Study Objective & Research Questions

The National Survey of Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices was designed to obtain current, nationally representative data on the physician and health system factors that may influence the use of screening and diagnostic follow-up for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) in community practice. Specific questions that the study addresses include:

• To what extent do primary care physicians recommend colorectal cancer screening, and with what modalities?
• Which colorectal cancer screening procedures do primary care and specialty physicians use?
• To what extent do primary care physicians refer patients for colorectal cancer screening, and to whom do they refer?
• What do primary care and specialty physicians and health plan medical directors perceive as facilitators of and barriers to colorectal cancer screening?
• To what extent have health plans established guidelines, policies, or systems to promote colorectal cancer screening?
• Are primary care and specialty physicians aware of the new Medicare colorectal cancer screening benefit, and to what extent is the benefit being implemented?
• Do primary care and specialty physicians and health plans have in place systems for reminding patients that they are due for colorectal cancer screening, and for tracking and reporting results?