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Levi Z, Abu-Frecha N, Comanesther D, Backenstein T, Cohen AD, Eizenstein S, Flugelman A, Weinstein O. Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in colorectal cancer screening in a large organization with universal insurance before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. J Med Screen 2024; 31:85-90. [PMID: 37964557 DOI: 10.1177/09691413231214186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Israel is regarded as a country with a developed economy and a moderate income inequality index. In this population-based study, we aimed to measure the inequalities in colorectal cancer screening within Clalit Health, an organization with universal insurance, before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. SETTING Retrospective analysis within Clalit Health Services, Israel. METHODS We evaluated the rate of being up to date with screening (having a colonoscopy within 10 years or a fecal occult blood test within 1 year) and the colonoscopy completion rate (having a colonoscopy within 6 months of a positive fecal occult blood test) among subjects aged 50-75 in 2019-2021. RESULTS In 2019, out of 918,135 subjects, 61.3% were up to date with screening; high socioeconomic status: 65.9% (referent), medium-socioeconomic status: 60.1% (odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.80-0.82), low-socioeconomic status: 59.0% (odds ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.74-0.75); Jews: 61.9% (referent), Arabs: 59.7% (odds ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.90-0.92), Ultraorthodox-Jews: 51.7% (odds ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.75-0.78). Out of 21,308 with a positive fecal occult blood test, the colonoscopy completion rate was 51.8%; high-socioeconomic status: 59.8% (referent), medium-socioeconomic status: 54.1% (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.73-0.86), low-socioeconomic status: 45.5% (odds ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.56-0.65); Jews: 54.7% (referent), Ultraorthodox-Jews: 51.4% (odds ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.90-0.92), Arabs: 44.7% (odds ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.75-0.78). In 2020-2021, there was a slight drop in the rate of being up to date with screening, while most of the discrepancies were kept or slightly increased with time. CONCLUSIONS We report significant inequalities in colorectal cancer screening before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Israel, despite a declared policy of equality and universal insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Levi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Rabin Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Israel
- Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Naim Abu-Frecha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Soroka Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Israel
- Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Doron Comanesther
- Division of Health Policy, Department of Quality Measures, Clalit Health Services, Israel
| | - Tania Backenstein
- Division of Health Policy, Department of Quality Measures, Clalit Health Services, Israel
| | - Arnon D Cohen
- Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Division of Health Policy, Department of Quality Measures, Clalit Health Services, Israel
| | | | - Anath Flugelman
- Technion Israel Institute of Technology The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine Haifa, Haifa, IL, USA
| | - Orly Weinstein
- The Clalit Health Services Headquarters, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Gonzalez T, Nicholas A, Olagbenro M, Feldman SR, Fleischer AB. Race and ethnicity are inadequate predictors of ambulatory visit length and utilization of preventive services. J Natl Med Assoc 2024; 116:131-138. [PMID: 38402107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Health disparities can be experienced by any disadvantaged group who has limited access to healthcare or decreased quality of care. Quality of care can be measured by physician-patient communication measures such as length of visit, health outcomes, patient satisfaction, or by the services one receives such as screening or health education. This study aims to determine the relationship between length of physician-patient encounter, number of preventive services, ethnicity, and race. This study utilizes data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) from 2007 to 2016. Visits with a single diagnosis were selected. Visits with the five most frequent diagnoses were selected by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth or Tenth Revision (ICD-9/ICD-10) classification. The primary outcome is time spent with a physician in minutes and the number of preventive services provided represented by the Preventive Service Index (PSI). Of 255,916 visits, non-white individuals made up 16.2% (95% Confidence Interval 15.9-16.4) while Latinos represented 13.4% (95%CI 13.2-13.6) of individuals. Multivariate analysis revealed minimal differences in visit length in race and ethnic groups regardless of diagnosis. Greater PSI was associated with individuals less than 43 years old (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.0, 95% CI 1.8-2.3, p =< 0.0001), those who reside in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, p = 0.006), non-white individuals (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3, p = 0.004), and those with private insurance (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, p =< 0.0001). Race and ethnicity do not predict length of time with a physician regardless of diagnosis. Age, race, location within a metropolitan area, and insurance are significant but minimal predictors of receiving preventive services in the rank-order leading five most frequent diagnoses. This large, population-based study highlights improvements in the distribution of healthcare services from previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Gonzalez
