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July 2025
In this episode, HoChong Gilles, DNP, FNP-BC, a seasoned hepatology expert and Clinical Program Director at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System, addresses a frequently asked question from primary care and community GI providers: How do you risk stratify patients without access to a FibroScan? Drawing on over 25 years of clinical experience, HoChong outlines practical strategies for assessing liver fibrosis using the FIB-4 score—a simple calculation based on patient age, ALT, AST, and platelet count. She also discusses how tools like the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test, available through Quest or Labcorp, can serve as valuable alternatives in the absence of elastography. Whether you're managing incidental hepatic steatosis or evaluating elevated liver enzymes, this episode offers step-by-step guidance for using non-invasive biomarkers to stratify liver disease risk and guide referrals effectively. Perfect for clinicians in primary care, GI, and hepatology seeking practical, accessible tools for early liver disease assessment.
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Common Questions from Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this educational video, Robin Soto, RN, MSN, FNP-BC from UC San Diego Health, answers common questions from primary care providers about the progression and management of MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). She addresses the often-misunderstood reality that fatty liver disease can progress to cirrhosis, even in patients with no history of alcohol use—challenging the stigma that surrounds liver disease. Robin explains how MASH is a progressive condition, and if left unmanaged, can lead to advanced fibrosis and liver failure. She also shares practical dietary advice for patients, highlighting the benefits of the Mediterranean diet—rich in healthy fats, fiber, and low in processed foods and sugars—as recommended by hepatology societies like AASLD. Importantly, she emphasizes that even modest weight loss (3–10%) can significantly improve steatosis, inflammation, and even reverse fibrosis. This video is a valuable resource for clinicians and patients alike, focused on prevention, early intervention, and empowering lifestyle changes.
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Common Questions From Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this informative session, Jennifer Geremia, PA-C, a seasoned gastroenterology physician assistant in tertiary care Boston, addresses some of the most common questions primary care providers have about identifying and managing patients with fatty liver disease, MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), and MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). Jennifer highlights the importance of using FIB-4 as a first-line non-invasive test (NIT) in high-risk patients with diabetes, obesity, or other metabolic conditions—noting how easily this tool can be integrated into routine labs via the EMR. She underscores that the liver is often overlooked in chronic disease management and makes a strong case for routine fibrosis screening alongside cardiovascular and diabetes evaluations. The talk also dives into actionable next steps after FIB-4 testing, including elastography, ELF testing, and referrals to GI when needed. Jennifer closes by discussing realistic lifestyle intervention goals—especially the importance of 7–10% weight loss for meaningful reductions in steatosis and fibrosis risk. This session is a must-watch for PCPs, APPs, and clinicians managing metabolic comorbidities and seeking practical, evidence-based strategies for early MASH detection and management.
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APP Insight: Common Questions from Patients About MASH
June 2025
In this episode, Jordan Mayberry, MPAS, PA-C, a seasoned hepatology provider at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, addresses some of the most frequently asked questions from patients diagnosed with MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) and MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatohepatitis). With over 12 years of clinical experience, Jordan explains the root causes of MASLD/MASH, including key cardiometabolic risk factors like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, as well as genetic predispositions—particularly in Hispanic populations. He emphasizes the importance of fibrosis assessment in guiding treatment decisions, explaining that patients with early-stage disease should focus on lifestyle changes, while those with more advanced fibrosis (stages F2–F3) may be candidates for pharmacologic therapy such as resmetirom (Rezdiffra). Jordan also explores how prognosis depends on fibrosis stage and long-term management of comorbidities, making early intervention and risk stratification essential. This episode offers practical insights for clinicians aiming to improve conversations and care strategies for patients living with MASLD or MASH.
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How is MASH severity staged? What would an ideal MASH NIT algorithm look like?
January 2025
Thank you to Madrigal for sponsoring this FAQ Video Module. In this GHAPP FAQ Video Module, Jonathan Yeh, a physician assistant at the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, discusses advancements in diagnosing and staging metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). He explains the transition from traditional liver biopsy to non-invasive testing methods such as FibroScan and the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test for assessing fibrosis stages. Jonathan highlights the use of these methods, in combination with blood tests, to provide reliable staging of fibrosis in patients with MASH. For more information, visit the GHAPP website or ACE app.
