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Delmarva Supports Local Physician Practices’ Efforts to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates through the Utilization of Electronic Health Records

Columbia, MD, March 9, 2010 – The Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care (DFMC) and the Delmarva Foundation of the District of Columbia (DFDC) is pleased to announce support of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for both men and women is largely preventable.

According to American Cancer Society data, in 2009, more than 106,000 new cases of colon cancer were diagnosed in the United States and that more than 49,900 people died from colon and rectal cancers combined. When colorectal cancers are detected early, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent; however only 39 percent of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at this stage, mostly because people are not getting the necessary screening tests.

The good news is colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. One of the most powerful weapons to prevent colorectal cancer is regular screening. In many cases, it can prevent colorectal cancer altogether. This is because polyps can be detected and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Beginning at age 50, the American Cancer Society recommends that all men and women be screened for colorectal cancer.

Delmarva’s Core Prevention team lead by Brenda Gentles, RN, BS, MS is currently working with primary care physicians in Maryland and the District of Columbia to help them use their Electronic Health Record (EHR) to increase the number of people that are screened for colorectal cancer. “The use of EHRs can provide an effective mechanism for clinicians to identify and follow-up on patients who are due for colorectal cancer screening, in addition to other preventive care testing,” said Nancy Jane C. Friedley, MD, Medical Director, and Delmarva Foundation. “This technology, in combination with office based improvements and clinician support has the potential to greatly improve screening and decrease colorectal cancer rates. The technology also helps the provider and patient access to the most current information available about the patient’s preventive healthcare and status.”

For more information, visit www.mdqio.org/providers/prevention/ or www.dcqio.org/providers/prevention/.

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About DFMC and DFDC:
Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care, Inc. (DFMC) and the Delmarva Foundation of the District of Columbia (DFDC) are the Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) for Maryland and the District of Columbia.  The QIOs, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), work to improve the quality of health care for Medicare beneficiaries in Maryland and the District of Columbia.  DFMC and DFDC provide a range of services, including the development of interventional processes, convening healthcare organizations and stakeholders, fostering the spread of clinical or community practices that improve patient safety and healthcare delivery, and lessening the healthcare disparities that exists in our healthcare system.  For more information, visit www.mdqio.org or www.dcqio.org.