Cost-effectiveness of free colonoscopy for high-risk uninsured

Editor's Note

Performing free colonoscopies for uninsured patients at high risk for colorectal cancer can identify cancers at an earlier stage and is cost neutral for a health system, this study finds.

Of 682 uninsured patients screened, 9 cancers ( 1 stage 0, 3 stage I, 2 stage II, and 3 stage III) were identified, for an incidence of 1.3%.

Comparing the 1.3% incidence with a control group of uninsured patients, researchers found the study group included more early stage cancers, and subsequently had a lower estimated per patient initial cost ($43,125 vs $43,736).

Since this study began in 2013, at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, the researchers have been able to expand the free screenings to all hospitals in Louisville, Kentucky.