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Andrew Nicholas
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Matthew Olagbenro
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Steven R Feldman
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, 4618 Country Club Road, Winston Salem, NC 27104, USA
| | - Alan B Fleischer
- University of Cincinnati School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Fendrick AM, Lieberman D, Chen JV, Vahdat V, Ozbay AB, Limburg PJ. Impact of Eliminating Cost-Sharing by Medicare Beneficiaries for Follow-Up Colonoscopy After a Positive Stool-based Colorectal Cancer Screening Test. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2113-2117. [PMID: 37787758 PMCID: PMC10581033 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Medicare coverage of a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test with no patient cost-sharing started January 2, 2023, which may favorably affect screening behavior. This analysis estimated the clinical and economic effects of increased colorectal cancer screening participation potentially resulting from this policy change in Medicare beneficiaries. The validated Colorectal Cancer and Adenoma Incidence & Mortality (CRC-AIM) model simulated three guideline-endorsed colorectal cancer screening strategies for average-risk individuals (colonoscopy every 10 years, annual fecal immunochemical test, triennial multitarget stool DNA) from ages 65-75 years. The base-case scenario assumed 0% coinsurance for initial screening and follow-up colonoscopy, real-world screening test use (colonoscopy = 45.3%, stool-based test = 24.4%, unscreened = 30.3%), and real-world follow-up colonoscopy rates. Comparative scenarios assumed an increase in the overall screening rate from 0% to 15% (5% increments) and an increase in the follow-up colonoscopy rate from 0% to 15% (5% increments). The base-case scenario resulted in 128 life-years gained (LYG)/1,000 individuals versus no screening and total screening and treatment costs of $7,938/person. The changes resulted in an increase of up to 26 LYG/1,000 individuals and a decrease in total screening and treatment costs by as much as $128/person. Follow-up colonoscopy at $0 coinsurance became cost-saving with any increase in either overall screening or follow-up colonoscopy. Policies that remove cost barriers to completing colorectal cancer screening may increase rates of screening participation, potentially improving economic and clinical outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE A follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test is necessary to complete the full screening process. Policies that remove cost barriers to completing colorectal cancer screening may lead to increases in overall participation rates and use of follow-up colonoscopy, improving clinical and economic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Mark Fendrick
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Health Management and Policy, Division of General Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David Lieberman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Liu JJ, DeCuir N, Kia L, Peterson J, Miller C, Issaka RB. Tools to Measure the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination on Gastrointestinal and Hepatology Disease Outcomes: A Scoping Review. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2759-2788.e6. [PMID: 36549469 PMCID: PMC10279803 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Structural racism and discrimination (SRD) are important upstream determinants of health perpetuated by discriminatory laws and policies. Therefore, measuring SRD and its impact on health is critical to developing interventions that address resultant health disparities. We aimed to identify gastrointestinal (GI) or liver studies that report measures of SRD or interventions to achieve health equity in these domains by addressing upstream determinants of health. METHODS We conducted a scoping review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses scoping reviews guidelines. Studies that used an SRD measure or examined an upstream intervention in GI or liver disease were included. Studies that described health disparities in GI or liver conditions without mentioning SRD were excluded. Study characteristics, findings, and limitations were extracted. RESULTS Forty-six articles (19 studies using SRD measures and 27 studies of upstream interventions) were identified. Measures of residential racial segregation were reported most frequently. SRD was associated with poorer health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority populations. Although upstream intervention studies focused primarily on policies related to colon cancer screening and organ graft allocation, racial and ethnic disparities often persisted post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS To achieve health equity in GI and liver conditions, there is an urgent need for research that goes beyond describing health disparities to incorporating measures of SRD and implementing interventions that address this understudied determinant of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy J Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nicole DeCuir
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Leila Kia
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jonna Peterson
- Galter Health Sciences Library & Learning Center, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Corinne Miller
- Galter Health Sciences Library & Learning Center, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rachel B Issaka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington; Clinical Research and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington; Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington.
