Efficacy of the Colonoscopy Outsourcing Systems Used at a Large VA Medical Center

Colonoscopy has 3 distinct uses as part of a colorectal cancer (CRC) control program: (1) as a primary CRC screening test; (2) as a test prompted by the positive result of another primary CRC screening test, including a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or sigmoidoscopy; or (3) for surveillance of persons who are at increased risk for CRC.(1-3) Colonoscopy is also an important tool to evaluate patients with symptoms and signs that may indicate CRC or other intestinal conditions.