Here are six recent studies and data points on the cost and effectiveness of colonoscopies, as reported by Becker’s:
1. A study published in Gastroenterology found that despite ACA requirements mandating insurers cover colonoscopies and related services — including bowel preparation medications — 53% of commercial insurance claims and 83% of Medicare claims for bowel prep still involve patient cost-sharing. Colonoscopy screenings are often avoided due to out-of-pocket costs and hesitancy toward bowel prep, and even minimal out-of-pocket costs are associated with lower screening uptake among patients.
2. An analysis from Blue Health Intelligence found that colonoscopies performed in hospital outpatient departments cost 32% more than those performed in ambulatory surgery centers.
3. Data from insurance company Sidecar Health’s cost calculator shows colonoscopies cost more in hospital outpatient departments than in ASCs in all 50 states. The tool provides a breakdown of average cash prices by state for each setting.
4. As of May 2023, private health insurers pay 55% more in facility fees for hospital-based colonoscopies compared to ASCs, according to a study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health published in JAMA Health Forum.
5. Colonoscopy screenings in patients ages 45 to 49 have similar cancer and polyp detection rates as those ages 50 to 54, according to a study from Kaiser Permanente Northern California.
6. CT colonography performed every three to five years may be more effective than stool-based tests for detecting colon cancer, according to a June 10 study published in Radiology. In computer models, two CT screening strategies outperformed stool DNA testing and were also more cost-effective.
The post CRC screenings by the numbers: 6 new findings appeared first on Becker’s ASC.