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Ullah F, Pillai AB, Omar N, Dima D, Harichand S. Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: Current Insights. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3202. [PMID: 37370811 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the incidence of colorectal cancer has increased in individuals under the age of 50 years. Meanwhile, the incidence has gradually decreased in the older population. As described herein, we reviewed the available literature to summarize the current landscape of early-onset colorectal cancer, including risk factors, clinicopathological presentation, genetic makeup of patients, and management. Currently, early-onset colorectal cancer is treated similarly as late-onset colorectal cancer, yet the available literature shows that early-onset colorectal cancer is more aggressive and different, and this remains a significant unmet need. A detailed understanding of early-onset colorectal cancer is needed to identify risk factors for the increased incidence and tailor treatments accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauzia Ullah
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ashwathy Balachandran Pillai
- Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Najiullah Omar
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Danai Dima
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Seema Harichand
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mission Cancer + Blood, University of Iowa, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
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Shih YCT, Sabik LM, Stout NK, Halpern MT, Lipscomb J, Ramsey S, Ritzwoller DP. Health Economics Research in Cancer Screening: Research Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2022; 2022:42-50. [PMID: 35788368 PMCID: PMC9255920 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer screening has long been considered a worthy public health investment. Health economics offers the theoretical foundation and research methodology to understand the demand- and supply-side factors associated with screening and evaluate screening-related policies and interventions. This article provides an overview of health economic theories and methods related to cancer screening and discusses opportunities for future research. We review 2 academic disciplines most relevant to health economics research in cancer screening: applied microeconomics and decision science. We consider 3 emerging topics: cancer screening policies in national as well as local contexts, "choosing wisely" screening practices, and targeted screening efforts for vulnerable subpopulations. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of available data sources and opportunities for methodological research and training. Recommendations to strengthen research infrastructure include developing novel data linkage strategies, increasing access to electronic health records, establishing curriculum and training programs, promoting multidisciplinary collaborations, and enhancing research funding opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Section of Cancer Economics and Policy, Department of Health Services Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lindsay M Sabik
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Natasha K Stout
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael T Halpern
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joseph Lipscomb
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, and the Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Scott Ramsey
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Debra P Ritzwoller
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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Modell SM, Schlager L, Allen CG, Marcus G. Medicaid Expansions: Probing Medicaid's Filling of the Cancer Genetic Testing and Screening Space. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:1066. [PMID: 35742117 PMCID: PMC9223044 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the third largest source of spending for Medicaid in the United States. A working group of the American Public Health Association Genomics Forum Policy Committee reviewed 133/149 pieces of literature addressing the impact of Medicaid expansion on cancer screening and genetic testing in underserved groups and the general population. Breast and colorectal cancer screening rates improved during very early Medicaid expansion but displayed mixed improvement thereafter. Breast cancer screening rates have remained steady for Latina Medicaid enrollees; colorectal cancer screening rates have improved for African Americans. Urban areas have benefited more than rural. State programs increasingly cover BRCA1/2 and Lynch syndrome genetic testing, though testing remains underutilized in racial and ethnic groups. While increased federal matching could incentivize more states to engage in Medicaid expansion, steps need to be taken to ensure that they have an adequate distribution of resources to increase screening and testing utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M. Modell
- Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Community Genomics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M5409 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lisa Schlager
