Objective: Measure the rate of colorectal cancer screening for members who should have received at least one screening procedure during the study period (1/1/94 - 12/31/98).
Methodology: Within the study period: a) Patients less than 66 years were separated into average risk and high-risk groups; b) Individuals were labeled high-risk if their age was greater than 39 years and had a paid claim for a diagnosed risk factor. Twenty-three percent of the patients were labeled high-risk. c) Individuals were labeled average risk if their age was greater than 49 years and claims data revealed no risk factors. Seventy-seven percent of patients were labeled average risk. d) Compliance with the American Cancer Society's 1997 revised guidelines was assessed.
Results: Overall, 38% of patients received a screening test. The rate for members receiving any screening test is 21% and 79% for average risk and high-risk individuals respectively. There was a consistent pattern of underuse of screening tests among all categories of average risk individuals. High-risk individuals underwent testing at a higher rate, but still less than clinical practice guidelines recommend.
Conclusion: These data demonstrate that the majority of average risk patients in this population do not appear to be receiving appropriate screening for colorectal cancer. Average risk patients are as likely to receive a colonoscopy (5%) as fecal occult blood test (7%). They are only slightly more likely to receive a sigmoidoscopy (11%).
Learning Objectives: Describe the level of compliance with the American Cancer Society's recommendations for colorectal cancer screening among individuals with average and high risk in a heavily insured population and interventions to increase screening rates
Keywords: Cancer Screening,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.