AGA Launches Initiative to Promote Technology Advances

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has launched the Center for GI Innovation and Technology to help shape the gastroenterology practice of the future by fostering the development and adoption of medical technologies for gastroenterology patients.

"In deciding to create the Center for GI Innovation and Technology, AGA leaders looked at the health-care environment and saw important trends that point to a need for leadership in gastroenterological innovation," said Pankaj J. Pasricha, M.D., chair and co-founder of the center.

Through the center, AGA will monitor issues and advocate for transparent and fair processes that promote innovation. By addressing the FDA, payors and other entities that impact the adoption of evidence-based technology, AGA will support medical innovators who are working to improve patient care and safety, as well as health outcomes. The center's activities are guided by the desire to support the development of medical devices, diagnostics and pharmaceutical therapies that are consistent with AGA's mission to advance the science and practice of gastroenterology.

In coordination with the Center for GI Innovation and Technology, the AGA's Payor Policy Workgroup reviews clinical evidence on technologies and therapies for digestive disorders.  Through the center, the AGA has successfully advocated for payor coverage of procedures and therapies that ultimately improve patient outcomes.  

"AGA's support of evidence-based research has helped drive the acceptance, utilization and reimbursement of new technologies that drive advances in patient care," said David L. Barthel, president and CEO, SmartPill Corporation. "By working together, medical societies, industry and payors can develop the systems to ensure new technologies are being used to better diagnose and treat gastrointestinal disorders."

Learn more by visiting the Center for GI Innovation and Technology website at www.gastro.org/cgit.

About the AGA Institute
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. www.gastro.org.

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SOURCE American Gastroenterological Association