Rising CRC and ASC impact — 5 fast facts
- Younger surge: Early-onset CRC climbing; USPSTF age-45 shift is driving double-digit growth in 45–49 screening demand.
- Volume jump: Screenings +62% and colonoscopies +43% (2019–2023); GI now 28.3% of Medicare ASC volume.
- Margin squeeze: GI reimbursement fell 33% inflation-adjusted since 2007; colonoscopy/biopsy –38%.
- Capacity crunch: GI MD shortages + anesthesia/recovery bottlenecks constrain throughput.
Gaps persist: ~40% of adults ≥45 still unscreened; disparities by race, insurance, geography; 79% unaware of age-45 guideline.