Effectiveness of a patient and practice-level colorectal cancer screening intervention in health plan members: the CHOICE trial.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reduces CRC incidence and mortality but is underused. Effective interventions to increase screening that can be implemented broadly are needed.

Methods: A controlled trial was conducted to evaluate a patient-level and practice-level intervention to increase the use of recommended CRC screening tests among health plan members.

Effectiveness of a patient- and practice-level colorectal cancer screening intervention in health plan members: design and baseline findings of the CHOICE trial.

Background: : Evidence-based interventions have been found effective in increasing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Translating these successful interventions into real world settings, such as health plans, can be challenging.

Methods: : CHOICE (Communicating Health Options through Information and Cancer Education) is a controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a patient- and practice-level intervention to increase use of recommended CRC screening tests.

Yield of claims data and surveys for determining colon cancer screening among health plan members.

Screening can reduce incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer but has been underutilized. Efforts to increase screening depend on accurate data about screening status. We sought to evaluate the independent and combined yield of claims and direct survey for identifying colorectal cancer screening among average-risk health plan beneficiaries.

Trends in healthcare use in the New York City region following the Terrorist Attacks of 2001.

Background: In 2001, terrorism led to emotional stress, disruptions in adherence to treatments and access to services, and exposure to environmental contaminants in New York City (NYC).

Methods: To describe healthcare use following the terrorist attacks of 2001, we examined insurance claims for January 2000 to March 2002 among more than 2 million residents of the NYC region who were enrolled in the health plans of a large insurer, including overall use by care setting and use for selected conditions that may be associated with stress or other disaster consequences. For all enrollees and for those residing at varying distances from the World Trade Center (WTC), we compared observed use to expected use, based on comparable intervals in prior years and adjusted for seasonal and secular trends.