March 2, 2023
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death for both men and women combined in the United States. However, more than one-half of all cases and deaths are attributable to modifiable risk
factors, such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and excess body weight, and thus potentially preventable.1 CRC morbidity and mortality can also be mitigated through appropriate screening and surveillance.2
The Colorectal Cancer Screening (COL) HEDIS® measure assesses patients ages 45–75 who had appropriate screenings for colorectal cancer.
Providers are encouraged to review all the screening options with patients to determine which type of screening they prefer. Patients who are given a choice between colonoscopy and fecal testing and who review the pros and cons of each with their provider
are more likely to complete the screening.3
The Colorectal Cancer Screening tip sheet has information about this measure including what information to include in medical records, codes for patient claims, and tips for talking
with patients.
For more information and/or questions regarding the article above, email ProviderClinicalConsulting@premera.com.
1Islami F, Goding Sauer A, Miller KD, et al. Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68:31-54.
2Winawer SJ, Zauber AG. The advanced adenoma as the primary target of screening. Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am. 2002;12:1-9, v.
3Inadomi, J. M. et al, (2012). Adherence to colorectal cancer screening: a randomized clinical trial of competing strategies. Archives of internal medicine, 172(7), 575–582.
Healthcare Effectiveness Data Information Set (HEDIS®) is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).