Released on Jul 20, 2022

COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Extended

On July 15, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declaration for another 90 days.

By renewing the PHE declaration, health care providers have continued flexibility to respond to the pandemic, including through the use of waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services such as those that increase patient access to telehealth services.

At the end of 2020, ASGE and AGA sent a letter to HHS asking that many of the telehealth flexibilities during the PHE be made permanent or extended for at least a year following the end of the PHE.

HHS will provide states and territories with no less than 60 days’ notice prior to the termination of the PHE declaration for COVID-19.  The current declaration, if not extended again, would expire on Oct. 13, 2022. The declaration is expected to be extended again because the end of the PHE would result in the unraveling of Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans. During the PHE, states are prohibited from dis-enrolling individuals from Medicaid as a condition of accessing enhanced Medicaid funding. 


About Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures allow the gastroenterologist to visually inspect the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum) and the lower bowel (colon and rectum) through an endoscope, a thin, flexible device with a lighted end and a powerful lens system. Endoscopy has been a major advance in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. For example, the use of endoscopes allows the detection of ulcers, cancers, polyps and sites of internal bleeding. Through endoscopy, tissue samples (biopsies) may be obtained, areas of blockage can be opened and active bleeding can be stopped. Polyps in the colon can be removed, which has been shown to prevent colon cancer.

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with almost 15,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit Asge.org and ValueOfColonoscopy.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.

 

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
3300 Woodcreek Drive Downers Grove, IL 60515
P (630) 573-0600
F (630) 963-8332

Media Contact

Andrea Lee
Director of Marketing and Communications
630.570.5603
ALee@asge.org