Millions of Patients Endure Unnecessary Endoscopies Due to Heartburn Treatment Mismanagement

Unnecessary Endoscopic Procedures and Heartburn

A recent report from Motive Medical Intelligence reveals a troubling trend in the treatment of heartburn, known medically as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Despite longstanding recommendations from medical societies advising against the routine use of endoscopy for uncomplicated heartburn, millions of Americans are still subjected to this invasive procedure unnecessarily.

The Current Landscape of GERD Treatment

GERD affects approximately 20% of adults in the U.S., leading to over nine million outpatient visits each year. The economic impact is significant, with healthcare costs soaring beyond $24 billion annually, a substantial portion attributed to unnecessary diagnostic procedures like endoscopies.

Motive's analysis of insurance claims data from July 2022 to June 2024 highlights that around 11% of visits for GERD result in upper endoscopies despite clear guidance against such practices. Dr. Richard Klasco, Chief Medical Officer at Motive, describes these findings as indicative of a persistent trend toward low-value care, emphasizing that there is a critical need to realign clinical practices with national guidelines.

Guidelines Ignored

Professional organizations, including the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological Association, have long warned against using endoscopic procedures for patients experiencing uncomplicated heartburn. Their guidelines suggest that endoscopies be reserved for patients exhibiting