Minority, Patient and Provider Groups Call on Congress to Pass Medicare Virtual Colonoscopy Coverage

Washington, DC — The National Medical Association has joined colorectal cancer care advocacy groups and the American College of Radiology (ACR) in calling on Congress to pass the CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act (H.R. 4632). Introduced in the House by Reps. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Danny Davis (D-IL), H.R. 4632 would provide Medicare coverage for seniors who choose to be screened with a virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography). This would remove a financial barrier to care now widely covered by private insurance. “Early screening for colorectal cancer saves lives. Unfortunately, too many Americans fail to get screened because they feel current procedures are too invasive, or can’t for medical reasons. By covering an additional method of screening, Medicare can give seniors and physicians another tool for preventive and lifesaving care,” said Rep. Wenstrup."Colorectal cancer is largely preventable thanks to effective screening tools. Ensuring access to proven screening exams through Medicare is especially important for America’s vulnerable populations,” noted Rep. Davis. Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are lower and CRC incidence and death rates higher among African-Americans. Virtual colonoscopy is an American Cancer Society-recommended screening exam that has been shown in studies in the United States and abroad to increase screening rates where offered. Less invasive than optical colonoscopy, it does not require s...
Source: American College of Radiology - Category: Radiology Source Type: news