Two New Reports from Catalyst for Payment Reform (CPR)

CPR’s latest reports examine patient experiences in maternity care and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, identifying practical strategies that employers, health plans, providers, and community organizations can use to reduce barriers, improve access, and support more consistent care across patient groups.

Over a 12-month period, CPR conducted an in-depth review of patient experiences and convened a cross-sector group of stakeholders and experts—including purchasers, benefits consultants, policy specialists, consumer advocates, and clinicians—to gather insights from a broad range of perspectives.

The reports examine:

• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Identifying gaps in CRC screening rates among underserved groups.
• Pregnancy and Delivery: Understanding variations in Cesarean section rates across different patient populations.

Strategies to Address Disparities in Cesarean Section Rates

This report reviews the factors contributing to differences in Cesarean section rates between Black and White women—including clinical risk, access to supportive care, and systemic influences on decision-making—and outlines actionable steps for improving the maternity care experience and outcomes.

Key Insights

• Maternal outcomes vary across patient groups, with differences in both C-section rates and complications.
• Supportive care resources such as doulas, midwives, and birth centers improve outcomes but remain unevenly available.
• Whole-person support and clear communication throughout pregnancy strengthen patient confidence and safety.

Key Recommended Strategies

• Expand supportive care benefits: Add or enhance doula benefits, allow people to use their FSA to pay for these services, and increase access to midwives and birth centers.
• Support whole-person health: Include remote monitoring tools and benefits addressing nutrition or chronic conditions.
• Improve information access: Provide clear maternity-benefit guidance and easy-to-navigate provider directories to help patients find a provider that meets their needs.
• Use data to monitor variation: Review C-section rates across populations and facilities and incorporate findings into health plan oversight.
• Equip patients with information: Offer question checklists and decision-support tools.

Strategies to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)

This report examines obstacles to CRC screening in BIPOC communities—such as cost concerns, transportation, language barriers, and limited trust in the system—and highlights approaches that improve screening participation and timely follow-up care.

Key Insights

• CRC screening guidelines now start at age 45, with earlier screening for those with a family history.
• Screening rates vary across patient groups due to differences in access, financial concerns, cultural stigma, and prior experiences.
• Evidence-based interventions such as mailed FIT kits, navigation support, and multiple test options improve screening rates.

Key Recommended Strategies

• Enhance preventive coverage: Reduce cost-sharing for high-risk patients under the age of 45, diagnostic procedures, and follow up colonoscopies, cover multiple test types, and ensure polyp removal doesn’t generate surprise bills.
• Expand low-barrier options: Offer mailed or onsite FIT kits, and transportation services for individuals post-colonoscopy procedures where allowed.
• Use data for accountability: Include CRC screening measures in contracts between health plans and providers and possibly include financial incentives in performance reviews.
• Strengthen communication: Provide clear, multilingual and culturally appropriate guidance on screening steps, billing, and follow-up.
• Improve follow-up care: Track positive FIT results, support navigation, and partner with community clinics.

Move From Barriers to Better Outcomes

CPR urges stakeholders across the health care ecosystem to integrate these strategies into their ongoing work to improve colorectal cancer screening rates, maternity care experiences, and overall patient outcomes.

Download the full reports to explore tools, templates, and next steps.