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Physician group sets colonography standards.

Article Excerpt
A major gastroenterology association has outlined new standards for gastroenterologists who review computed tomography (CT) colonography results. The guidelines reflect the growing importance of CT colonography as a noninvasive alternative to conventional colonoscopy.

The efficacy of CT colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is subject to debate, with many insurance payers recommending that the test be indicated only for patients who have had a failed optical colonoscopy or who have a mass obstructing the colon when examination of the entire colon is required prior to surgery. Nonetheless, researchers say the test may be considered for patients unwilling to undergo other colorectal screening tests.

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute recently issued minimum standards for gastroenterologist performance of the test. In issuing the standards, the AGA noted that there is a critical need to increase overall colorectal screening rates.

The AGA recommends that physicians undergo formal training, including interpretation of a minimum of 75 endoscopically confirmed cases, to ensure competence. The AGA task force recommends that, after formal training, gastroenterologists participate in a mentored CT colonography preceptorship, with the candidate physically present and involved in the interpretation...