What's Happening?
Dr. Mark Fendrick, director of the Center for Value-Based Insurance Design at the University of Michigan, discusses the challenges and opportunities in optimizing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Despite effective screening tools, CRC remains a leading
cause of cancer death in the U.S. The supply of clinicians performing colonoscopies is limited, exacerbated by COVID-19 disruptions and new screening guidelines. To maximize screening benefits, high-performing noninvasive modalities must be utilized more frequently. A shift away from colonoscopy aligns with patient preferences, as many avoid the procedure due to fear or inconvenience.
Why It's Important?
Optimizing CRC screening is crucial for improving early detection and treatment outcomes. By utilizing noninvasive tests, healthcare systems can better allocate limited colonoscopy resources to high-risk individuals. This approach aligns with patient preferences and can enhance adherence to screening protocols. The use of efficient screening modalities can also reduce healthcare costs and improve clinical outcomes. As healthcare systems face growing pressure to expand CRC screening, adopting high-performing noninvasive tests can help achieve these goals while managing limited resources.
What's Next?
Healthcare systems are encouraged to increase the use of high-performing noninvasive tests for initial CRC screening. This strategy can optimize the use of colonoscopy resources and improve screening efficiency. Systems should also focus on ensuring follow-up colonoscopies after positive noninvasive results to maximize the benefits of screening. As new quality measures are introduced, healthcare providers will need to adapt their screening practices to meet these standards. By optimizing screening capacity, systems can extend their reach and improve patient outcomes without expanding endoscopy infrastructure.
