By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    learn to recognize and treat yeast infections
    Most Commonly Asked Questions About Yeast Infections
    November 17, 2021
    Advanced lung cancer diagnosis systems used by doctors
    Advanced Lung Cancer Diagnosis Systems Used by Doctors
    March 6, 2022
    The Top Benefits of a Wearable Blood Pressure Monitor Watch
    The Top Benefits of a Wearable Blood Pressure Monitor Watch
    June 13, 2022
    Latest News
    The 6 Most Common Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
    January 30, 2023
    6 Essential Strategies for Improving Your Medical Practice
    January 25, 2023
    Staying Positive While Living with Mesothelioma
    January 24, 2023
    The Many Health Benefits of Being Outdoors
    January 17, 2023
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Aim To Avoid Heart Disease With A Healthy Lifestyle And Spirituality
    August 30, 2019
    Embracing Change for Healthcare Transformation
    March 17, 2013
    How To Help Japan: Earthquake Relief Options
    August 26, 2017
    Latest News
    Why Is a Referenced Based Pricing Tool Necessary?
    February 3, 2023
    Simplifying the Genetic Testing Process: How At-Home Kits are Changing the Game
    January 25, 2023
    9 Hospitals That Have Introduced Green Initiatives
    February 1, 2023
    Why a Health Retreat Can Be the Best Medicine
    January 12, 2023
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Many Colonoscopies for Older Adults May be Inappropriate
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Latest News
Why Is a Referenced Based Pricing Tool Necessary?
Health care
struggling with addiction
6 Signs Someone You Know Is Struggling With Addiction
Addiction Addiction Recovery
regrow teeth naturally
Advances in Stem Cell Research Can Help Regrow Teeth Naturally
Dental health
air pollution and cancer
The Proven Links Between Air Pollution and Cancer
News
investing in senior care
5 Reasons Why Investing in Senior Care Is a Wise Choice?
Senior Care
Aa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Aa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Diagnostics > Many Colonoscopies for Older Adults May be Inappropriate
Diagnostics

Many Colonoscopies for Older Adults May be Inappropriate

Anthony Cirillo
Last updated: 2013/04/11 at 8:10 AM
Anthony Cirillo
Share
3 Min Read
Image
SHARE

ImageA study by Kristin M. Sheffield, Ph.D., and colleagues of the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, that analyzed Medicare claims data for Texas and a sample from the United States suggests that many colonoscopies performed in older patients may be potentially inappropriate.

ImageA study by Kristin M. Sheffield, Ph.D., and colleagues of the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, that analyzed Medicare claims data for Texas and a sample from the United States suggests that many colonoscopies performed in older patients may be potentially inappropriate.

The study background highlights increasing evidence of overuse of the procedure and that some Medicare patients with negative findings at screening colonoscopy may be undergoing another screening too early.

The study results suggest that 23.4 percent of colonoscopies performed in Medicare beneficiaries 70 years and older in 2008-2009 in Texas and across the country were potentially inappropriate according to age-based screening recommendations or the results of a previous screening.

More Read

photo of hands with blue veins

8 Proven Tips on Finding Difficult Veins

How Do I Prove Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis?
Best Hospital to Treat Prostate Cancer
New Medical Laboratories Are the Key to Diagnostics Research
How Rapid Blood Testing Solves Blood Lab Wait Time Issues

The rate of inappropriateness by age broke down as follows 9.9% for those 70 to 75; 38.8% for those 76 to 85, and 24.9% for those 86 years or older. 

The colonoscopists with percentages significantly above the mean were more likely to be surgeons, graduates of US medical schools, medical school graduates before 1990, and higher-volume colonoscopists.

The likelihood of undergoing potentially inappropriate colonoscopy depends in part on where patients live and what physician they see. 

“Inappropriate use of colonoscopy involves unnecessary risk for older patients and consumes resources that could be used more effectively,” the study concludes.

I think the most telling part is the variation by physician. Notice surgeons have higher rates. Why? They want potential surgeries. Graduates of US medical schools have higher rates. Why? It is the culture of medicine in the US to test, test, test. Older med school graduates have higher rates because newer thinking challenges all the testing. And, of course, those who make their living performing colonoscopies perform more. No surprise.

It is a personal choice for you. I had one at 50 and am due at 60. I will do it. The thinking is that as you get older, perhaps there is less that you can do if you find something. In any case, ask your physician whether it is for your own care or that of a loved one.  

image:medical test/shutterstock

 

TAGGED: Colonoscopies

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Anthony Cirillo April 11, 2013
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
Previous Article domestic violence program DOVE Program at Northwest Hospital Helps Families Overcome Domestic Violence
Next Article Reflections on 3 Years of Progress in Connected Health

Stay Connected

1.5k Followers Like
4.5k Followers Follow
2.8k Followers Pin
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

Why Is a Referenced Based Pricing Tool Necessary?
Health care February 3, 2023
struggling with addiction
6 Signs Someone You Know Is Struggling With Addiction
Addiction Addiction Recovery February 2, 2023
regrow teeth naturally
Advances in Stem Cell Research Can Help Regrow Teeth Naturally
Dental health February 1, 2023
air pollution and cancer
The Proven Links Between Air Pollution and Cancer
News February 1, 2023

You Might also Like

get a first report on injury after an incident
DiagnosticsNews

What’s a First Report of Injury or Illness Form?

September 12, 2022
The Top Benefits of a Wearable Blood Pressure Monitor Watch
DiagnosticsHealth

The Top Benefits of a Wearable Blood Pressure Monitor Watch

June 13, 2022
DiagnosticsRemote Diagnostics

6 Innovative Technologies Making Medical Diagnostics More Predictive

February 16, 2022
DiagnosticsTechnology

10 Essential Things Every Bio Lab Needs To Have

February 15, 2022
//

We influence million of users and is the most authentic source of information on healthcare business and technology news.

Quick Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow US

© 2008-2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?