May 2017

Colorectal Cancer Screenings Goal: 80% Participation by 2018 – Pulling It All Together

The final article in a four-part series on Colorectal Cancer Screenings

In collaboration with the American Cancer Society and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) signed a pledge to have 80 percent of our members ages 50-75 screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) by 2018.

How Far Away Are We from Reaching This Goal?
In 2016, the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS^®) BCBSTX Commercial PPO result of 49.7 percent was well below the NCQA Quality Compass National PPO Average of 57.1 percent.

We Need Your Help to Reach this Goal!
Although some CRC screening methods are not appropriate or feasible for all patients, having a conversation with your patients to encourage CRC screenings is most likely to result in your patients getting screened regardless of the method chosen. CRC screenings are recommended for adults ages 50-75 who are at average risk for CRC and who are asymptomatic. Some patients may need to be screened for CRC at an earlier age. It is also important to be aware that some screening methods may not be covered and an out-of-pocket cost may result.

What Actions Can You Take to Make a Difference?
Have the conversation with your patients about CRC risks and the best screening method for them. You are the biggest influence on whether your patients receive CRC screenings.

CRC Screening Options

Screening	Interval
Colonoscopy	Every 10 years¹
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy	Every 5 years
CT Colonography	Every 5 years¹
Stool-based Test (including)
FIT or immunologic Fecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT). FIT tests may be one or two sample tests.	Every year¹
Guaiac based stool tests or gFOBT	Every year¹
Stool DNA with FIT testing, also known as Cologuard	Every 3 years¹

Use a system within your practice to identify your patients ages 50-75 who need CRC screenings, and start the conversation.

With your influence, we can raise the CRC screening rate, and meet the 80 percent by 2018 goal.

References
1 (n.d.). Home – US Preventive Services Task Force. Final Recommendation Statement: Colorectal Cancer: Screening US Preventive Services Task Force. Retrieved Dec. 6, 2016.
2 Force, U. P. (2016). USPSTF Recommendation Statement: Screening for Colorectal Cancer. Retrieved Dec. 6, 2016.
3 Levin, B., Lieberman, D. A., McFarland, B., Smith, R. A., Brooks, D., Andrews, K. S., Dash, C., Giardiello, F. M., Glick, S., Levin, T. R., Pickhardt, P., Rex, D. K., Thorson, A. and Winawer, S. J. (2008), Screening and Surveillance for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer and Adenomatous Polyps, 2008: A Joint Guideline from the American Cancer Society, the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology*†. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 58: 130–160. doi:10.3322/CA.2007.001

HEDIS is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).