Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and a leading cause of cancer-related death, yet survival approaches 90% when detected at an early or precancerous stage, compared to 13-16% for metastatic disease. The HEDIS Colorectal Cancer Screening (COL) measure, embedded in the Medicare Advantage Part C Star Ratings program, carries one of the largest eligible denominators in the Stars program.
AAVBC's 2026 Medicare Part C Star Ratings: Colorectal Cancer Screening (COL) Quick Reference Guide equips primary care clinicians and care teams with a comprehensive, evidence-aligned reference covering HEDIS COL measure specifications, eligible population criteria (adults aged 45-75), accepted screening modalities and intervals, closed-loop care documentation standards, exclusion criteria coding, follow-up colonoscopy requirements after positive non-invasive tests, and outreach and access strategies. Grounded in NCQA, USPSTF, ACG, and ACS guideline evidence, this guide supports consistent, performance-aligned clinical decision-making, helping care teams close screening gaps, document completed screenings accurately, and coordinate follow-up with the continuity that Stars performance and patient outcomes require.
AAVBC’s Deep-Dive series offers a comprehensive, structured analysis of colorectal cancer screening — moving far beyond quick-reference essentials. These guides provide an integrated review of measurement importance and impact, clinical integrations, technical details, challenges and barriers, strategies for team coordination and quality improvement as well as regulatory and financial considerations. The Deep-Dives combine evidence-informed clinical guidance with practical operational tools to support a deeper understanding of colorectal cancer screening and provide care teams with strategies to thrive within a value-based model.
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and a leading cause of cancer-related death, yet survival approaches 90% when detected at an early or precancerous stage, compared to 13-16% for metastatic disease. The HEDIS Colorectal Cancer Screening (COL) measure, embedded in the Medicare Advantage Part C Star Ratings program, carries one of the largest eligible denominators in the Stars program.
AAVBC's 2026 Medicare Part C Star Ratings: Colorectal Cancer Screening (COL) Quick Reference Guide equips primary care clinicians and care teams with a comprehensive, evidence-aligned reference covering HEDIS COL measure specifications, eligible population criteria (adults aged 45-75), accepted screening modalities and intervals, closed-loop care documentation standards, exclusion criteria coding, follow-up colonoscopy requirements after positive non-invasive tests, and outreach and access strategies. Grounded in NCQA, USPSTF, ACG, and ACS guideline evidence, this guide supports consistent, performance-aligned clinical decision-making, helping care teams close screening gaps, document completed screenings accurately, and coordinate follow-up with the continuity that Stars performance and patient outcomes require.
AAVBC’s Deep-Dive series offers a comprehensive, structured analysis of colorectal cancer screening — moving far beyond quick-reference essentials. These guides provide an integrated review of measurement importance and impact, clinical integrations, technical details, challenges and barriers, strategies for team coordination and quality improvement as well as regulatory and financial considerations. The Deep-Dives combine evidence-informed clinical guidance with practical operational tools to support a deeper understanding of colorectal cancer screening and provide care teams with strategies to thrive within a value-based model.
