• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Premera Blue Cross and The Polyclinic Announce Joint Campaign to Promote Colorectal Screening for Members and Patients

Posted on: Friday, 12 January 2007, 09:00 CST

Joining together to achieve zero preventable deaths from colon cancer, Premera Blue Cross and The Polyclinic announced today that they are contacting more than 1500 of their shared members and patients to educate them about the importance and value of early testing for colon cancer.

To achieve the outreach, Premera is providing The Polyclinic with patient-specific information about Premera's eligible members who have not received a colon cancer test. Premera estimates that 50 to 60 percent of eligible Washington citizens covered by the health plan have not had a colon cancer screening test, based on an analysis of its membership statewide. National health experts recommend colon cancer testing for all men and women over age 50.

"Testing offers invaluable benefits and can decrease the risk of colon cancer -- an extremely avoidable disease," said John Castiglia, MD, Premera Blue Cross Chief Medical Officer.

The colon-cancer screening outreach effort follows a survey that The Polyclinic conducted earlier this year aimed at identifying barriers to getting screened. Several common misperceptions and concerns were identified by respondents:

40% indicated they were fearful the procedure would be painful or disliked what was involved in prep for the procedure.

15% perceived that the procedure is too expensive;

14% were not aware that it was time to be screened;

13% were in disbelief of being at risk for colorectal cancer;

13% thought they would be embarrassed during the procedure; and

5% were worried about getting time off from work for the procedure and recovery.

"Initial survey findings demonstrate that there are some tangible barriers we can address," said Michael Tronolone, MD, MMM, Polyclinic Medical Director. "By collaborating with Premera to increase education about what the tests involve, and contacting patients eligible for the test by virtue of their age and health background, we are trying to help them overcome those barriers."

More than 2,800 of Washington state cancer cases are male and female colon cancer patients, according to the most recent state statistics. Nationally, only the incidence of lung cancer exceeds that of colon cancer. Not only is colon cancer very common, it rarely produces any early symptoms.

"We want to ensure that our members get these life-saving tests to help prevent colon cancer that strikes Washington residents each year," said Dr. Castiglia. "As a physician, preventing a disease from occurring is even more gratifying than curing one because you prevent not only a death, but the pain, fear and anxiety that affects the patient and his or her family. We want to understand the barriers to testing, so we can remove them wherever possible."

This campaign is designed to not only inform members/patients that they need to be screened, but it also to address the perceived barriers--real or feared--that prevent individuals from being screened.

To inform eligible patients and to address the barriers, a joint letter from Premera and The Polyclinic will be sent that encourages them to seek screening.

"Unfortunately, the myths and stigma associated with the word 'cancer' can prevent patients from detecting conditions that might be a precursor to colon cancer. By virtue of a simple, painless and relatively brief test, we can prevent a screening patient from becoming a colon cancer patient," said Dr. Tronolone. "During a survey of patients last year, we learned why many of our patients avoid these tests... and that aptly named scientific names of tests can sound very scary to our patients. The reality is that sometimes patients just need some additional encouragement from their physician."

Sometimes a simple push from a physician can save a life. Nearly two years ago, patient Carl Sopina saw his primary care physician at The Polyclinic, Chris Pepin, M.D., for a sinus infection. Prior to his visit, his medical chart had been flagged that he had not had colon cancer screening. After prescribing antibiotics for Mr. Sopina's sinus infection, Dr. Pepin encouraged him to receive a colonoscopy. Sopina went to Dr. Pepin's brother, Craig Pepin, M.D. a gastroenterologist at The Polyclinic. The colonoscopy demonstrated that Sopina had asymptomatic Stage III colon cancer.

Following resection of the tumor, chemotherapy and radiation, Sopina is cancer-free today.

"Something like a colonoscopy procedure is not at the top of people's priority list," said Sopina. "Even though you hear the statistics of cancer, when everything's working well, you don't think it can happen to you. That's why it's very important for doctors to give their patients information, education and reminders."

The letter that will soon go out informs the patient of his or her need to come in for screening, provides background information about colon cancer and its prevalence, provides information about what the different type of recommended colon tests involve, and who should be screened. Information about the types of tests available was included, specifically to educate patients that a variety of tests are available--some that can be completed in the privacy of their own home.

"Most patients don't realize that they are at risk even if there is no family history," said Dr. Tronolone. "However, if they have had polyps or a have a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), they too are at a higher risk.

"While having a colonoscopy or other cancer screening procedure is the best way to prevent colon cancer -- even a rigorous screening program can't prevent every cancer," said Dr. Craig Pepin, gastroenterologist. "That said, colonoscopy is one of the most powerful screening tools and it is your best bet against developing colon cancer."

The colon cancer symptom that most people have heard about it is blood in or on the stool. Dr. Tronolone also points out that, although there may be no symptoms early on, patients should be aware of the following as "not-so-well-known" warning signs for colon cancer:

unexplained and frequent abdominal pains, aches or cramps;

changes in bowel habits; or

unexplained weight loss.

When a patient experiences these symptoms, Dr. Tronolone says he or she should see their doctor as soon as possible.

Some patients may hesitate or delay testing because they are not sure if their health plan covers certain tests or how much of the cost will be covered. To encourage testing,

the letter sent to consumers will not only include information explaining the tests, but it will explain their benefits coverage as well. As of March 2007, all of Premera's group plans cover these screening tests. The deductibles and copays will vary.

"All of us at Premera, and our friends at The Polyclinic, believe that this is a great opportunity to prevent needless loss of life and suffering, needless loss of time on the job and needless waste of limited financial resources," said H. R. "Gubby" Barlow, Premera CEO. "This campaign highlights Premera's commitment to supporting members at every stage of health, encouraging cost conscious action and improving medical quality."

About Premera Blue Cross

Our mission is to provide peace of mind to our members about their health-care coverage. We provide health care coverage and related services to more than 1.3 million people. Premera Blue Cross has operated in Washington since 1933, and Alaska since 1957. Premera Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Premera Blue Cross is a member of a family of companies based in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, that provide health, life, vision, dental, and long-term care insurance, and other related services.

About The Polyclinic

The Polyclinic is made up of over 100 physicians, including internal medicine, family practice, OB/GYN, pediatrics, and 22 additional medical and surgical specialties. Since its inception in 1917, The Polyclinic's mission has been to promote the health of its patients through high quality, comprehensive and personalized care. For more information, visit www.polyclinic.com.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category