A matter of convenience, money

SAN ANTONIO – Many people postponed all sorts of medical screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic. And while all medical tests are important, colon cancer screening requires you to be careful about how you do it.

The wrong choice could add pain to your pocket or even force you to miss a diagnosis.

The choice between tests is wide, but some gastroenterologists want to make sure you know what you are enrolling in both medically and financially. As we mark Colon Cancer Awareness Month, you may be reminded that it’s time to make that choice.

The screening test, Cologuard, is popular for several reasons. Cologuard is a relatively inexpensive home screening test that checks for DNA and blood abnormalities that would indicate a potential increase in cancer. It does not require the prior treatment of a colonoscopy, which means that there are no ugly things with a Koolaid taste to stifle to cleanse your colon or to fast the day before.

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The problem is, if you really need accuracy, it’s not the best choice.

Dr. Peresh Mehta, of gastroenterology consultants in San Antonio, wants to make sure people with a family history of colon cancer or gastrointestinal complications know the limits.

“This test is about 70% good at finding cancer, but it’s about 20% good at finding large polyps, which are the ones that are usually precancerous, and those are the ones that you really want to get out with a colonoscopy. “Mehta said.

Instead, a complete colonoscopy is 95% accurate at locating large polyps, which can be biopsied and sent to a laboratory for complete analysis.

If a Cologuard test indicates the presence of polyps, you will probably need a colonoscopy now. That’s where the financial problem comes in. Many insurance companies will only cover the first examination.

“I’m just saying, ‘You have a screening, a mammogram, a pap test, a colon screening, so if you use it, good luck. Now you have to pay, ”Mehta said.

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Cologuard is also for people who have a medium risk of colorectal cancer and who do not have problems such as IBD or a family history of colorectal cancer.

“The best thing to do is colonoscopy. There is no doubt. No one questions that when done correctly. You are very protected, as good as you can be protected against any cancer “, said Mehta.

According to the Cologuard website, more than 95% of patients nationwide do not pay out-of-pocket expenses based on eligible patients between the ages of 50 and 75 who have an average risk of colon cancer and no symptoms. . Cologuard is covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage without a copayment or deductible for eligible patients between the ages of 50 and 85.

The website recommends that patients find out the insurance requirements in case of a positive result for colon cancer.