- Public Policy, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, 16057 Tampa Palms Boulevard W, PMB #373, Tampa, FL 33647, USA;
| | - Caitlin G. Allen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 22 Westedge, Room 213, Charleston, SC 29403, USA;
| | - Gail Marcus
- Genetics and Newborn Screening Unit, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, C/O CDSA of the Cape Fear, 3311 Burnt Mill Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA;
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Ansari B, Aschner M, Hussain Y, Efferth T, Khan H. Suppression of colorectal carcinogenesis by naringin. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 96:153897. [PMID: 35026507 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the third most malignant cancer worldwide. Despite novel treatment options, the incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer continue to increase in most countries, especially in US, European and Asian countries. Colorectal carcinogenesis is multifactorial, including dietary and genetic factors, as well as lacking physical activity. Vegetables and fruits contain high amounts of secondary metabolites, which might reduce the risk for colorectal carcinogenesis. Flavonoids are important bioactive polyphenolic compounds. There are more than 4,000 different flavonoids, including flavanones, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, flavones, and catechins in a large variety of plant. HYPOTHESIS Among various other flavonoids, naringin in Citrus fruits has been a subject of intense scrutiny for its activity against many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. We hypothesize that naringin is capable to inhibit the growth of transformed colonocytes and to induce programmed cell death in colon cancer cells. RESULTS We comprehensively review the inhibitory effects of naringin on colorectal cancers and address the underlying mechanistic pathways such as NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, apoptosis, NF-κB-COX-2-iNOS, and β-catenin pathways. CONCLUSION Naringin suppresses colorectal inflammation and carcinogenesis by various signaling pathways. Randomized clinical trials are needed to determine their effectiveness in combating colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Ansari
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yaseen Hussain
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Jiangsu, 221400, P R China
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan 23200, Pakistan
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Beydoun HA, Huang S, Beydoun MA, Eid SM, Zonderman AB. Interrupted Time-Series Analysis of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases Before and After the Affordable Care Act. Cureus 2022; 14:e21338. [PMID: 35186596 PMCID: PMC8849367 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was aimed at reducing healthcare costs, improving healthcare quality, and expanding health insurance coverage among uninsured individuals in the United States. We examined trends in the utilization of radiation therapies and stereotactic radiosurgery before and after its implementation among U.S. adults hospitalized with brain metastasis. Interrupted time-series analyses of data on 383,934 Nationwide Inpatient Sample hospitalizations (2005-2010 and 2011-2013) were performed, whereby yearly and quarterly cross-sectional data were evaluated and Affordable Care Act implementation was considered the main exposure variable, stratifying by patient and hospital characteristics. Overall, we observed a declining trend in radiation therapy over time, with an upward shift post-Affordable Care Act. A downward shift in radiation therapy post-Affordable Care Act was observed among Northeastern and rural hospitals, whereas an upward shift was noted among specific patient (females, 18-39 or ≥ 65 years of age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥10, non-elective admissions, Medicare, self-pay, no pay or other insurance) and hospital (Midwestern, Western, non-teaching urban) subgroups. Stereotactic radiosurgery utilization among recipients of radiation therapy increased over time among Hispanics, elective admissions, and rural hospitals, whereas post-Affordable Care Act was associated with increased stereotactic radiosurgery among African-Americans and non-elective admissions and decreased stereotactic radiosurgery among elective admissions, and rural hospitals. Whereas hospitalized adults in the United States utilized less radiation therapy over the nine-year period, utilization of radiation therapy, in general, and stereotactic radiosurgery, in particular, were not consistent among distinct subgroups defined by patient and hospital characteristics, with some traditionally underserved populations more likely to receive healthcare services post-Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act may be helpful at closing the gap in access to technological advances such as stereotactic radiosurgery for treating brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind A Beydoun
- Research Programs, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, USA
| | - Shuyan Huang
- Research Programs, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, USA
| | - May A Beydoun
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, USA
| | - Shaker M Eid
- Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Alan B Zonderman
