Computer-Assisted Flagging of Individuals at High Risk of Colorectal Cancer in a Large Health Maintenance Organization Using the ColonFlag Test

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ran Goshen ◽  
Eran Choman ◽  
Ayelet Ran ◽  
Efrat Muller ◽  
Revital Kariv ◽  
...  

Purpose To evaluate in a sample of adults who had been noncompliant with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening whether screening could be enhanced by an automated patient recall system based on identifying high-risk individuals using the ColonFlag test and an electronic medical record database. Methods A total of 79,671 individuals who were determined to be noncompliant with current screening recommendations were identified in the Maccabi Health Services program in Israel. Their cancer risk was determined by ColonFlag using information on age, sex, and CBC results. Doctors of individuals who were flagged as high risk were notified and asked to follow up with their patients. Results The ColonFlag identified 688 men and women who scored in the highest 0.87 percentile. Of these individuals, 254 had colonoscopies performed by Maccabi physicians, and 19 CRCs (7.5%) were found. An additional 15 cancers primarily identified outside of Maccabi were found through code matching. Conclusion The ColonFlag test is a rapid, efficient, and inexpensive test that can be applied to scan electronic medical records to identify individuals at high risk of CRC who would otherwise avoid screening.

1988 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 466-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Mead ◽  
William F. McGhan

The effect of continued clinical pharmacist intervention on the proper use of histamine2-receptor blocking agents and sucralfate in a health maintenance organization was studied. New prescriptions written for Cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine, and sucralfate in January 1986 (preintervention), October 1986 (postintervention), and February 1987 (follow-up), and the medical record of each patient were analyzed for appropriateness using approved criteria. Clinical pharmacist intervention occurred throughout the study. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.005) in the rate of inappropriate prescribing in the postintervention (42.4 percent) and follow-up (48.7 percent) periods versus the preintervention period (81.5 percent), and in the average number of refills authorized per patient in the postintervention (1.2 ± 1.54) and follow-up (1.3 ± 1.00) periods versus the preintervention period (3.0 ± 3.67). There were no significant differences in these areas between the postintervention and follow-up periods (p > 0.05). A benefit-to-cost ratio of 4.3:1 was generated from this study which demonstrated that continued clinical pharmacy interventions can have a positive, cost-effective impact on the proper use of these commonly prescribed medications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 537-549
Author(s):  
Daniela Franco Montoya ◽  
Puneet Kaur Chehal ◽  
E. Kathleen Adams

Medicaid is integral to public health because it insures one in five Americans and half of the nation's births. Nearly two-thirds of all Medicaid recipients are currently enrolled in a health maintenance organization (HMO). Proponents of HMOs argue that they can lower costs while maintaining access and quality. We critically reviewed 32 studies on Medicaid managed care (2011–2019). Authors reported state-specific cost savings and instances of increased access or quality with implementation or redesign of Medicaid managed-care programs. Studies on high-risk populations (e.g., disabled) found improvements in quality specific to a state or a high-risk population. A unique model of managed care (i.e., the Oregon Health Plan) was associated with reduced costs and improved access and quality, but results varied by comparison state. New trends in the literature focused on analysis of auto-assignment algorithms, provider networks, and plan quality. More analysis of costs jointly with access/quality is needed, as is research on managing long-term care among elderly and disabled Medicaid recipients.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 2992-2992
Author(s):  
Smita Bhatia ◽  
Cor van den Bos ◽  
Can-Lan Sun ◽  
Jillian Birch ◽  
Lisa Diller ◽  
...  

