Maximizing the value of colonoscopy in community practice

Abstract

Gastroenterologists who understand future reimbursement and health care trends are already preparing their practice infrastructure to meet new challenges of transparency and bundled payments. Market-based pressures derived from quality and cost transparency will be sufficient to drive change. Robust measurement and public reporting of results are firmly embedded in some regions of the country and will spread nationally within the next few years. The path is clear for those who study these issues; monitor process measures for internal improvement, push resource efficiency, connect to national registries to demonstrate quality externally, and constantly try to provide a service with the highest health value.