The USPSTF is a government organization responsible for reviewing scientific and medical information and making suggestions for clinical preventive services. Researchers analyzed all Medicare coverage for preventive services in 2007 and compared those to recommendations made by USPSTF.
Results showed USPSTF made recommendations for 15 preventive interventions for adults 65 years and older. Of those recommended preventive services, Medicare fully reimbursed for only 7 percent of those services. Likewise, USPSTF recommended against 16 preventive services, including colorectal cancer screening for individuals 85 years or older. Medicare fully reimbursed for 44 percent of those services, including CRC screening for individuals older than 85 years.
USPSTF advises against preventive services on the basis of lack of evidence supporting such services.
Read the abstract about USPSTF and Medicare.
Read other coverage about colorectal cancer screening:
– Study Assesses Factors Affecting Rates of Colorectal Cancer Screening
– Study: More Colonoscopy Screening Options Confuse Patients
– IU Gastroenterologists Says Colonoscopy Can Be a Viable Tool for CRC Prevention
