Surge in Users of Virtual Colonoscopy

Despite huge differences in the reimbursement of virtual colonoscopy, its use has gone up three times.

Reimbursement claims for diagnostic VC scans went up from 3,660 to 10,802 between 2005 and 2008, according to a recent paper published in the April issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Automated Colonoscopy Reminder System is Effective, Especially in Minority Populations
The simple practice of letters and a telephone call to patients who are due for a colonoscopy significantly improves adherence to endoscopic follow-up recommendations, according to

Computed tomography colonography also witnessed a rise in denial rates. Nearly 70% of the claims in 2005 were rejected.

"Although a reduction in national denial rates from 70 percent to 43 percent reflects considerable early progress, when contrasted with denial rates of just 4 percent for established technologies such as abdominal CT, opportunities clearly exist for further improvements in patient access through ongoing expansion of coverage," wrote the researchers.

Research Finds Colonoscopy Linked to Decrease in Colorectal Cancer Deaths
GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has published a special issue for March on colonoscopy and colorectal cancer in recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during March

Source-Medindia

Study Suggests Hospital Use of Virtual Colonoscopy is on the Rise
Study says despite the absence of Medicare coverage, hospital use of computed tomographic colonography (CTC), commonly referred to as virtual colonoscopy, is on the rise.

Scientists Develop New Colonoscopy Skills Assessment Tool
A new skills assessment tool for colonoscopy trainees has been developed by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.