatologist in Colorado Springs who recently wrote an op-ed calling for reforms to the 340B program to require more transparency and reporting on how 340B discounts are passed on to patients. The 340B Program is a federal drug pricing program that allows certain hospitals and clinics to buy medications at steep discounts to support medication access for underserved patients, with the expectation that these savings would be passed on to patients. But critics argue that the program's growth has led to unintended consequences, such as market consolidation. And some studies suggest that 340B discounts may not translate into increased care or lower costs for vulnerable populations. Join Dr. Mathew and Dr. Panico as they discuss Dr. Panico's experience as an employed physician in a 340B hospital system and as an independent physician, and how the lack of oversight in the program may be making it harder for specialists to deliver the best patient care. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 77, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Vetri Venthan Elango and Dr. Renu Dhanasekaran, the founders of Arithmedics, a company that uses generative AI and data intelligence to reduce administrative time and costs for providers. Arithmedics uses generative AI and data intelligence to reduce billing mistakes and claim denials. Its software generates and explains codes to streamline the billing process and uses data from completed claims to reduce future denials. Join Dr. Mathew, Dr. Elango and Dr. Dhanasekaran as they discuss what physicians need to understand about implementing AI platforms for administrative tasks such as billing and coding. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 76, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Gary Trendel, vice president of Endoscopy Solutions Ecosystem and Dr. Ruhy Patel, Medical and Scientific Affairs lead for the Endoscopy Solutions Ecosystem and Digital Units at Olympus. Odin Medical, an Olympus company, recently received 510K clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the first cloud-based Artificial Intelligence technology designed to assist gastroenterologists in detecting colorectal polyps during colonoscopy procedures. The CADDIE, or computer-aided detection (CADe) device, works by analyzing colonoscopy video in real-time and using visual markers to alert the endoscopist to the potential presence of polyps. A prospective, multi-center randomized controlled trial successfully demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the CADDIE device, underscoring its potential to enhance detection capabilities and patient care without increasing procedural risks or duration. Join Dr. Mathew, Mr. Trendel, and Dr. Patel as they discuss the potential for AI in improving patient care, and what independent GI physicians should understand about AI platforms that assist in detecting polyps during colonoscopy. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 75, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences

Dr. Lisa Mathew interviews Jeff Glueck, co-founder and CEO of Salvo Health, a technology company that partners with GI practices to support patients with chronic GI conditions through a virtual clinic experience using a multi-disciplinary care team. Salvo Health's framework seeks to restore balance and improve chronic symptoms by considering the interconnected roles that the mind, body and gut play in a person's health. Join Lisa and Jeff as they discuss what GI physicians should consider in partnering with technology platforms that provide cross-functional care to their patients. Produced by Andrew Sousa and Hayden Margolis for Steadfast Collaborative, LLC Mixed and mastered by Hayden Margolis Gastro Broadcast, Episode 74, presented by TissueCypher from Castle Biosciences