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Press Release: 2011

Orangeburg Physician Focuses on Prevention: Colon Cancer Screenings on the Rise

In the United States, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women combined, according to the American Cancer Society.  More than 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older than 50.  Yet despite these frightening statistics, many individuals over 50 ignore the advice of physicians and never get a colonoscopy. Several years ago, this dangerous trend was becoming too familiar for one Orangeburg physician. 

With only 40 percent of his patients receiving recommended colonoscopies, Dr. Monnie Singleton decided to change the way he was practicing medicine. Dr. Singleton developed a program with a simple goal: increase the number of patients receiving preventive colonoscopy screenings.
 
“Colonoscopies are a safe, easy and effective way to screen for colon cancer,” said Dr. Singleton, president and CEO of Rural Health Management, LLC. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about the procedure, and these fears often keep people from getting a colonoscopy. I had to find a way to increase my patients’ comfort level before they would follow through with the screening.”

Instead of sending his patients to a gastroenterologist, Dr. Singleton began offering colonoscopies through his office. The result was a sharp increase in the number of patients getting colonoscopies. Dr. Singleton started performing colonoscopies 10 years ago, and today, 85 percent of his patients get their recommended colonoscopies. 

Of the 85 percent who are screened, 75 percent have polyps removed. Fifty percent of the polyps Dr. Singleton removes are pre-malignant. By removing the polyps, Dr. Singleton is able to reduce the likelihood of his patients developing colon cancer.

“I work very hard to build trust with my patients,” said Dr. Singleton. “I am willing to answer questions and have an open conversation about medical procedures. My patients know their health is my priority.”

Marjorie Cone used trust and experience to guide her decision to visit Dr. Singleton after experiencing severe stomach problems. Based on her symptoms, Dr. Singleton recommended a colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of colon cancer. “Dr. Singleton explained the entire procedure to me, provided literature and answered all of my questions,” said Marjorie, a member of First Choice. “He even talked to me while I was prepped for the procedure to calm my nerves.”

Marjorie had several polyps removed during her colonoscopy. Her results were normal, and she was able to rest assured knowing her stomach pain was not the result of colon cancer.

“The procedure gave me great peace of mind,” said Marjorie. “I will not think twice about having my next colonoscopy. And I have encouraged my family and friends to schedule their colonoscopies as well.”

ABOUT SELECT HEALTH
Incorporated in 1995, Select Health was licensed as a Health Maintenance Organization by the South Carolina Department of Insurance in 1996. Later that year, the company contracted with the Department of Health and Human Services to offer First Choice, the state’s first Medicaid health plan. Select Health operates South Carolina’s largest Medicaid health plan and is a wholly owned subsidiary of AmeriHealth Mercy. The AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies touches the lives of more than 7 million members nationwide. Select Health has more than 220 dedicated associates working throughout South Carolina. For more information, visit www.selecthealthofsc.com.