Clinical Advantages of Phlebotomy: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses.

Background: Phlebotomy has been used as a non-pharmacological treatment for different types of diseases, regarding the philosophy of humors in traditional medicines, such as Persian Medicine. However, according to the narrow-approved indications for phlebotomy in Western Medicine, we aimed to systematically summarize high-level of evidence on safety and efficacy of phlebotomy in treatment of human diseases.

Methods: In this umbrella review, to identify meta-analysis studies of clinical trials on phlebotomy, four electronic databases, including PubMed, web of science, Scopus, and Cochran library were searched until Jun 18, 2022 with relevant keywords for 'phlebotomy' and 'meta-analysis' according to PRISMA guidelines and PICO questions.

Modestly increased use of colonoscopy when copayments are waived.

Background & Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with colonoscopy often requires expensive copayments from patients. The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act mandated elimination of copayments for CRC screening, including colonoscopy, but little is known about the effects of copayment elimination on use. The University of Texas employee, retiree, and dependent health plan instituted and promoted a waiver of copayments for screening colonoscopies in fiscal year (FY) 2009; we examined the effects of removing cost sharing on colonoscopy use.