BackTable OBGYN BackTable

Hosts Dr. Mark Hoffman and Dr. Amy Park invite Dr. Vadim Morozov, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, to discuss the applications and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in gynecologic surgery both currently and in the future.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Morozov shares his insights on the basics of AI as well as how it is currently being used in medicine and research. He shares his experiences working with AI to develop algorithms for robotic gynecologic procedures. Furthermore, he predicts the direction AI is going in medicine and highlights the complexities and ethical considerations of integrating AI into medical practice. The conversation delves into the advancements, potentials, and concerns surrounding AI, addressing its impact on surgery, privacy, and the future of medical practice.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
03:52 - AI in Gynecologic Surgery
06:10 - Understanding AI Basics
13:24 - AI in Medical Applications
17:09 - Future of AI in Medicine
33:24 - AI in Surgery
45:10 - Data and Privacy Concerns
57:35 - Call to Action: Get Involved

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RESOURCES

BUMP Study:
Goodday, S.M., Karlin, E., Brooks, A. et al. Better Understanding of the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy (BUMP): protocol for a digital feasibility study in women from preconception to postpartum. npj Digit. Med. 5, 40 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-022-00579-9

This episode of the BackTable OBGYN podcast features Dr. Barbara Levy, an OBGYN and seasoned expert in medical coding and reimbursement, discussing the nuances of medical billing, the process of creating medical codes, and how medical practices and expenses are valued differently.

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Cerene Cryotherapy
https://cerene.com/healthcare-professionals/

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SYNPOSIS

Key topics from this episode include the impact of indirect practice expenses, the role of different organizations in surveying costs and implementing new codes, the importance of coding for procedure reimbursement, and a task force’s findings on gender disparities in coding. The conversation transitions into the practical implications of where procedures are performed (office vs. surgical center vs. hospital) and how this impacts payment and patient costs. Dr. Levy emphasizes the efficiency and patient benefits of office-based procedures, exemplified by the Cerene cryotherapy ablation device. The complexities of the reimbursement system, including work Relative Value Units (RVUs), facility fees, and the push towards bundling services, are unpacked. The episode underscores the importance of understanding healthcare economics to advocate effectively for patient care improvements.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:24 - History of Medical Coding
11:32 - The Process of Medical Code Creation
21:15 - Understanding RVUs and Practice Expenses
26:35 - Challenges of Accurately Valuing Procedures
32:05 - Changing Codes/Reimbursement: Endometriosis Example
36:06 - The Art and Science of Medical Coding
39:26 - Site of Service and Facility Fees
51:15 - Benefits of Outpatient Procedures
55:46 - Example: Cerene Cryoablation
58:14 - Addressing Gender Disparities in Medical Reimbursement

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RESOURCES

ACOG Resources on Coding and Billing:
https://www.acog.org/practice-management/coding

In this episode of the BackTable OBGYN podcast, Drs. Kimberly (Kim) Kenton and Margaret (Maggie) Mueller discuss advancements in patient recovery guidelines, particularly after gynecologic surgeries.

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SYNPOSIS

The discussion first covers the evolution of post-operative care protocols, emphasizing the lack of evidence behind traditional post-op restrictions and highlighting recent studies that suggest liberal post-operative activities might lead to better recovery outcomes without compromising surgical results. Additionally, the episode touches on the impact of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as single port surgeries, on patient recovery times and hospital system efficiencies. Finally, the conversation delves into the shift towards team-based care, where nurses and nurse practitioners actively participate in pre-op counseling, educating patients, and enhancing the overall healthcare team’s efficiency. The overarching theme is the crucial role of evidence-based practice in improving patient care and recovery in obstetrics and gynecology.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:57 - Exploring Postoperative Restrictions in Gynecologic Surgery
20:56 - Adapting Postoperative Visits
26:02 - Recovery Times, Hospital Stays, and the Impact on Patients and Healthcare
35:58 - Team-Based Care and Communication Strategies
44:38 - Surgical Techniques and Recovery Insights

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RESOURCES

Mueller MG, Kenton K. Activity Restrictions After Gynecologic Surgery. Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Mar 01; 143(3):378-382. PMID: 38207325; PMCID: PMC10863662.

In this crossover episode of BackTable Urology and OBGYN, Dr. Suzette Sutherland interviews three urological/gynecologic innovators, Dr. Ali Haessler, Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad, and Dr. Tova Weiss, who are all at different career stages and product development phases.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Tova Weiss, a urology resident at the University of Washington, discusses her development of a safer urinary catheter so that if a patient were to pull out their catheter, the distal part would disconnect from the catheter inside the urethra, preventing urethral trauma. Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad, a practicing urologist specializing in robotics and neuromodulation, shares his creation of the Foramen Finder to enhance sacral neuromodulation procedures. Dr. Allie Haessler, a practicing urogynecologist, talks about her invention of a novel vaginal ring aimed at providing neuromodulation therapy for pelvic floor issues. They each discuss the inspiration behind their inventions, challenges faced, and the importance of failure in the path to innovation. The episode emphasizes the role of physicians in identifying healthcare gaps, collaborating across disciplines, and pushing the boundaries of medical technology to improve patient care.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
01:54 - Dr. Tova Weiss and the Urinary Catheter Accessory
08:49 - Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad and the Foramen Finder
22:04 - Dr. Allie Haessler and the Neuromodulation Vaginal Ring
27:29 - Navigating the Patent Process and Protecting Innovation
29:52 - The Path to FDA Approval
37:11 - Advice for Aspiring Innovators in Medicine
40:52 - Embracing Failure and the Inventor’s Mindset