Podcast Summary: Advancing Independent GI Care with Dr. Sumana Moole
Becker’s Healthcare Podcast | November 30, 2025
Host: Francesca Matthews | Guest: Dr. Sumana Moole

Episode Overview

This episode features Dr. Sumana Moole, founding physician of Meris Gastroenterology and Gut Health, discussing the rise and future of independent gastroenterology (GI) care. Dr. Moole shares her journey, her take on current trends in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in GI practices, and her philosophy for sustainable, patient-centered care. The conversation serves as both a practical roadmap and an encouraging call to action for physicians considering or committed to independent practice.

Dr. Moole’s Background and Path to Independence

[00:23 – 02:38]

• Career Journey:

  • Originally trained in India, internal medicine residency at Wayne State (Detroit), GI fellowship at Penn State.
  • Varied experience: VA system in Pennsylvania, large multi-specialty group in Florida, single-specialty group in Georgia.
  • "What I noticed through these experiences was that while each system had its strengths, there was often very little flexibility or autonomy for physicians to truly practice medicine the way it’s meant to be practiced." (Dr. Moole, 01:31)

• Founding Her Own Practice:

  • Frustrated by bureaucracy and lack of autonomy.
  • Launched an independent, fully outpatient GI practice in the competitive Atlanta market.
  • Success has been driven by authentic patient relationships and a commitment to physician autonomy:
    • "What’s more satisfying is really having the freedom to care for patients in a way that feels personal, undressed, and really deeply fulfilling." (Dr. Moole, 02:27)

Top Trends in GI & ASC Healthcare

[03:03 – 05:37]

1. Migration of Complex GI Procedures to Outpatient Settings

   • Advances in technology and safety now allow more procedures to be performed outside hospitals.
   • "We are seeing a migration of more complex GI procedures into the outpatient setting... Payers are recognizing the value and patients appreciate the convenience." (Dr. Moole, 03:13)

2. Renewed Interest in Physician-Led Ownership

   • Younger doctors and GI specialists are seeking independent models for autonomy and combined ASC integration.
   • "Ownership is not just about equity, but it's also having a voice in how medicine is practiced..." (Dr. Moole, 04:18)

3. Integration of AI & Digital Tools

   • AI-enabled scheduling, analytics, and patient engagement help smaller centers compete with large systems.
   • "It's really helping us scale empathy seamlessly and remove that friction between the patient and staff experience." (Dr. Moole, 05:17)

The Real Impact of AI & Innovation in GI Practices

[05:37 – 07:27]

• Biggest Excitements:
  • AI is making operations more efficient, especially revenue cycle management and prior authorizations.
  • Expansion of GI service lines (e.g., new procedures like MyView interest in placement, hemorrhoid ablation) brings more value to ASCs.
  • "For every pain point, there seems to be a nice tech model that’s coming up that’s able to solve this. So, you know, it lets us practice medicine and not think about all these other operational burdens." (Dr. Moole, 07:14)

Growth & Strategy for Independent GI Practices

[07:43 – 09:07]

• Upcoming Plans for Meris Gastroenterology:
  • Team expansion – onboarding a new gastroenterologist.
  • Scaling office and procedural capacity without sacrificing ‘patient-first, high touch care’.
  • Adoption of smart automation and workflow optimization.
  • "As we scale we don't lose what makes us special. Right now, as an independent practice, it's a sense of connection and responsiveness for patients that they really appreciate." (Dr. Moole, 08:26)
  • Focus on maintaining alignment between clinical quality, patient experience, and physician satisfaction as the formula for success.

The New Era of Independent, Patient-Centered Medicine

[09:21 – 10:37]

• Key Reflections:
  • Dr. Moole expresses optimism about the “renaissance” of independent, patient-centered medicine:
    • "Physicians are finding new, creative ways to build sustainable, independent models... It’s a win-win: for the patients, for the physicians, and reduces burnout..." (Dr. Moole, 09:41)
  • Emphasizes the importance of practices reflecting both community needs and provider values.
  • Advocates for a return to “the basics: listening and partnering with the patient.” (Dr. Moole, 10:34)

Notable Quotes

• "What’s more satisfying is really having the freedom to care for patients in a way that feels personal, undressed, and really deeply fulfilling." (Dr. Moole, 02:27)
• "Ownership is not just about equity, but it's also having a voice in how medicine is practiced, which is often lacking when you practice in larger health systems..." (Dr. Moole, 04:18)
• "For every pain point, there seems to be a nice tech model that’s coming up that’s able to solve this." (Dr. Moole, 07:14)
• "This next chapter in medicine is so energizing, and that's what is redefining what quality means. Not by adding layers, but by bringing it back to the basics: listening and partnering with the patient." (Dr. Moole, 10:34)

Key Takeaways

• Independent GI practices have unique opportunities for innovation, autonomy, and patient-centered care.
• Major trends include a shift of complex procedures to outpatient settings, growing physician-led models, and strategic integration of AI and automation.
• Success for growing independent practices hinges on scaling while preserving authentic patient relationships and provider satisfaction.
• The revival of physician autonomy offers hope for reduced burnout and a more rewarding, community-focused era in GI care.

For independent GI physicians and ASC leaders, this episode offers both a blueprint for sustainable growth and a passionate argument for the renaissance of patient-centered, physician-led care.