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Tips to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Remind patients to schedule a colorectal cancer exam starting at age 45. A screening can detect cancer early, when it's easier to treat.

Healthfirst recommends the following screening methods and their clinically appropriate intervals for applicable adult members:*

  • Colonoscopy every 10 years
  • CT colonography or flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
  • FIT-DNA test (Cologuard®) every three years**
  • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) yearly

*Screening frequency is at the discretion of the provider. For information regarding your patient’s eligibility for colorectal screening options, please reference their plan’s summary of benefits and coverage.

**FIT-DNA test (Cologuard) may be eligible only to Healthfirst Commercial plan (QHP) members, Medicaid/Personal Wellness Plan members and Medicare Advantage plan members


2025 Healthfirst Quality Incentive Program (HQIP)
  • Identify members who need care by accessing the Healthfirst Quality App at HFproviderportal.org. Use the Care Opportunities tab to view member care gap information.
  • Screenings for colorectal cancer is a measure that may be eligible for an incentive in the 2025 Healthfirst Quality Incentive Program.

  • Follow up with patients who are overdue for their colorectal cancer screening and, whenever possible, help resolve their barriers to getting screened. Members who need help with scheduling appointments can contact the appropriate Healthfirst Member Services team (see phone numbers at bottom).


Inform patients of their screening options

Click on the arrow to expand the details.


FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) kit +

Targeted Healthfirst members are in our Essential Plan, Medicare Advantage plan, and Medicaid/Personal Wellness Plan who:

  • are 45+ years old and
  • have not completed their colorectal cancer screening as recommended.*

Your patients can return their completed tests to the vendor via an enclosed pre-paid postage envelope. You will get a letter from the vendor with your patients' results.

*Screening frequency is at the discretion of the provider. For information regarding your patient’s eligibility for colorectal screening options, please reference their plan’s summary of benefits and coverage.


Cologuard® at-home test kit – mailed directly to the member from a designated Healthfirst vendor. +

To order Cologuard test kits and have them mailed directly to your patients or to your practice, visit cologuardhcp.com. This service is available to targeted:

  • Healthfirst Commercial plan (QHP) members 45-75 years old*
  • Essential Plan and Medicaid/Personal Wellness Plan members 45+ years old*
  • Medicare Advantage plan members 45-85 years old*

Tell patients that they will receive information to complete the screening. UPS® will pick up completed tests from the specified address. Results will be shared with you to review with your patients.

*Screening frequency is at the discretion of the provider. For information regarding your patient’s eligibility for colorectal screening options, please reference their plan’s summary of benefits and coverage.


Colonoscopy, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and fecal occult blood test (FOBT)-referral for GI specialist required*+

This screening is a HEDIS measure to target:

  • Essential Plan and Medicaid/Personal Wellness Plan members 45+ years old*
  • Medicare Advantage plan members 65+ years old*
  • *Screening frequency is at the discretion of the provider. For information regarding your patient’s eligibility for colorectal screening options, please reference their plan’s summary of benefits and coverage.


    Best practices and tips

    • Document colorectal cancer exams on preventive health flowsheets, lab and surgical reports, and in progress notes—with type of screening, dates, and results.
    • If exact dates are not known, document screening type, month, and year.
    • Utilize EMR trigger reminders and preventive health flowsheets to know when patients are due for colorectal cancer screening.


    Member wellness rewards

    Advise your patients that they may be eligible to receive Wellness Rewards if they complete a colorectal cancer screening. Reward eligibility and amounts may vary depending on the member’s Healthfirst plan participation and screening modality.


    Provider resources
    Healthfirst Member Services is here to help

    Patients can contact their plan’s Member Services team for help scheduling or getting to their appointments, or for more information about Wellness Rewards. Member Services contact information can also be found on the back of the member’s ID card; see sample ID cards here.


    • Medicaid Managed Care: 1-866-463-6743
    • Personal Wellness Plan: 1-855-659-5971
    • (TTY 1-888-542-3821)
    Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm
    • Healthfirst Medicare Plans Comprise All Medicare plans (including CompleteCare and Signature Plans): 1-888-260-1010
    • Signature PPO: 1-833-350-2910
    • Signature HMO: 1-855-771-1081
    • (TTY 1-888-542-3821)
    7 days a week, 8am–8pm (October through March), and Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm (April through September)
    • Senior Health Partners Managed Long-Term Care Medicaid Plan: 1-800-633-9717
    • (TTY 1-888-542-3821)
    24 hours a day, 7 days a week


    Questions?

    For more information about recommended health screenings for your patients, please contact your assigned Clinical Quality Manager or Network Account Manager. You can also call Provider Services at 1-888-801-1660, Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm.


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