Health Plan Performance Improvement Project: Colorectal Cancer Screening

Five health plans-–Blue Plus, HealthPartners, MHP, Medica, and UCare-–launched an effort in 2011 to help increase colorectal cancer screenings among the Minnesota Health Care Program (MHCP) Medicaid population. MHCP members have a significantly lower rate of this screening than members enrolled with other purchasers. For members enrolled in MHCP, the screening rate was 39 percent in 2009. For those enrolled in other products the rate was 68 percent (HealthCare Disparities Report, 2009). Health plans are working with targeted clinics to identify barriers and improve processes and outreach to increase screening use among this population.

Resources for care coordinators and providers

American Cancer Society: Colon/Rectum Cancer. Patient and family information about colon/rectum cancer.

Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Outcomes Through Public Reporting. Tips for Reporting Colorectal Cancer Screening Measures from the EHR. Presented by Jerri Hiniker, RN, BSN, CPHER, program manager at Stratis Health. (55-minute webinar, 10/27/10)

Minnesota Cancer Alliance. Evidence-based strategies for increasing colorectal cancer screening.

Save 500 Lives: Boost Colorectal Screenings. Useful information to educate consumers and health care providers on the importance of using appropriate tools to screen for colorectal cancer.

Contact information

For more information on PIPs, please contact Karla Weng, program manager, 952-853-8570.