Demonstration Project to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening through Primary Care Practice Improvement

Seven practices were selected to participate in a day-and-a-half training program to customize an office protocol to properly identify patients at risk for colorectal cancer, and when to recommend appropriate screening. The session incorporated core office personnel including front office staff, billing managers, nurses and physicians. The objective is to streamline the referral or procedural process that improves patient care, while increasing physician payment and office efficiency.

Participating Practices and Lead Physicians
Chillicothe Family Physicians
Mark Haugen, M.D.

Dr. Weinberger & Vizy LLC
Richard Weinberger, M.D.

Eastside Family Medicine
Patricia Kellner, M.D.

Family Health Care Inc.
Biplav Yadav, M.D.

Heather A. Haynes, M.D. LLC
Heather Haynes, M.D.

Pedro A. Ballester, M.D. Family Practice
Pedro Ballester, M.D.

St. Luke's Hospital/ University of Toledo Family Medicine Center
Thomas Tafleski, D.O., Ph.D.

The guide book titled, "How to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in Practice: A Primary Care Clinician's Evidence-Based Toolbox" was provided by the American Cancer Society and served as the template for the QI project. It was recently accredited by American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for up to 20 Evidence-Based continuing medical education (CME) credits. You can take advantage of this valuable resource too! The toolbox can be found online at www.cancer.org. The credit is available through AAFP under the New Jersey chapter CME listing.

If you have questions about this program, contact Deputy Executive Vice President Kate Mahler, C.A.E., or call 614.267.7867.