As summer is winding down, we have a lot of exciting updates for you:

CALIBER study: This is a randomized controlled trial that is sponsored by Torax, the maker of LINX. We were the first practice in the country to enroll patients in this study. We’re very excited to be able to offer this to our patients where the company will pay for the procedure to qualified patients.

LINX hiatal hernia study: We initiated another study looking at the LINX device in patients with larger hernias. It is a multi-center trial with 2 other sites.

Prosper financing: Given the number of insurance companies that are paying for less and increasing amounts of deductibles, we are partnering with Prosper financing to help patients cover these costs. Look for the link on our website – coming soon.

Updates to website: We will be adding 4 new videos to our website: an Esophyx/TIF surgery, a LINX surgery, a review of reflux and how surgery helps reflux presented by Dr Bell, and a short look at who we are and what we can do for you – including patient testimonials.

Sienna: In October, Sienna, our therapy dog, will take her test with Pet Partners and become a volunteer at Swedish Medical Center. This way she will be able to join us on hospital rounds and say hi.

Natalie: We sent Natalie back to Arizona for fall semester of her senior year. She plans to go to graduate school to become a physician assistant. We will see her back over the holiday break.