[A plea for the reduction in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is not the solution for dyspepsia]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2023 Jul 5:167:D7343.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies are often performed in patients with dyspepsia. The diagnostic yield, however, is known to be limited, in particular in patients below 60 years without alarm symptoms. Furthermore, there are limits to the endoscopy capacity. In the Netherlands, an upper GI endoscopy may be requested by the general practitioner (also known as open access endoscopy) or medical specialists. Approximately 40% of the open access upper GI endoscopies is not indicated according to the Dutch guidelines, resulting in substantial costs weighed against limited diagnostic yield. In this article we outline several potential solutions to reduce the number of unnecessary upper GI endoscopies. These include providing patients with digital education, consulting a gastroenterologist, educating health care professionals on the diagnostic yield and reduction of the financial compensation through health insurance policy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Dyspepsia* / diagnosis
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Gastroenterologists*
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Health
  • Referral and Consultation