Michael Bass, M.D.'s Linkedin Analytics

As a gastroenterologist, there's not much scarier than early-onset colon cancer. I know the studies show it's on the rise. I've had patients in their 20s with advanced pre-cancerous polyps and colon cancer. But I also know, colon cancer is still a disease that most often involves people over 50. In our healthcare system, resources are limited. Waits for average-risk colon cancer screening can be greater than 6 months, in certain parts of the country. It's simply not feasible to test everyone. A group from Cleveland Clinic might have a solution. They reviewed close to 10,000 patients aged 18-44, who underwent colonoscopy between 2011-2021. They determined key risk factors that increased the risk of having advanced pre-cancerous polyps or cancer. The factors were BMI, Family History of CRC, and Tobacco use. They developed a scoring system that predicted a significantly higher risk of advanced neoplasia, based on these factors More #research needs to be done, but this study is the first step towards a personalized screening approach. For young people with high-risk scores, a targeted screening approach, using non-invasive testing like Exact Sciences Cologuard , or FIT, could be a cost-effective option. #healthcareonlinkedin #healthcare #gastroenterology

One of the most frustrating parts of my job? Telling patients their biopsy results will take up to two weeks—and getting the inevitable “you’ve got to be kidding me” look. I reassure them: I see this every day, and for most , its nothing to worry about. Still, the wait wears on them, for good reason. Their mind wanders to cancer , even if rationally they know its a small chance. But that wait might be getting shorter. A new NEJM AI study trained a deep-learning model to analyze duodenal biopsies and diagnose celiac disease with pathologist-level accuracy. Fast, scalable, and shockingly accurate. Feels like we’re on the edge of a new era in GI diagnostics. But zoom out, and this study is a blueprint for much more: • In IBD, imagine #AI models differentiating Crohn’s from UC on biopsies • In EoE, AI quantifying eosinophil counts and tracking response to treatment • In #oncology, automated reads for Barrett’s or early CRC • In training, helping junior pathologists learn by seeing what the AI see This isn’t just an AI that diagnoses celiac disease—it’s a signpost of where medicine is headed: expert-level diagnostics at scale, with transparency, reproducibility, and speed. If you’re in #healthcare: How do you see AI changing your day-to-day practice over the next 2 years? Please comment below 👇👇 #Gastroenterology #AIinMedicine #CeliacDisease #HealthTech #MedicalInnovation #Digitalhealth #HealthcareonLinkedin

Prior authorizations are being scaled back — and that’s a win for everyone. Starting May 1, Optum Rx will eliminate prior authorization for 80 medications, mostly for chronic conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis. In my practice, I have patients on maintenance meds for chronic conditions like IBD. Every year these medications need reauthorized, which is a massive administrative burden to our staff. I've had patient’s treatment delayed, while for waiting for the paperwork. It puts them at increased risk of a flare. This change will cut 25% of annual reauthorizations. Clinically stable medications won’t need yearly red tape. It also comes alongside efforts like: • Optum Savings IQ, saving patients $1.3B+ last year. • Critical Drug Affordability List, capping insulin at <$18/month. • Digital tools like PreCheck MyScript that streamline prescribing. I hope other PBMs follow suite! #HealthcareonLinkedin #Healthcare #Medicine #pharma

There’s a blind spot in colorectal cancer screening that doesn’t get enough attention. At-home stool tests like FIT and Cologuard have expanded access—especially for patients hesitant or unable to undergo colonoscopy up front. But when a stool test is positive, the job isn’t done. A colonoscopy is essential to confirm findings and take action. Yet, only 50–70% of patients nationally complete that next step. That’s not just a data gap—it’s a clinical failure. A positive result without follow-up leaves the patient at risk. Research shows that skipping colonoscopy after a positive stool test can 2X the risk of death from colorectal cancer. This isn’t just about patient education—it’s about system design. Historically, one of the biggest barriers was financial. Until recently, many patients were hit with surprise costs for a follow-up colonoscopy—because it was labeled “diagnostic,” not preventive. That’s changed. In 2023, CMS closed that loophole. Colonoscopies following a positive stool-based screening test are now fully covered under Medicare with no patient cost-sharing. Most commercial insurers must follow suit. This policy shift removes one of the major structural excuses for inaction. But eliminating cost doesn’t automatically drive behavior. Low follow-up rates aren’t just a patient problem—they’re a system accountability problem. A positive result should trigger an automated cascade: referral, navigation, scheduling, and reminders. Too often, that chain breaks down. That’s where we need to evolve—toward a model where screening is treated as a continuum, not a checkbox. Organizations like Exact Sciences are helping move the needle with infrastructure most practices don’t have: 24/7 navigation support, patient follow-up workflows, and multilingual communication. More health systems need to follow that lead. As clinicians, we need to ask : • Are we tracking positive stool test results and ensuring follow-up happens? • Do our workflows make colonoscopy the easy next step—or the patient’s burden to navigate? • Are we truly delivering on the promise of early detection? We’ve made progress expanding screening. Now we need to finish what we start. Because in colorectal cancer screening, a positive stool test without a follow-up colonscopy is useless. #ColorectalCancer #Healthcare #PatientOutcomes #CancerScreening #CMS #PopulationHealth #gastroenterology #ValueBasedCare