March is colorectal cancer screening month. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death for both men and women combined in the United States. However, more than one-half of all cases and deaths are attributable to modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and excess body weight, and thus potentially preventable.
The Colorectal Cancer Screening (COL) Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set® (HEDIS) star measure assesses patients ages 45–75 who had appropriate screenings for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. There are alternative options for patients who are hesitant to have one.
Questions?
To learn more, read the Provider Preventive Coding Guidelines and refer patients to Member Colorectal Cancer Screening | BCBSND.
As a reminder, it is also important to call for verification of benefits.
Contact our Provider Service Centers at:
- BCBSND Commercial
- 1-800-368-2312
- Medicaid Expansion
- 1-833-777-5779
- NextBlue of North Dakota Medicare Advantage
- 1-844-753-8039