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There were large differences across subgroups of adults in preventive services utilization before 2010. The Affordable Care Act had numerous provisions aimed at increasing utilization as well as at reducing disparities. OBJECTIVE This study examines whether preventive services utilization changed over time, across subgroups of adults defined by race/ethnicity, insurance coverage, poverty status, Census region, and urbanicity. METHODS Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component are used to examine service utilization before the passage of the Affordable Care Act (2008/2009), after the implementation of the preventive services mandate and the dependent coverage provision (2012/2013), and after Medicaid expansions (2015/2016). Four preventive services are examined for adults aged 19-64-general checkups, blood cholesterol screening, mammograms, and colorectal cancer screening. Multivariate logistic regression models are used to predict preventive services utilization of adult subgroups in each time period, and to examine how differences across subgroups changed between 2008/2009 and 2015/2016. RESULTS There were modest increases in utilization between 2008/2009 and 2015/2016 for blood cholesterol and colorectal cancer screenings. For 3 of 4 preventive services, differences between the Northeast and the Midwest regions narrowed. However, large gaps in utilization across income groups and between those with and without coverage persisted. Disparities across racial/ethnic groups in general checkups persisted over time as well. CONCLUSION While some differences have narrowed, large gaps in preventive service utilization across population subgroups remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salam Abdus
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Financing, Access, and Cost Trends, Division of Research and Modeling, Rockville, MD
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11
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Modell SM, Allen CG, Ponte A, Marcus G. Cancer genetic testing in marginalized groups during an era of evolving healthcare reform. J Cancer Policy 2021; 28:100275. [PMID: 35559905 PMCID: PMC8224823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2021.100275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Affordable Care Act and subsequent reforms pose tradeoffs for racial-ethnic, rural, and sex-related groups in the United States experiencing disparities in BRCA1/2 genetic counseling and testing and colorectal cancer screening, calling for policy changes. METHODS A working group of the American Public Health Association Genomics Forum Policy Committee engaged in monthly meetings to examine ongoing literature and identify policy alternatives in the coverage of cancer genetic services for marginalized groups. 589 items were collected; 408 examined. Efforts continued from February 2015 through September 2020. RESULTS African Americans and Latinos have shown 7-8 % drops in uninsured rates since the Exchanges opened. The ACA has increased BRCA1/2 test availability while several disparities remain, including by sex. Rural testing and screening utilization rates have improved. Medicaid expansion and the inclusion of Medicare in the ACA have resulted in mixed improvements in colorectal cancer screening rates in marginalized groups. CONCLUSION Cancer genetic testing and screening to date have only partially benefited from healthcare reforms. Sensitivity to cost concerns and further monitoring of emerging data are needed. A reduction in disparities depends on the availability of private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare to the marginalized. Attention to value-based design and the way cancer benefits are translated into actual testing and screening are crucial. POLICY SUMMARY The findings suggest the need for further benefits-related health agency interpretation of and amendments to the ACA, continued Medicaid and innovative Medicare expansion, and incorporation of cancer services values-based considerations at several levels, aimed at reducing group disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Modell
- Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, M5409 SPH II, 1415 Washington Hts., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
| | - Caitlin G Allen
- Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30322, United States
| | - Amy Ponte
- Genedu Health Solutions, 47 Petigru Dr., Beaufort, SC, 29902, United States
| | - Gail Marcus
- Genetics and Newborn Screening Unit, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, C/O CDSA of the Cape Fear, 3311 Burnt Mill Dr., Wilmington, NC, 28403, United States
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Modell SM, Fleming PJ, Lopez WD, Goltz HH. Work in Progress: Immigrant Health Care from the Vantage of Cancer Testing and Screening. J Immigr Minor Health 2020; 23:1-3. [PMID: 33231790 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01129-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This letter offers a perspective from cancer testing and screening on the improvements in immigrant insurance coverage and care charted in Bustamante et al.'s April 2019 article in JOIH on "Health Care Access and Utilization Among U.S. Immigrants Before and After the Affordable Care Act." Supportive evidence for their data may be found in complementary literature drawing from both the National Health Interview Survey the authors use and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, while post-ACA surveys and state level information suggest disparities remain for lawfully present and undocumented immigrants ineligible for Medicaid and unable to secure insurance to pay medical costs. Existent options for cancer services are discussed. Further relevant reform depends on voter awareness and collaborative efforts between consumer advocates and legislators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Modell
