Patients in higher-deductible plans continue to get regular cancer screening

Patients who were transitioned by their employers to high deductible health plans continued to receive breast and cervical cancer screening at the same rates as patients who were enrolled in more traditional plans, according to a DACP study in the May Annals of Internal Medicine led by Frank Wharam. They also continued to receive colorectal cancer screening, but there was a substantial decrease in colonoscopy screening (colonoscopies were subject to a considerable co-payment) and a rise in fecal occult blood test rates (this service was completed covered). Mammography and cervical cancer screening were fully covered under the higher deductible plan. Since colonoscopy is considered a more sensitive and effective test to detect cancer and large polyps, the investigators believe further study is needed regarding cancer detection and mortality among high-deductible health plan members. The DACP study team also included Dennis Ross-Degnan, Stephen Soumerai, Ken Kleinman and Alison Galbraith. Click here for abstract.