It’s a fact that getting screening colonoscopies starting at age 45 reduces the risk of colon cancer by 89%.
The good news is most insurance carriers will fully cover the cost for a screening colonoscopy, which is still the gold standard for colon cancer detection and prevention.*
Your colonoscopy is very likely to be fully covered by your insurance, so there’s no reason to wait to get screened! Visit us online to request your screening appointment today.
In some cases, depending on the type of colonoscopy, patients must pay part of the cost.
Preventative/Screening Colonoscopy – if you are at average risk for colon cancer
What is it?
- A routine screening that is done starting at age 45 and then every 10 years.
- Recommended for patients with no past or present GI symptoms, and no personal or family history of colon polyps and/or colon cancer.
What does insurance cover?
- For patients with no symptoms and no previous history of polyps, insurance typically covers 100% of preventative colonoscopies.
- Some Medicare plans may convert the procedure from screening to a diagnostic colonoscopy if polyps are removed. In this case, you would be responsible for deductible, co-insurance and co-pays. Please check with your insurance plan to see if this applies to you.
Diagnostic/Surveillance Colonoscopy – if you are at higher-risk for colon cancer
What is it?
- Diagnostic colonoscopy is recommended for patients who have GI symptoms (rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhea).
- Surveillance colonoscopy is recommended for patients who have past and/or present polyps or GI disease (i.e., IBD) or have significant personal or family history of colon polyps and/or colon cancer.
- Your doctor will recommend a repeat screening timeline depending on your situation.
What does insurance cover?
- Insurance will not cover the full cost. You will need to pay deductible, co-insurance and copays.
What You Can Do
Because each situation is different, we strongly encourage all patients to check with your insurance carrier about your coverage before your procedure. This can help you avoid surprise costs. Click here to see what you can expect when it comes to paying for your colonoscopy.
Resources
- Colonoscopy: 91 to 100% accurate detection of advanced precancerous polyps (Source)
- Cologuard®: 42% accurate detection (Source)
- FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test): 23.8% accurate detection (Source)
- Blood test: 13% accurate detection (Source)
March is Colon cancer Awareness Month!
Click here to check out our teams celebrating Dress in Blue Day for Colon Cancer Awareness!