COLON CANCER SCREENING

Colon Cancer Screening Recommendations:

Colon cancer screening is recommended for people age 50 or older as part of good preventative care. The federal government has set the current screening standard and covers routine colonoscopy for all Medicare recipients. Some insurance companies do not consider this procedure “medically necessary” and will not cover it without a symptom.

Medicare eligibility criteria for colonoscopy as a screening test defines average-risk (colonoscopy every 10 years) as not having had a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy or barium enema within the last 4 years or a screening colonoscopy within the last 10 years, and never had colorectal cancer or an adenomatous polyp. High-risk (colonoscopy every 2 years or as determined by the original endoscopic findings) is defined as family history of colon cancer in a sibling, parent, or child, and/or personal history of adenomatous colon polyp or colon cancer.

It is no longer considered a screening colonoscopy if you are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms which may include rectal bleeding, change in bowels, bloating, or rectal pain. If you have any of the above symptoms, further evaluation is needed. You can contact our office to make an appointment or discuss with your primary care provider.

How To Schedule A Colonoscopy:

Discuss colonoscopy with your primary care provider.  We will be happy to facilitate scheduling your procedure, when you are ready.  If you do not have a primary care provider and wish to discuss this further, please contact our office closest to you to schedule an office appointment.  Coverage for screening colonoscopy for non-Medicare insurance plans vary according to your individual policy.  You will need to contact your insurance carrier, to verify coverage for preventative services.  As a courtesy to our patients, our Benefits Coordinator is available to assist you.