A matter of convenience, money

SAN ANTONIO Many people postponed all kinds of medical examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although all medical tests are important, it is important that you think carefully about the way you do them to investigate colon cancer.

The wrong choice can add pain in the pocketbook, or even force you to miss a diagnosis.

The choice between tests is huge, but some gastroenterologists want to make sure you know medically as well as financially. As we mark the month for colon cancer awareness, you may be reminded that it’s time to make the choice.

The selection test, Cologuard, is popular for several reasons. Cologuard is a relatively inexpensive screening test that investigates at home and investigates DNA and blood disorders that indicate possible growth of cancer. It does not require the pre-treatment of a colonoscopy, which means there are no nasty Koolaid tastings to choke off to clear the colon or 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 San Antonio Gastroenterology Consultants, wants to make sure people with a family history of colon cancer or gastrointestinal complications know the limitations.

“The test is about 70% good at detecting cancer, but it’s only about 20% good at finding the large polyps. These are the ones that are usually cancerous, and these are the ones you really want to get out with a colonoscopy. , “Mehta said.

In contrast, a complete colonoscopy is 95% accurate to detect large polyps, which can be biopsy and sent to a laboratory for complete analysis.

If a Cologuard test does indicate the presence of polyps, you will probably need a colonoscopy as well. This is where the financial issue comes into play. Many insurance companies will only cover the first selection.

“They just say, ‘You have one screening, one mammogram, one pap smear, one colon screening, so if you use it, you’ll be very lucky. Now you have to pay, ” Mehta said.

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Cologuard is also for people with an average risk for colorectal cancer, and does not have problems like IBD or a family history of colorectal cancer.

‘The best thing to do is colonoscopy. There is no doubt. No one doubts it if it is right. “You are very protected, about as good as you can be protected against cancer,” Mehta said.

According to Cologuard’s website, more than 95% of patients nationwide pay no out-of-pocket expenses, based on eligible patients aged 50-75 who have an average risk of colon cancer and no symptoms. Cologuard is covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage, without any refund or deductible for patients aged 50 to 85 years.

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