A matter of convenience, money

SAINT ANTHONY – Many people have postponed all kinds of medical tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. And while all medical testing is important, colon cancer screening requires you to consider how to do it.

A wrong choice can add pain to your pocket or even force you to miss the diagnosis.

The choice between tests is wide, but some gastroenterologists want to make sure they are enrolling both medically and economically. As we mark the month of colon cancer awareness, you may be reminded that it’s time to make that choice.

The selection test, Cologuard, is popular for several reasons. Cologuard is a relatively inexpensive home screening test that looks for DNA and blood abnormalities that indicate potential cancer growth. It does not require prior treatment of a colonoscopy, i.e. there are no nasty things of Koolaid taste that drown to cleanse the colon or fast the day before.

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The problem is, if you really need precision, it’s not the best option.

Dr. Peresh Mehta, of San Antonio Gastroenterology Consultants, wants to make sure people with a family history of colon cancer or gastrointestinal complications know the limitations.

“This test is about 70% good for finding cancer, but only about 20% is good for finding large polyps, which are usually precancerous, and are the ones you really want to get out with a colonoscopy.” Mehta said.

In contrast, a complete colonoscopy has 95% accuracy in 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 may also need a colonoscopy. This is where the financial question arises. Many insurance companies will only cover the first screening.

“They just say,‘ You have a screening, a mammogram, a pap smear, 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 at medium risk for colorectal cancer and who do not have problems such as IBD or a family history of colorectal cancer.

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

According to the Cologuard website, more than 95% of patients nationwide do not pay out-of-pocket expenses, according to eligible patients aged 50 to 75 who have an average risk of colon cancer and no symptoms. Cologuard is covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage with no copayment or deductible for eligible patients ages 50 to 85.

The website recommends that patients know the insurance requirements in case they have a positive result for colon cancer.