National CRC Screening Summit | 2025-National Summit Georgia and Maryland Reports

National Summit Georgia and Maryland Reports

Pdf Summary

The ASGE Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Projects in Georgia and Maryland aim to increase CRC screening rates among uninsured and underserved populations through Cologuard testing and follow-up colonoscopies.<br /><br />In Georgia, from 223 ordered Cologuard tests, 108 were resulted (48.4% success), with a 14.8% positivity rate. Follow-up colonoscopy completion was 56.25%. Screening trends showed diverse demographics, with slightly more females than males screened. Patient outreach relies heavily on direct engagement, information materials, and reminders through EMR portals and calls. Provider education and using EHR for tracking are key strategies, alongside champion leaders and monthly compliance reports. Barriers include healthcare system challenges such as access to specialists, transportation, and competing urgent health needs; minorities and less educated patients are less likely to be screened. Navigation services by Horizons, a non-profit cancer coalition, help overcome barriers, doubling screening likelihood. Advocacy in Georgia focuses on securing state funding (~$916,000) to screen 1,500 uninsured patients and increase follow-up colonoscopy rates from 67% to 80%. Legislative support has been gained with resolutions and meetings, but budget challenges remain due to a flat state budget mandate.<br /><br />Maryland’s ASGE project, led by MedChi, recorded 98 ordered Cologuard tests with 42 resulted (43%) and no abnormal results yet. The project partners with practices like Menocal Family Practice, focusing on immigrant populations, especially on the Eastern Shore, which faces healthcare access barriers including language and insurance issues. Outreach employs Spanish-speaking staff for better communication. Advocacy efforts aim to secure sustainable funding amid a $3.3 billion state deficit, protecting the Cigarette Restitution Fund, of which $9.9 million supports CRC screening. Future plans include a legislative summit, awareness campaigns, and exploring alternative funding mechanisms through quality measures. Maryland’s work centers on expanding access, awareness, and funding while addressing diversity and rural healthcare gaps.<br /><br />Both states emphasize the importance of physician-patient trust, culturally competent communication, and navigation support to enhance cancer screening rates and follow-up care, ultimately aiming to reduce CRC mortality through early detection.

Keywords

ASGE Colorectal Cancer Screening

Cologuard testing

CRC screening rates

underserved populations

follow-up colonoscopy

patient outreach

provider education

healthcare access barriers

navigation services

state funding advocacy