Ameli announced in March the new authorization for state-certified nurses to conduct organized colorectal cancer screening.
Performed every two years, colorectal cancer screening relies on an immunochemical test to detect occult blood in the stool. This allows for the early detection of lesions and significantly reduces mortality from this cancer.
State-registered nurses (both self-employed and salaried) are now authorized to provide screening kits to eligible patients, just like doctors and pharmacists : https://www.ameli.fr/…/depistage-organise-du-cancer…
1) How do you train to distribute kits?
- Download the National Cancer Institute training materials by clicking here.
- Download the presentation materials for the screening KIT by clicking here.
- You can also contact your local cancer center (CRCDC): https://www.depistagecancer-na.fr/
2) How to order kits?
- Nurses with access to amelipro can obtain kits free of charge from their amelipro account. Orders are limited to two boxes of 20 kits each, for a total of 40 kits per order.
- Salaried nurses (working in particular in health establishments, ESMS, etc.) must contact their CRCDC to place an order.
3) To whom should the kit be given?
First, ensure that the patient is eligible for organized screening:
- Men and women aged 50 to 74 inclusive at average risk of developing this cancer,
- Without suggestive symptoms, personal or family history of adenoma, cancer or disease
The medical eligibility questionnaire is available in the training materials of the National Cancer Institute.
Note: You can provide a screening kit to your eligible patients, even if they have not yet received an invitation or do not have it with them.
4) How to accompany the handover of the kit?
When you receive the kit, you must:
- Explain how the test will be carried out;
- Remember that this is a simple, non-invasive examination and is 100% covered;
- Check the expiry date of the kit (because an expired test will not be analyzed).
When you see your patient again after the kit has been delivered, you can check that the test has been carried out or, if not, remind them of the importance of getting tested.
Note: Remember to indicate the kit delivery in the DMP, to inform the attending physician.
A printable instruction manual can be downloaded from this link: https://www.ameli.fr/sites/default/files/Documents/meme-kit-depistage-cancer-colorectal-mode-emploi-2023_institut-national-cancer_assurance-maladie.pdf
5) How is this new prevention mission remunerated?
Remuneration and billing arrangements will be communicated to you following the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with the unions of self-employed nurses.
Key points to remember
Consult the National Cancer Institute's training program
Print the instructions for use Patient
If anything is unclear or you need more information, contact your CPTS coordinator or via our Whatsapp group for healthcare professionals in the area.
