Washington (Nov.11, 2015) – Medicare coverage for virtual colonoscopy (known as CT colonography) can lower costs, increase colorectal cancer screening rates and save thousands more lives each year. A number of colorectal cancer care advocacy groups, representing millions of Americans, and the American College of Radiology (ACR) urge Congress to pass the CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act (S. 2262). The legislation would provide Medicare coverage for seniors who choose these screening exams and remove a financial barrier to care widely covered by private insurance.
“A third of those who should be screened for colorectal cancer can’t have or won’t get a colonoscopy. CT colonography increases screening rates where offered. Medicare coverage would provide seniors with insured access to an exam that may appeal to them. This would jump-start screening, catch more cancers early and saves more lives,” said Eric Hargis, Chief
Executive Officer, Colon Cancer Alliance.
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CT colonography (CTC) has long been an American Cancer Society-recommended screening test. A recent major study shows that screening Medicare patients with CT colonography would cost 29 percent less than with optical colonoscopy and save up to $1.7 billion per screening cycle. CIGNA, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and other major insurers cover screening virtual colonoscopy. More than 20 states require insurers to cover these exams. Yet, Medicare does not cover beneficiaries for CT colonography.
“Medicare coverage for virtual colonoscopy would provide access to a proven test that more seniors may use. This is vital. Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that we can often prevent. Detecting precancerous polyps can stop them from becoming cancer. This saves lives,” said Carolyn R. (“Bo”) Aldigé, President and founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Anne Carlson, Executive Director of the Colon Cancer Coalition echoes this, “In order to increase screening rates amongst seniors, Medicare must cover virtual colonoscopy. Not only will coverage of these exams increase screening rates, but it would save money and lives.”
Virtual colonoscopy has been proven comparably accurate to colonoscopy in most people — including those ages 65 and older. Virtual colonoscopy is less invasive than optical colonoscopy and does not require sedation. Patients can go back to daily activities. President Obama chose a virtual colonoscopy in his first checkup as Commander-in-Chief.
