Freakonomics, M.D.

61. Should You Bother Getting a Colonoscopy?

28 snips
Nov 11, 2022
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INSIGHT

US vs. Europe Screening

  • The U.S. prefers colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening, unlike Europe and Canada, which favor stool tests.
  • This difference stems from the U.S. being resource-rich and Medicare covering colonoscopy costs.
INSIGHT

Colonoscopy Cost Coverage

  • Colonoscopy use in the U.S. soared after 2001 when Medicare agreed to cover it as a screening tool.
  • The U.S. preference for this method reflects its resource-rich status and inclination for advanced technology.
INSIGHT

Operator Dependence

  • Colonoscopy effectiveness depends heavily on the skill of the person performing it.
  • Quality indicators like completion rate and polyp detection rate help assess exam quality.
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