Surge in colonoscopies drives growth in gastro billing

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand which gastroenterology services were driving Medicare billing growth and how coverage and reimbursement changes were influencing practice billing patterns. It provides context for evaluating specialty utilization trends and identifying areas where billing activity shifted over time.

Article Sections

1. Medicare billing trends in gastroenterology

   Introduces the overall payment and utilization changes reported for the specialty across the years discussed. Summarizes the broad drivers behind growth in Medicare billing.

2. Colonoscopy growth and screening coverage

   Discusses the impact of increased attention to colon cancer and expanded screening coverage on gastroenterology billing patterns. Covers how colonoscopy services became a major contributor to volume growth.

3. Drug administration and infusion billing

   Reviews billing changes related to treatment administration for a gastrointestinal drug used in office settings. Notes the article’s discussion of payment and administration coding changes for infused therapy.

4. Top billed codes by gastroenterologists

   Presents a table of frequently billed gastroenterology and related medical services across the years examined. Highlights the mix of office visits, inpatient services, endoscopy, colonoscopy, laboratory testing, and drug-related billing.