Virtual colonoscopy outcomes
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
An August BlueCross BlueShield Technology Evaluation Center tech assessment concludes that virtual colonoscopy as an alternative to colonoscopy fails to meet evidence criteria. Among reasons for the negative decision, TEC cites variable diagnostic performance across studies - ranging from sensitivities of 35% to 100% - likely due to interpreter experience and practitioner inconsistency in performing technical parts of the test. An April JAMA study by Peter Cotton, MD, Medical University of South Carolina, et al., also concluded that virtual colonoscopy is not ready for prime time (1"The Gray Sheet" April 19, 2004, p. 20)...