Ebner, Derek

Objectives: To describe member adherence to a mail-based, health insurer-sponsored gap closure program for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA; Cologuard ® ) tests. Methods: Combined patient data from Exact Sciences Laboratories LLC and data from mass-mailed mt-sDNA orders placed by a large Medicare Advantage Insurance Plan were analyzed (03/01/2023-06/30/2023). Adherence and time to test return were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Their association with patient characteristics was evaluated using multivariable regression. Results: Among the 3201 member-patients included (86.6% aged 65-75 years; 58.7% female), adherence rate was 49.4%, and mean time to test return was 25.5 days. After multivariable adjustment, the odds of test return were significantly higher among 65- to 75-year-olds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59 relative to 45- to 64-year-olds), those living in small towns (OR = 1.43 relative to metropolitan-located individuals), and with digital outreach via both SMS and email (OR = 4.31 relative to no digital outreach). Time to test return was shorter in 65- to 75-year-olds than in 45- to 64-year-olds and was not associated with other patient characteristics. Conclusions: Mass-mailed mt-sDNA tests for CRC screening were associated with an overall adherence rate of about 50% in this Medicare Advantage population, with higher likelihood of test return among patients receiving digital outreach.

A 61-year-old man presented to the emergency department in the summer with a right seventh cranial nerve lower motor neuron palsy and worsening paraesthesias for 6 weeks. He had debilitating pain at the scalp and spine. Prior work up was unrevealing. The patient resided in the upper Midwest region of the USA and worked outdoors, optimising the landscape for white tailed deer. Repeat cerebrospinal fluid testing revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis and positive IgM Lyme serology. Brain MRI demonstrated enhancement of multiple cranial nerves bilaterally. He was diagnosed with early Lyme neuroborreliosis and treated with 28 days of intravenous ceftriaxone. While the painful meningoradiculitis, also known as Bannwarth syndrome, is more commonly seen in Europe, facial palsy is more frequently encountered in the USA. Clinical manifestations of neuroborreliosis are important to recognise as the classic presentation varies by geography and on occasion repeat serological testing may be necessary.