Breast and Colorectal Cancer Screenings Are Key Quality Measures

Breast and colorectal cancer screenings are among the most important preventive services providers can offer eligible patients. These screenings help detect cancer early — often before symptoms appear — when treatment may be more effective and outcomes may be improved.

They are also key quality measures within EmblemHealth’s 2026 Quality Incentive Programs (QIP) for both state-sponsored programs and Medicare populations.

Quality incentive opportunity

Potential incentive payments range from:

• State-sponsored programs: $25 – $100 per eligible member
• Medicare: $50 – $150 per eligible member

These measures represent meaningful opportunities to improve patient outcomes while supporting practice quality performance and incentive goals.

How you can help

Providers play a critical role in closing screening gaps. Consider:

• Reviewing care gaps before patient visits.
• Recommending breast cancer screening beginning at age 40 and colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for eligible patients, and referring patients for recommended screenings.
• Reinforcing the importance of completing at-home colorectal screening kits when appropriate.
• Encouraging patients to schedule preventive screenings before leaving the office.

Every completed screening helps improve preventive care, close care gaps, and move quality performance measures closer to target.

For additional information on measure specifications and incentive opportunities, please refer to the 2026 Quality Incentive Program materials or contact your quality engagement strategist at quality_providerengagement@emblemhealth.com.