Benchmarking Adenoma Detection Rates for Colonoscopy: Results From a US-Based Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is highly variable across practices, and national or population-based estimates are not available. Our aim was to study the ADR, variability of rates over time, and factors associated with detection rates of ADR in a national sample of patients undergoing colonoscopy. METHODS: We used colonoscopies submitted to the GI Quality Improvement Consortium, Ltd. registry from 2014 to 2018 on adults aged 50-89 years. We used hierarchical logistic models to study factors associated with ADR. RESULTS: A total of 2,646,833 colonoscopies were performed by 1,169 endoscopists during the study period. The average ADR for screening colonoscopies per endoscopist was 36.80% (SD 10.21), 44.08 (SD 10.98) in men and 31.20 (SD 9.65) in women. Adjusted to the US population, the ADR was 39.08%. There was a significant increase in ADR from screening colonoscopies over the study period from 33.93% in 2014 to 38.12% in 2018. DISCUSSION: The average ADR from a large national US sample standardized to the US population is 39.05% and has increased over time.

Open-access endoscopy.

The increased demand over the past decade for gastrointestinal endoscopy, particularly colonoscopy, has led to a greater use of open-access scheduling models in gastroenterology practices. Open-access procedures help to increase the overall capacity of a gastroenterology practice. Eliminating preprocedure office visits in selected patients provides an efficient means to meet the growing need for colorectal cancer screening and possibly other endoscopic services, such as screening for Berrett's esophagus; however, it also presents unique challenges with regards to assuring proper procedure indication, minimizing medicolegal risks, and communicating with patients and referring providers before and after the procedure. When done properly, there is a high degree of satisfaction among patients and referring physicians with open-access models.

Outpatient endoscopy possibilities for the office.

Office-based GI endoscopy is an alternative to more highly regulated EASC or hospital endoscopy units for physicians who are limited by Certificate of Need laws, group size, or other factors in developing an EASC. Such office-based endoscopy can successfully improve physician time management, patient satisfaction, and enhance practice revenues in selected patient populations. Safety and quality should be maintained at levels commensurate with hospital outpatient departments and EASCs.