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(Wednesday, November 6, 2024; Dededo, Guam) — Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) is proud to announce the launch of an advanced capsule endoscopy service, offering a new, minimally invasive solution for digestive health diagnostics. This service represents a significant advancement in gastrointestinal (GI) healthcare for Guam and the surrounding region, bringing innovative medical technology and improved patient comfort to the forefront.
Supported by a grant from the USDA Rural Development Program, this new service underscores the commitment of GRMC and local leadership to advancing healthcare access and quality for Guam’s residents.
Capsule endoscopy offers a convenient, patient-friendly alternative to traditional endoscopic procedures by allowing patients to ingest a small, pill-sized camera, which captures detailed images of the gastrointestinal tract as it passes through the digestive system. This approach is particularly effective for detecting and diagnosing conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, small intestine bleeding, and other GI issues without the need for sedation or invasive techniques.
Unique to this project is the seamless integration of telemedicine into the capsule endoscopy procedure through technology developed by the specialty company GI Digital, called “Tele-GI”. Not only can the video created by the capsule be analyzed remotely, ultimately the capsule could be ingested at the home of the patient or in their community, further increasing the convience.
The USDA has awarded the University of Southern California a Telehealth and Distance Learning Grant to enable providers in Guam to leverage GI Digital’s proprietary Tele-GI infrastructure. GI Digital is also the telecommunications contractor assigned to facilitate the telemedical integrations between GRMC, USC, and any other stakeholder.
“We are thrilled to offer this new diagnostic tool, which provides a less invasive, more comfortable experience for patients,” said Dr. Alexander “Beau” Wielaard, GRMC CEO. “With the support of the USDA, we are expanding access to state-of-the-art medical services that directly benefit our community’s health and wellness.”
The USDA has highlighted this development as part of its broader commitment to enhancing Guam’s healthcare infrastructure. “Our department is proud to support GRMC in bringing such advanced technology to Guam,” said Robert Machado, General Field Representative United States Department of Agriculture. “This service aligns with our goal of making high-quality healthcare accessible on the island, and it demonstrates the kind of progress we aim to bring to our community’s healthcare system.”
Capsule endoscopy is expected to reduce travel needs for patients seeking specialized GI diagnostics and provide doctors with precise imaging that aids in early diagnosis and treatment planning. This service is expected to provide greater convenience and care for residents by allowing them to access specialized GI diagnostics locally, without the need for extensive travel. All reports generated from the procedure will receive a final review and signoff from Dr. Paul Muña Aguon, Guam’s sole licensed gastroenterologist.
“I am genuinely excited about the collaboration amongst our hospitals and the strides we are making to enhance GI care through the new capsule endoscopy program. This innovative service brings advanced diagnostic options within reach for everyone in Guam, representing a significant step forward in accessible, high-quality gastrointestinal healthcare for our entire community,” adds Dr. Aguon.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients and referring physicians can contact the GRMC Referral Office at (671) 633-GRMC (4762) or visit https://www.grmc.gu/
About United States Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community
facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.
About GI Digital
GI Digital Inc. is a leading provider of innovative Tele-GI solutions, focused on making advanced gastrointestinal diagnostics more accessible. Through its proprietary workflow management platform, along with leveraging artificial intelligence, GI Digital plays a critical role in the early detection of gastrointestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer. GI Digital collaborates with healthcare providers across the U.S., Canada, and Europe to expand access to high-quality GI diagnostics and transform care delivery through its scalable Tele-GI products and solutions.