Analysis of barriers to and patients' preferences for CT colonography for colorectal cancer screening in a nonadherent urban population

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' barriers against colorectal cancer screening tests and to assess patients' preferences and cost influences for CT colonography (CTC) in a nonadherent urban subpopulation.

Subjects and methods: Patients who had been offered colorectal cancer screening but were nonadherent were asked to participate in this questionnaire study. Patients' demographic information was obtained, and patients' reasons for not being screened were explored. Subjects were given an information sheet that described a CTC procedure and then were asked about their willingness to undergo CTC and about other relevant factors, such as fees.

Results: One hundred seventy-five patients were invited to participate; 53 declined and 54 did not respond, which left 68 subjects to be included in the analysis. After being informed about CTC screening, most (83%) subjects stated that they would be willing to undergo a CTC study. However, 70% stated that they would not be willing to pay out-of-pocket fees if insurance did not cover the study, and even among the 30% who were willing to pay the fees, the average amount they were willing to pay (mean, $244; median, $150) was well below currently charged rates.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that most nonadherent patients would be willing to undergo CTC as long as out-of-pocket fees are reasonable.