This volume provides a comprehensive overview of quality metrics and methods used to improve quality for all major modalities of CRC screening. It introduces the readers to the evidence of effectiveness behind various CRC screening modalities: stool-based tests (Fecal Occult Blood, Fecal Immunochemical and Fecal DNA tests), flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and CT colonography. In-depth chapters review the latest guidelines for CRC screening, compare differences among the five major national guidelines, and highlight the need for valid quality and cost indicators. While the main focus of this volume is on colonoscopy, since most quality indicators and analyses have focused on this modality of screening and surveillance, one chapter is devoted to quality indicators of other screening modalities. Differences between process and outcome measures are also highlighted and a small but valid set of recommended national measures are listed. Written by experts in the field, Colorectal Cancer Screening: Quality and Benchmarks is an important and useful resource written for gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, general and colorectal surgeons, family physicians, and investigators with research focus in screening and quality metrics.

This volume provides a comprehensive overview of quality metrics and methods used to improve quality for all major modalities of CRC screening. It introduces the readers to the evidence of effectiveness behind various CRC screening modalities: stool-based tests (Fecal Occult Blood, Fecal Immunochemical and Fecal DNA tests), flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and CT colonography. In-depth chapters review the latest guidelines for CRC screening, compare differences among the five major national guidelines, and highlight the need for valid quality and cost indicators. While the main focus of this volume is on colonoscopy, since most quality indicators and analyses have focused on this modality of screening and surveillance, one chapter is devoted to quality indicators of other screening modalities. Differences between process and outcome measures are also highlighted and a small but valid set of recommended national measures are listed. Written by experts in the field, Colorectal Cancer Screening: Quality and Benchmarks is an important and useful resource written for gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, general and colorectal surgeons, family physicians, and investigators with research focus in screening and quality metrics.

As the National Quality Advisor and Chair of the AGAI Clinical Practice and Quality Management Committee, Dr. Allen, along with Dr. DeLegge, have created a very insightful list of topics to educate gastroenterologists about how to adapt to health care reform. The issue addresses the impact in both private practices and academic medical centers. Specific issues discussed include Gastroenterologists and Accountable Care Organizations; Health Information Technology and the Gastroenterologist; Transitioning from Fellowship to Practice 2012; Going Big in Private Practice; Clinical Service Line Management; The Impact of Health Reform on GI Reimbursement; The Impact of Health Care Reform on Innovation and New Technology; Industry and Gastroenterology: A New World; and Demonstrating Value: Registries and Beyond.

Dr. Allen's issue focuses on how gastroenterologists can maximize the "value? of colonoscopy - where value is defined as quality/cost. Clinical issues are covered, like sedation issues, complications of colonoscopy, and infection risk, but the majority of the articles deal with the discussions that surround quality colonoscopy-articles like: Risk Management and Legal Issues for Colonoscopy; Cost effectiveness of Colonoscopy in Prevention of Colon Cancer; Efficacy and Effectiveness of Colonoscopy: How Do We Bridge the Gap?; Current State of Colonoscopy Performance Measures; Use of Databases and Registries to Enhance Quality; and Maximizing the Value of Colonoscopy in Community, to name a few. In preparation of the changing landscape of healthcare, this issue will be an important one for all practicing gastroenterologists.