U.S. News & World Report released its inaugural ranking of best ambulatory surgery centers May 14.

ASCs offer lower costs for a number of important screening and surgical procedures, including several gastroenterology procedures. 

Here are five gastroenterology technologies and treatment advancements that have been approved for use or performed for the first time in 2024, as reported by Becker's since Jan. 4:

Utah Gastroenterology has relocated its practice in Draper, Utah, to a new, larger facility featuring a state-of-the-art endoscopy center. 

Gastroenterological cancers, including colorectal cancer, are on the rise across the nation, as the cost of healthcare also continues to rise. 

Gastroenterology groups continue to argue over what age patients should begin screening colonoscopies, with some groups recommending 45, while others recommend 50. 

Physicians and physician groups have expressed concern surrounding procedures, especially those involving anesthesia, in patients taking glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist weight loss medications, including Ozempic. 

Pre- and postoperative colonoscopy care does not increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection in total joint arthroplasty patients, according to a May 7 study published in JAMA Network. 

Phoenix-based Arizona Digestive Health, an affiliate of GI Alliance, has expanded its presence in Scottsdale, Ariz., through the addition of two new specialists. 

An Illinois bill that would require coverage for all medical necessary colonoscopies is headed to the state Senate, WGEM reported May 9.

Usage of weight loss medications including Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic has skyrocketed in the U.S. in the last year, affecting numerous medical specialties. 

Here are three gastroenterology centers that have opened that Becker's has reported on since April 10:

Life sciences company Geneoscopy received FDA approval for its noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test, ColoSense.

San Francisco-based Diatiro Health has won the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons' 2024 "Shark Tank" competition.

Here are five of the many physicians on the cutting edge of gastroenterology who have recently made headlines:

Gastroenterologist David Riedel, MD, has retired following 44 years at Alton (Ill.) Memorial Hospital.

Denver Digestive Health Specialists, a partner of private equity-backed GI Alliance, opened a new clinic in Arvada, Colo.

Colonoscopy demand is continuing to grow as gastroenterologists and GI practices face ever-declining reimbursements. 

Here is what to know about the physicians in charge of five of the largest gastroenterology groups in the U.S.:

On May 1, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty testified before Congress, expressing that he is "deeply, deeply sorry" about the effect the late February cyberattack on Change Healthcare had on patients, physicians and health systems.