Abstract Background We describe the pattern and incidence of SMNs with 10 additional years of follow-up of an international cohort (Bhatia, N Engl J Med, 1996; Bhatia, J Clin Oncol, 2003) of children with HL diagnosed between 1955 and 1986 at age 16 y or younger. Methods Medical record review was used to identify SMNs, define vital status and describe therapeutic exposures. Pathology reports served to validate SMNs. Cumulative incidence (CI) utilized competing risk methods. Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and absolute excess risk (AER/10,000 p-y) utilized age-, gender- and year-matched rates in the general population. Cox regression techniques (using calendar time as time scale) identified predictors of SMN risk. Results The cohort included 1023 patients diagnosed with HL at a median age of 11 y, and followed for a median of 26.8 y (IQR, 16.4-33.7). Eighty-nine percent had received radiation, either alone (22%), or in combination with chemotherapy (67%). Alkylating agent (AA) score was defined as follows: 1 AA for 6 m = AA score of 1; 2 AA for 6 m or 1 AA for 12 m = AA score of 2, etc. The AA score was 1-2 for 54% and 3+ for 16%; 30% did not receive AA. A total of 188 solid SMNs developed in 139 patients (breast [54], thyroid [24], lung [11], colorectal [11], bone [8], other malignancies [80]. Table summarizes SIR (95%CI), CI, and AER by attained age. The cohort was at an 11.1-fold increased risk of developing solid SMNs (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) compared with the general population (95% CI, 9.4-13.0). CI of solid SMNs was 25.2% at 40 y from HL diagnosis (Fig 1). Among patients aged ≥40 y, 79% of total AER was attributable to breast, thyroid, colorectal and lung SMNs (Table). Thirty-seven patients developed >1 solid SMN; the cumulative incidence of the 2nd SMN was 19.6% at 10 years from diagnosis of the 1st SMN. Breast Cancer: Females (n=41) had a 20.9-fold increased risk, and males (n=3) a 45.8-fold increased risk c/w general population. Age at HL of 10-16 y vs. <10 y (RR=9.7, 95%CI, 2.3-40.6, p=0.002), and exposure to chest radiation (RR=5.9, 95%CI, 1.4-25.9) were associated with increased risk. Among females aged 10-16 y at chest radiation, cumulative incidence was 24.3% by age 45 y, as opposed to 2.6% for those <10 y, p=0.001 (Fig 2). Exposure to AA was associated with a lower risk (RR=0.4, p=0.002). Diagnosis of HL after 1975 was associated with decreased risk (RR=0.25, 95%CI 0.12-0.53), explained, in part by the increasing use of AA after 1975 (78%) vs. before 1975 (61%). By age 40 y, the risk of breast cancer among females exposed to chest radiation at age 10-16 y (18.2%) was comparable to the risk for BRCA1 mutation carriers (15%-20% by age 40 y; Chen, J Clin Oncol, 2007). Lung cancer: Ten of 11 lung cancer cases were diagnosed in males (males: SIR=24.7; females: SIR=3.2, p=0.05); all had received neck/chest radiation. The CI of lung cancer among males was 3.8% by age 50 y, comparable to the risk among male smokers (2% by age 50 y, Bilello, Clinics Chest Med, 2002). Colorectal cancer: There was a 11.5-fold increased risk c/w general population. The CI among those with abdominal/pelvic radiation was 4.1% by age 50 y ; this risk is higher than that observed in individuals with ≥2 first degree relatives affected with colorectal cancer (1.2% by age 50 y, Butterworth, Eur J Cancer, 2006). Thyroid cancer: Survivors had a 22.2-fold increased risk; all developed within radiation field. Females (RR=4.3, 95%CI 1.8-10.4) were at increased risk. Conclusion In this cohort of HL survivors with 20,344 p-y of follow-up, the greatest excess risk of SMNs among those > 40 y was attributable to breast, thyroid, colorectal and lung SMNs. Observed risks for the most common SMNs were comparable to or greater than known high-risk groups within the general population. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 384-384
Author(s):  
C. Guillen-Ponce ◽  
C. Martinez-Sevila ◽  
R. Jover ◽  
R. Perea ◽  
M. Molina-Garrido ◽  
...  

384 Background: Colonoscopy screening reduces the incidence of, and mortality from, colorectal cancer (CRC) in individuals with HNPCC. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of colonoscopic follow-up in individuals at high risk of HNPCC, in terms of detection of precursor lesions (adenomas) or cancer. Methods: Between 2005-2008, 163 individuals with HNPCC were advised to undergo regular follow-up colonoscopy. Compliance and results of the scans were evaluated annually and were verified with medical documentation. Results: Of the 125 individuals who underwent at least one colonoscopy during the follow-up period of colonoscopy screening, in 33 subjects (26%) at least one colonic adenoma was detected. The median number of adenomas detected per colonoscopy in individuals with polyps was 2. The number of colonoscopies with polyps did not differ between women and men. However, the number of polyps removed by colonoscopy and the total number of polyps removed during the follow-up period was significantly higher in men (p = 0.005, p = 0.05 bilateral, respectively). 5 individuals (4%) were diagnosed with CRC, one of whom had two synchronous tumors. Of these, four individuals had properly followed the screening recommendations with the recommended frequency. In the case where two synchronous tumors were detected, it was the first colonoscopy screening that had been performed on the individual. None had had cancer previously, they were healthy relatives of an index case. All except one belonged to families that fulfilled the Amsterdam criteria I / II. All the tumors were diagnosed at an early stage, except two, which exhibited positive nodes. Conclusions: Colonoscopy screening is effective in diagnosing colorectal adenomas and cancer in individuals with HNPCC. Men with HNPCC have a greater number of colorectal adenomas. Screening allows the detection of colorectal cancer at an early stages. Funded by a young researcher's grant from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology 2006. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15056-e15056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Bhamre ◽  
Jay Rashmi Anam ◽  
Manish Bhandare ◽  
Avanish Saklani

