National CRC Screening Summit | 2025-07 Role of Endoscopists in Improving Follow-up

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Levin, a gastroenterologist with the Permanente Medical Group, discusses improving follow-up colonoscopy rates after positive stool-based tests to reduce colon cancer risk. Data show risks increase significantly if colonoscopy is delayed beyond 7-9 months. Current follow-up rates are suboptimal, often under 60%, with systemic barriers including fragmented EMRs, insurance issues, and referral difficulties. Many GI practices impose delays by requiring pre-procedure visits, contributing to lost follow-up. Dr. Levin's team, involving multiple health systems, is developing an ASGE-led white paper emphasizing endoscopist accountability, streamlined referral processes, use of navigation and tracking, prioritization of positive tests, and direct access colonoscopy protocols to improve timeliness. The effort aims for a practical, evidence-based guide to assist various healthcare settings. Challenges include provider incentives and resource constraints, but collaboration and quality tracking are key. The goal is to enhance patient outcomes through timely colonoscopy, improve system efficiencies, and ultimately reduce colon cancer mortality.

Keywords

colonoscopy follow-up

positive stool-based tests

colon cancer risk

ASGE white paper

endoscopist accountability

healthcare system barriers