We’ve been working to improve access to and education on colorectal cancer screening, but we need your help. As physicians, you are the advocates the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) need to hear from and your voice makes a difference.
At this time, Medicare is the only insurer that is not required to cover the full costs of the follow-up colonoscopy. We continue to work to change this.
Last week, AGA President Dr. John Carethers and former President Dr. David Lieberman met with CMS along with the American Cancer Society and Fight Colorectal Cancer to stress the need for CMS to cover follow-up colonoscopies following a positive non-invasive screening test for Medicare beneficiaries.
We also released eight evidence-based principles in Gastroenterology affirming our position that the full cost of screening – including non-invasive tests and follow-up colonoscopies – should be covered and called for the creation of a national colorectal cancer screening approach.
Additionally, we updated our resources for providers and patients. The newest CRC screening coding guide for physicians provides information about how to unlock free screenings and eliminate surprise bills for patients. Separately, this patient resource shares what individuals can expect while paying.
It’s critical that patients have access to the full continuum of colorectal cancer screening options to increase colorectal cancer screening participation, which will save lives, but this change cannot happen without YOUR voice. Join us and add your name in urging CMS to cover follow-up colonoscopies.