e15056 Background: Peritoneal recurrence/carcinomatosis (PC) after curative surgery for colorectal cancer is the second most common site of recurrence and carries a poor prognosis. PC present relatively in the later stage, are difficult to detect by conventional imaging on follow up, and have limited options to treat after diagnosis. Second look surgery is the only definite option to diagnose early PC and presents an opportunity for disease control by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC. Multiple studies have attempted to identify clinico-pathological risk factors that predict high chances of PC. Our aim is to analyze the recurrence patterns and survival in locally advanced colorectal cancer, in an attempt to identify high risk factors for PC, which can be used as an indication for second look surgery and prophylactic HIPEC in such cases. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained data of all colorectal cancer patients presenting to a tertiary cancer care referral center in India, from May 2010 to October 2015 was done. All patients who underwent surgery with curative intent and were clinico-pathological stage T4 and/or N2 M0 were included in the analysis. Results: 182 patients underwent curative resection with a clinico-pathological staging of T4 and/or N2 M0. There were 71 recurrences, out of which 30 (42.2%) were peritoneal, 7 (9.9%) were hepatic only while 34 (47.9 %) were non-hepatic systemic or multiple site. For a median follow up of 26 months, the estimated 3 year OS was 78 % while the 3 year DFS was 50.4 %. The median time to diagnosis of peritoneal recurrence was 13 months (4.7 – 55.7). The 3-year OS for patients with peritoneal recurrence was 48.6 % as against 57 % for liver only recurrence and 59.9 % for non liver systemic and multiple site recurrence, with a trend towards poorer survival for peritoneal recurrences, although non-significant (p – 0.377). Conclusions: Locally advanced colorectal cancer has a high risk of peritoneal recurrence which negatively impacts the survival. Well-designed RCTs need to be conducted to identify the high risk factors for PC and whether second look surgery and prophylactic HIPEC in such patients will improve survival with acceptable morbidity and mortality.


2020 ◽  
pp. 108705472094039
Author(s):  
Eugene Merzon ◽  
Yuval Gutbir ◽  
Shlomo Vinker ◽  
Avivit Golan Cohen ◽  
Dana Horwitz ◽  
...  

Background: Although the short-term neurological complications of Shigella spp. are well described, potential neuropsychiatric outcomes have not been studied yet. We investigated the association between early childhood shigellosis and subsequent ADHD. Methods: This is a retrospective population-based cohort. Using a large Health Maintenance Organization database, the prevalence of ADHD was investigated among children aged 5–18 years who underwent stool culture prior to the age of 3 years. Results: Of 52,761 children with a stool culture examined, 5,269 (9.98%) had Shigella-positive results. The rate of ADHD was 10.6% and 8.6% among children with Shigella-positive and Shigella-negative stool cultures, respectively ( p < .001). Adjusted odds ratio for ADHD after controlling for gender and socioeconomic status was 1.21 (CI 1.13–1.29, p < .001). The younger the child was during Shigella gastroenteritis, the higher was the association with ADHD ( p < .001). Conclusion: Early childhood shigellosis is associated with an increased rate of long-term ADHD.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14117-e14117
Author(s):  
Campbell SD Roxburgh ◽  
Alan K Foulis ◽  
Manal Atwan ◽  
Paul G Horgan ◽  
Donald C. Mcmillan

e14117 Background: Venous invasion (VI) is a high-risk characteristic in colorectal cancer (CRC) and in stage II disease guides provision of adjuvant therapy. However, reported rates vary in published studies from 10-90%. We recently reported use of elastica stains improve reproducibility of reporting, increasing rates to >50% (Roxburgh, Ann Surg, 2010). Furthermore, compared to H&E alone, elastica detected VI provided superior prediction of 3yr cancer survival in an unselected cohort of CRC patients. The present study aims to examine how the approach could be used in patients with node negative CRC. Methods: We retrieved pre-2003 tumour blocks, sectioned and stained them with elastica. Post-2003, elastica detected VI was routinely reported. A minimum of 3 blocks was required for analysis. Those who died within 30 days of surgery or had neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. Results: 244 stage I/II patients underwent surgery between 1997-2006. 65 cases pre-2003 were analyzed retrospectively. The rate of elastica detected VI was 54%. Elastica detected VI related to other high-risk pathology including T stage (p<0.001), serosal invasion (p<0.01), tumour grade (p<0.05) and low-grade lymphocytic infiltrate (P<0.05). Minimum follow-up was 5 yrs; mean follow-up 99 months (60-178), during which there were 99 deaths, 48 from cancer. Absence of VI related to improved 5-yr cancer specific survival (93% vs 66%). On multivariate analysis, VI independently related to cancer specific survival (HR=5.5,95%CI 2-13,p<0.001) with margin involvement (HR=2.4,95%CI 1-6,p=0.067) and serosal involvement (HR=2.2,95%CI1-4, p=0.015). For CRC mortality, the area under the receiver operator curve was highest for VI compared with other pathology (AUC 0.69, 95%CI 0.6-0.8, P<0.001). Absence of VI related to 5-yr survivals of 92% and 97% in colon and rectal cancer respectively. Conclusions: More objective assessment of VI with routine elastica staining provides accurate prediction of survival in stage I/II CRC. Presence of VI was associated with a 5.5 fold increased risk of cancer death at 5 yrs. Such results support routine use of elastica stains to identify patients with node negative disease at risk of recurrence.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Al-Najami ◽  
C. P. Rancinger ◽  
Morten Kobaek Larsen ◽  
E. Spolén ◽  
G. Baatrup

