Defining an episode of care for colonoscopy: work of the High Value Health Care Project characterizing episodes and costs of care

Abstract

Working with a group of key stakeholders, the authors developed an episode-based resource use measure focused on the use of colonoscopy. This measure is intended to identify differences in health care resource use in a short time frame surrounding the colonoscopy. The ultimate intent in the development of this measure was to pair it with a measure of quality so that both the cost and quality of care can be evaluated together. In initial testing, the authors found the use of general anesthesia with colonoscopy to be associated with higher episode costs. Eventually, when paired with quality measures, it is hoped this measure will provide actionable information for health care payers and providers to more efficiently provide colonoscopy services without compromising quality.