Provider Claim Systems

“The Power of Partnerships”

By Lori Wink

The Iowa Get Screened (IGS) Colorectal Cancer Program is truly a measure of how individuals working together in a collaborative partnership can accomplish great things. 

This partnership was formed when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCC) in 2009. The CDC funded twenty-two states and tribes across the United States to establish a colorectal program in their areas through strong partnerships sharing a common vision.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) teamed up with Community Health Centers (CHC), local Care for Yourself programs, and other existing colorectal programs, to design and implement a comprehensive colorectal program. Targeted areas included counties and cities with a greater incidence, higher than expected mortality, or later stage diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the primary focus of the IGS is to increase the reported colorectal screening rate within the state of Iowa from 64% to 80% by the end of 2014. Specific goals include:

·    Provide direct screening services to populations at need

·    Increase colorectal rates through awareness among ages 50 and older

·    Enable policy and system changes to increase screening rates.

To ensure success of this new project, IDPH entered into agreements with several key organizations, such as Provider Claim Systems, to build a foundation of experienced partners.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides older women, women with low incomes, and women of racial and ethnic minorities access to critical cancer screening services.

  In 1991, the Care for Yourself Iowa Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program was established as part of this national program. Local programs throughout Iowa contract with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to enroll women and provide case management services for eligible Care for Yourself women.

Since screening began in 1995, the IDPH reports providing breast and cervical cancer screening services to over 35,000 women in Iowa.

Women in Iowa aged 50 to 64 years must meet income guidelines to be eligible for services. Women of other ages with breast issues may also be eligible for services. Enrollees receive mammograms, clinical breast exams,  Pap tests, and related diagnostic services at low or no cost. Care for Yourself women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer may also be eligible for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act provided through Medicaid. Enrolled Treatment Act recipients are eligible for full Medicaid benefits, including payment for cancer treatment services.