Introduction. Danish centers reserve longer time for screening colonoscopies and allocate the most experienced endoscopists to these cases. The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic yield in colonoscopies for different indications to improve planning of colonoscopy activity and allocation of the highly skilled endoscopists. Methods. Nine hundred and ninety-nine randomly collected patients from a prospectively maintained database were grouped in defined referral indication groups. Five groups were compared in respect of the detection rate of adenomas and cancers. Results. Two hundred and eighty-nine of 1098 colonoscopies in 999 patients showed significant neoplastic findings, resulting in 591 adenoma resections. Eighty-five percent were treated with a snare resection, and 15% with endoscopic mucosa resection (EMR). Positive findings in the indication groups were (1) symptoms, 25%; (2) positive screening, 17%; (3) previous resection of adenomas, 45%; (4) previous resection of colorectal cancer, 15%; and (5) surveillance of patients with high-risk family history of cancer, 35%. Conclusion. The majority of adenomas found during colonoscopy can be treated with simple techniques. If individualized time slots are considered, the adenoma follow-up colonoscopies are likely to be the most time-consuming group with more than twice the number of adenomas detected as compared to other indications.


2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 320-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nangel M. Lindberg ◽  
Victor J. Stevens ◽  
K. Sabina Smith ◽  
Russell E. Glasgow ◽  
Deborah J. Toobert

Purpose. To assess the efficacy of an intervention designed to increase appropriate use of breast self-examination (BSE). Methods. Two-armed randomized clinical trial of cancer-control interventions in women that compared a BSE intervention program to a dietary intervention, which served as the control group. The study was conducted at a large health maintenance organization in Portland, Oregon. Participants were 616 female members of the health maintenance organization who were aged 40 to 70 years. The intervention consisted of a 30- to 45-minute individual counseling session that featured BSE instruction, training and practice with silicone models, identification of barriers to BSE, and problem-solving. This intervention was followed by two brief follow-up telephone calls. The study outcome measure was self-reported BSE practice, which included duration, frequency, and specific elements of exam. Results. The study had a 90% response rate. At the 1-year follow-up, χ2 analyses showed that significantly more individuals in the BSE intervention (59%) reported adequate BSE performance compared with those in the control group (12.2%; p < .001). Conclusions. This brief intervention was successful in encouraging women to perform adequate BSEs. Although the role of the BSE in patient care remains controversial, these results show that even brief intervention programs can be effective at encouraging self-screening for cancer. This intervention could easily be modified to target other screening practices (e.g., skin or testicular cancer screening) that are associated with reduced cancer morbidity and mortality.


2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara Weil ◽  
Neta Zach ◽  
Shay Rishoni ◽  
Varda Shalev ◽  
Gabriel Chodick

Background: Globally, the annual incidence and prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are estimated at 1.9 and 4.5 per 100,000 population, respectively. This study is aimed at describing the epidemiology of ALS in Israel in a real-world setting. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using the databases of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), a 2-million-member health maintenance organization in Israel. The study included all MHS adults diagnosed with ALS between 1997 and 2013. In 2013, characteristics of ALS patients were compared to those of age-sex-matched patients without ALS. Survival after ALS diagnosis was assessed until death and until tracheostomy or death (follow-up through 2014). Results: In 2013 (n = 158), the prevalence of ALS was 8.1 per 100,000 population in MHS. In 1997-2013, a total of 375 ALS patients were diagnosed, corresponding to an average annual incidence of 1.8 per 100,000 population in MHS. The median survival from diagnosis to death was 3.5 years (95% CI 2.9-4.1), with approximately 28% surviving at least 10 years. Median tracheostomy-free survival was 2.5 years (95% CI 2.1-2.9). Conclusions: Results suggest that there is a relatively high prevalence of ALS in Israel. Further research is needed to investigate factors that may contribute to the survival of patients with ALS in Israel.


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