Increased Digestive Health Concerns Prompt New Treatment Options in Utah
SANDY — There’s a noticeable rise in people dealing with chronic digestive issues, and colon cancer is now being found in younger individuals. This shift has led one of Utah’s major healthcare providers to expand treatment options.
Intermountain Health is setting up stand-alone endoscopy centers at three of its hospitals to provide patients with more affordable procedures.
“With our new endoscopy centers, Intermountain Health is boosting access to lower-cost options for diagnosing and treating digestive health conditions,” stated Dr. Nathan Merriman, who leads the Surgical Specialties and Digestive Health Clinical Program.
In a recent announcement, Intermountain officials noted that these new facilities will have reduced overhead and fewer licensing obstacles than hospitals, allowing them to offer services at a lower price point. There’s a national trend where patients are opting for off-site surgical and imaging centers to help manage out-of-pocket expenses.
The first endoscopy center has already opened in Sandy, located on the Alta View Hospital premises, with plans for two more near Riverton Hospital and McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden.
These centers will provide colonoscopies and various endoscopic procedures aimed at examining the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Such procedures can assist in addressing swallowing issues, abdominal pain, chronic bowel problems, and hemorrhoids, along with diagnosing more serious illnesses like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and cancer.
“As more Americans focus on healthy eating and gut health, digestive issues are getting more attention. Intermountain Health is encouraging patients to take a proactive stance on their digestive well-being through comprehensive care,” the statement pointed out.
The organization highlighted that providing endoscopy services in a more affordable setting aligns with its nonprofit mission of enhancing the health of the communities it serves.
The centers will be managed by Surgery Partners, an established operator of various Intermountain Health surgery centers across Utah and in 29 additional states. Merriman mentioned that the company’s goal of delivering quality, cost-effective care complements Intermountain Health’s mission.
Despite being one of the more preventable types of cancer, colon cancer resulted in approximately 53,000 fatalities in the United States last year, as reported by the American Cancer Society, which also anticipates over 100,000 new diagnoses this year.
Colonoscopy screenings are recommended starting at age 45, or sooner for individuals with a family history of colon cancer. Interestingly, patients do not need a referral for a colonoscopy at the Alta View Endoscopy Center, although referrals are necessary for upper endoscopy procedures.
