The inequity in emergency room utilization prior to colorectal cancer diagnosis and the opportunity to improve access to colorectal cancer screening.

Abstract

79 Background: The opportunity for early detection of colorectal cancer via screening is not fully realized. Previous efforts to maximize use of screening had targeted patients and primary care providers. Other wildly used healthcare settings may be suitable targets for intervention. We explored emergency room (ER) utilization in patients with colorectal cancer prior to their diagnosis using the linkage between California Cancer Registry (CCR) and OSHPD (Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development). Methods: Patients with diagnosis of colorectal cancer 2010-2015 were identified in the CCR and their records were linked with OSHPD (2009 – 2016) to assess ER utilization. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of ER utilization (all and nay reason for ER visit) prior to the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Results: A total of 66,451 colorectal cancer patients were identified, of which 57,876 (87%) were linked with OSHPD data. Among the linked population, 41% (23,890) had at least one ER visit prior to their diagnosis of colon cancer. Of the 23,890 with ER visit, 14% had 3 or more ER visits. The median number of days from first ER visit to diagnosis was 539 days (range: 2551 – 1). A total of 14,372 patients (25%) had an ER visit within one year of their colorectal cancer diagnosis. The median age of patients who had ER visits was younger than those who didn’t have an ER visit, 66 vs. 68 years. There was no difference in the number of ER visits between patients 50 and younger and those older than 50 years. There was no significant difference in the stage at presentation between those with prior ER visit and those without. Patients in high socioeconomic status were less likely to have an ER visit prior to colorectal cancer diagnosis (44%) compared to those with low SES status (36%). Patients with private insurance had a significantly lower likelihood of ER visits compared to those with federal and state funded insurance. Conclusions: A significant percentage of patients with colorectal cancer had ER visit prior to their diagnosis, many within one year of their diagnosis. Inequity in access to care, measured via poor SES and insurance type, was associated with higher chance of ER visit among colorectal cancer patients. Emergency room may be a targetable opportunity to remind and coordinate screening for colorectal cancer.