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Community Genomics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, M5049 SPH II, 1415 Washington Hts., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Paul J Fleming
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William D Lopez
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Heather Honore' Goltz
- Social Work Program, College of Public Service, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
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Avilés-Santa ML, Hsu L, Lam TK, Arteaga SS, Artiles L, Coady S, Cooper LS, Curry J, Desvigne-Nickens P, Nicastro HL, Rosario A. Funding of Hispanic/Latino Health-Related Research by the National Institutes of Health: An Analysis of the Portfolio of Research Program Grants on Six Health Topic Areas. Front Public Health 2020; 8:330. [PMID: 33014952 PMCID: PMC7493677 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hispanics/Latinos are expected to constitute 25% of the U.S. population by 2060. Differences in the prevalence of health risk factors, chronic diseases, and access to and utilization of health-care services between Hispanics/Latinos and other populations in the U.S. have been documented. This study aimed to describe and analyze the landscape of Research Program Grants (RPGs) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) between 2008 and 2015 involving Hispanic/Latino health research in six health condition areas-asthma, cancer, dementia, diabetes, liver/gallbladder disease, and obesity-and to identify opportunities for continued research in these areas. Using an NIH internal search engine, we identified new and renewal Hispanic/Latino health RPGs searching for specific Hispanic/Latino identifiers in the Title, Abstract, and Specific Aims. We used descriptive statistics to examine the distribution of funded RPGs by NIH disease-based classification codes for the six health condition areas of interest, and other selected characteristics. The most prominent clusters of research subtopics were identified within each health condition area, and performance sites were mapped at the city level. Within the selected time frame, 3,221 Hispanic/Latino health-related unique RPGs were funded (constituting 4.4% of all funded RPGs), and of those 625 RPGs were eligible for review and coding in the present study. Cancer and obesity were the most commonly studied health condition areas (72%), while studies on mechanisms of disease-biological and non-biological-(72.6%), behavioral research (42.1%) and epidemiological studies (38.1%) were the most common types of research. Most of the primary performance sites were in California, Texas, the northeastern U.S., and Illinois. The predominance of mechanistic, behavioral, and epidemiological studies in our analysis poses opportunities to evaluate knowledge gained and their clinical application, explore new research questions, or to update some methods or instruments. The findings of the present study suggest opportunities to expand research in understudied mechanisms of disease that could explain differences in prevalence of conditions like diabetes and cancer among different heritage groups. In addition, our findings suggest that the impact of interventions or policies designed to reduce health disparities, innovative multi-level interventions, implementation and dissemination studies, the role of health information technology on health outcomes, and the intersectionality of individual, sociocultural, geographic, and other factors on health outcomes, among others, are understudied approaches, which could potentially advance research in Hispanic/Latino health and contribute to the achievement of better health outcomes in this diverse population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Larissa Avilés-Santa
- Clinical and Health Services Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Laura Hsu
- Division of Extramural Research Activities, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tram Kim Lam
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - S. Sonia Arteaga
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ligia Artiles
- Division of Scientific Programs, National Institutes on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sean Coady
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lawton S. Cooper
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer Curry
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Patrice Desvigne-Nickens
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Holly L. Nicastro
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Adelaida Rosario
- Division of Scientific Programs, National Institutes on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, United States
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