Colonoscopy Utilization in Rural Areas By General Surgeons: An Analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey

ConclusionGeneral surgeons are fulfilling the need for colonoscopy in rural areas. Improvements to current colonoscopy training guidelines are imperative, especially for physicians who practice in rural areas.SummaryColonoscopies are the most sensitive and specific screening method for colorectal cancer, yet there is a deficit in screening in the United States that disproportionately affects patients in rural communities. Studies show that much of rural general surgery practice consists of endoscopic procedures. Using data recorded by the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), we found that rural general surgeons perform more colonoscopies than other rural providers, and a greater percentage of annual rural procedures than urban general surgeons. We conclude that general surgeons are filling the unmet need for colonoscopies in rural communities, therefore it is important to ensure surgery programs adequately train residents to confidently perform these procedures.
Source: The American Journal of Surgery - Category: Surgery Source Type: research