Advances in Colorectal Cancer Screening Strategies in Clinical Practice - Episode 7
Addressing Access Barriers in Colorectal Cancer Screening
Positive stool test? Learn why follow-up colonoscopy is often covered and how clinics tackle cost, time-off, and transport barriers.
In this episode, ‘Addressing Access Barriers in Colorectal Cancer Screening,’ the panelists explore common patient concerns about the cost of colonoscopy following a positive colorectal cancer screening test. The speakers clarify that stool-based screening tests and subsequent diagnostic colonoscopy are generally covered by insurance, including procedures involving polyp removal and surveillance. They emphasize that financial worries, along with time off work and logistical challenges, can significantly reduce adherence. The discussion also highlights the growing role of health systems in addressing social drivers of health, such as transportation assistance and patient navigation services. Ultimately, the faculty underscore the importance of proactively addressing cost and access concerns to improve screening completion rates and reduce colorectal cancer disparities.
The next episode in this series, ‘Coordinating Care After Abnormal Colorectal Cancer Results,’ focuses on the importance of timely follow-up after a positive stool test, ideally within six months, closing the referral loop to gastroenterology, avoiding inappropriate stool testing in symptomatic patients, and ensuring that noticeable symptoms prompt direct diagnostic evaluation rather than screening.
