Preventing Colorectal Cancer (PCC) has released the fourteenth issue brief in a series that underscores the importance of increasing U.S. colorectal cancer screening rates and highlights the obstacles and opportunities that influence efforts to achieve this goal. Issue Brief #14, CMS Cutbacks on Reimbursement Rates May Effect Colonoscopy Screening Availability provides a look into the possible effects cutting reimbursement rates for colonoscopies could have on patient access to a colonoscopy screening.
The new issue brief examines the financial impact of the 2016 reimbursement rate cuts for colonoscopies on practitioners and how this may impact the patient. “Conducting regular colorectal cancer screenings, with the use of propofol, is the best way to detect cancer. Ensuring that regular screenings are conducted for all those in the recommended age group, individuals aged 50-75, is imperative,” says Steven Morris, MD, FACP, PCC board chair and president, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates.
PCC launched the issue brief series to educate key stakeholders on the importance of increasing screening rates among the U.S. population. The series is a compelling resource for physicians, patients, payors, public policy experts and others who can take action to make a difference and serve as champions for patient safety.
Previous issue briefs in the series can be found here. Topics include:
- Colonoscopies Prevent Colon Cancer
- Preventing Colorectal Cancer: The Benefit of Propofol
- Health Insurers Should Cover Propofol Sedation
- Why We Need Pricing Transparency
- The Impact of Health Insurance Reform on Colorectal Cancer
- FDA Approves SEDASYS Device
- Take Advantage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Preventive Care Clause, Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer via Colonoscopy
- Drug Shortages Impact Colorectal Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: The Genetic Factor
- Young Adults Face Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer
- Making an Informed Choice: Colonoscopy Screening Locations Explained
- The Importance of Proper Colonoscopy Preparation
- The Importance of Offering Propofol During a Colonoscopy Procedure
“A cancer prevented is better than a cancer cured,” Dr. Morris. “We hope the issue brief series will save lives by providing information and guidance needed to educate the public, policymakers and other key stakeholders regarding colorectal cancer screening.”
Those interested in more information may visit www.preventingcolorectalcancer.org to sign up to receive the issue briefs as they become available via email. The website also contains other valuable resources and information on colorectal cancer and prevention efforts.
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About Preventing Colorectal Cancer (www.preventingcolorectalcancer.org)
Headquartered in Annapolis, MD, Preventing Colorectal Cancer (PCC) preserves the tradition of safe, comfortable and quality-based medicine. PCC is a not-for-profit 501(c) 6 advocacy organization with the primary mission to educate both public and private stakeholders about the opportunities to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer through promoting effective screening, prevention and care options for patients. Membership is open to all individuals and groups.