Gastroenterologists and primary care providers (PCPs) need to better coordinate their care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to new guidelines released by the American College of Gastroenterology. Research suggests that this patient population doesn’t receive the same level of preventive services as most other patients. With that in mind, the guidelines urge gastroenterologists to inform PCPs about the special needs of patients with the disease and to co-manage these patients with the primary care team. Among the health maintenance issues that require discussion:

• Identification, safety and timing of vaccinations for patients taking immunomodulatory agents and biologics because of the increased risk of infection.
• Osteoporosis screening.
• Cervical cancer screening.
• Identification of depression, anxiety, and the need for smoking cessation counseling.
• Screening for melanoma and other skin cancers.