“The proposed inclusion of Cologuard in the Star Ratings program is an important step toward it becoming a standard of care for colon cancer screening,” said Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences. “Health insurers would be eligible to receive Medicare Advantage Star Rating quality credit when their members are screened using Cologuard.”
Here are five key notes:
1. CMS proposed including Cologuard in the final Star Ratings, which would allow Medicare Advantage plans to adjust Star Ratings when patients complete the non-invasive colon cancer screening test.
2. The National Committee for Quality Assurance updated the Healthcare Effectiveness Data Information Set updated last year to include Cologuard on an every three-year screening schedule.
3. CMS’ proposal broadens colorectal cancer screening quality measure subject to a 60-day public comment period and aligns the Star Ratings with the HEDIS quality ratings and colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
4. The Star Rating system informs Medicare Advantage beneficiaries when comparing plans to drive plans toward higher quality and more efficient care.
5. Cologuard received FDA approval in August 2014 and published results from the clinical trial with 10,000 patients in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2014. Last year, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force and American Cancer Society’s colorectal cancer screening guideline recommendations now include Cologuard.
More articles on gastroenterology:
Finding what he’s looking for—Why Dr. Kenneth Tomchik chose Cologuard
These 5 digestive diseases led to 8.5M hospitalizations in 2010
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