Blood test could cut colonoscopies by 36 per cent in Australian hospitals
A blood-based bowel cancer test could eliminate 29,400 colonoscopies yearly. Australian public hospitals would save around $72 million.
Rhythm Biosciences commissioned an independent study of its Colostat blood test. The test identifies which patients with bowel cancer symptoms actually need a colonoscopy.
Results show it could prevent 29,400 colonoscopies per year in Australian public hospitals. That's a 36 per cent reduction in the invasive procedure.
The public health system would save around $72 million annually from this reduction. Since private hospitals perform two-thirds of colonoscopies in Australia, the total savings could be far greater.
The company is now using the study to push for Medicare reimbursement.
Why it mattersFewer invasive procedures means less burden on hospitals. It would shorten wait times for urgent cases. Resources would be freed for other patients who need them.
AustraliaAustralian public hospitals could dramatically reduce wait lists for colonoscopies and redirect cost savings to other critical healthcare areas.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
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