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APP Insight: Common Questions from Patients About MASH
June 2025
In this video, Jonathan Yeh, PA, answers three of the most frequently asked questions about MASH—Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatohepatitis—and offers practical advice for understanding and managing this progressive form of fatty liver disease. He begins by explaining what MASH is: an inflammatory, more advanced stage of MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), driven by abnormal fat accumulation in the liver due to impaired fat transport. Jonathan then breaks down the treatment approach, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modification—particularly diet and exercise. He highlights the benefits of a green Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity, and sustainable weight loss, which can improve or even reverse MASH in many patients. For individuals with more advanced fibrosis, pharmacologic treatment with resmetirom (Rezdiffra) may be indicated. This concise FAQ offers helpful guidance for patients and providers alike on tackling MASH with evidence-based strategies.
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Common Questions from Patients About MASH
July 2025
In this impactful episode, Sherona Bau, NP from UCLA, addresses the most frequent and pressing questions patients ask after being diagnosed with MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) or MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis)—including concerns about life expectancy, risk of liver failure, liver cancer, and genetic impact on family members. She emphasizes the importance of risk stratification using non-invasive testing, particularly FibroScan®, to determine the extent of fat accumulation and liver fibrosis. Sherona explains that early identification of stage 2 or 3 fibrosis is critical, as treatment options are now available for these stages, offering hope for patients. She also stresses that MASLD is not just a liver disease—it's a systemic, metabolic condition—and encourages coordinated care with endocrinologists, cardiologists, and dietitians. Additionally, she discusses the hereditary nature of fatty liver and the importance of family screening, especially for children of affected individuals. This video offers clear, compassionate guidance for patients and providers navigating the complexities of fatty liver disease.
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Common Questions From Patients About MASH
July 2025
In this informative video, Ellie Gonyeau, a nurse practitioner in general gastroenterology at Beth Israel in Boston, answers some of the most common questions she hears from patients about MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease). With compassion and clarity, Ellie addresses concerns about the seriousness of the condition, explaining that while MASLD can progress to advanced liver disease, early intervention can make a significant difference. She emphasizes the importance of not delaying care and encourages patients to take manageable steps—like losing just 5–10% of their body weight—to reduce liver inflammation and slow disease progression. Nutrition, exercise, and proactive conversations are central to her patient-centered approach. Whether you're newly diagnosed or seeking guidance, this episode offers valuable, practical insights for anyone navigating MASLD. #MASLD #FattyLiver #LiverHealth #GIcare #BethIsrael #NursePractitioner #Gastroenterology #PatientEducation #LiverDisease #WeightLossSupport
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Common Questions from Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this informative episode, Emily Przybyl, PA-C at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, NY, answers two of the most common questions primary care providers have about MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis): When should I refer to hepatology? and Is it safe to prescribe statins in patients with fatty liver disease? Emily explains that any history of hepatic steatosis on imaging or elevated liver enzymes (LFTs) is reason enough to initiate referral for further workup, including non-invasive testing like FIB-4 or FibroScan®. She also debunks the common myth that statins should be avoided in this population, emphasizing that statins are not contraindicated and are critical for managing cardiometabolic risk factors that drive liver disease progression. This episode is a must-watch for clinicians navigating MASLD/MASH in primary care, with practical guidance that supports early intervention and evidence-based management.
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Common Questions from Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this educational video, Erin Parkinson, ARNP-C at the Transplant Institute at Tampa General Medical Group, addresses two of the most frequently asked questions from primary care providers about MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). First, she explains when it’s appropriate to refer a patient to GI or hepatology, emphasizing the use of FIB-4 for risk stratification and recommending referral when scores are indeterminate or high, especially if a FibroScan® result shows ≥8 kPa. Erin also discusses lifestyle interventions, reinforcing the importance of weight loss and dietary modification, with strong endorsement of the Mediterranean diet—a recommendation supported by major liver societies. She also notes that intermittent fasting may be a helpful adjunct for patients seeking to improve liver health through sustainable weight reduction. This video provides practical tools for frontline providers to improve early detection and management of fatty liver disease.
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Misconceptions About Liver Health
July 2025
In this quick myth-busting session, Elizabeth Alqueza, PA-C from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, addresses two of the most common misconceptions in hepatology related to steatotic liver disease (MASLD/MASH). First, she explains that liver disease is not always fixed or irreversible—and with proper management and elimination of the underlying cause, liver fibrosis can improve over time, a trend often monitored through FibroScan®. Second, she clarifies that significant liver improvement does not require extreme weight loss. In fact, a modest 5–10% reduction in total body weight—sometimes as little as 10–20 pounds—can lead to measurable improvements in liver inflammation and fibrosis. This video is ideal for providers and patients seeking a clearer understanding of how lifestyle changes can reverse liver disease and why timely, targeted interventions matter.
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