Cost And Insurance Coverage
On paper, there is an enormous difference in the cost of Cologuard versus the cost of colonoscopy. In the United States, the Cologuard kit is roughly $500, while the average cost of a colonoscopy is around $2,125.
Even so, your actual out-of-pocket costs may be the same. This is because both screening tests fall under the list of Essential Health Benefits prescribed by the Affordable Care Act .
EHBs are specific tests and procedures that under provisions of the ACA must be covered by health insurers in the United States, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.
This doesnt mean that there will be no out-of-pocket expenses for provider visits and other care-related costs. But studies have shown that the average out-of-pocket costs for colonoscopy are only around $79.
-
Can be performed in the privacy of your own home
-
Involves a stool sample that is shipped to a lab
-
A high rate of accuracy in detecting cancerous tumors but not precancerous polyps
-
Recommended for adults at average risk of colon cancer
-
Recommended every one to three years starting from age 45
-
Would require a colonoscopy if a positive result is returned
-
Costs around $500
Dont Miss: How To Get Rid Of Old Hemorrhoids
What Does The Test Measure
At-home colorectal cancer tests detect blood that may be due to the presence of polyps in the colon or rectum. Each type of at-home test involves self-collecting a stool sample and testing as described in the following sections.
Fecal occult blood test
A fecal occult blood test measures whether there are microscopic traces of hemoglobin in the stool. Hemoglobin is a protein found in blood.
This test works by applying a small amount of stool to a test card that includes a chemical called guaiac. When analyzed in the laboratory, the guaiac changes color if the stool contains hemoglobin. For this reason, the test may also be called a guaiac FOBT or gFOBT.
In most cases, an FOBT includes three test cards that are meant to be used with three consecutive bowel movements. Depending on the test manufacturer, an FOBT may require temporary dietary changes before testing, such as avoiding red meat or high doses of vitamin C, to improve accuracy of the test measurement.
Fecal immunochemical test
A fecal immunochemical test can detect blood in the stool by measuring the presence of antibodies to the hemoglobin, a protein that is found in blood. FIT is considered to be better at detecting blood than FOBT. FIT is performed on a sample from one bowel movement and does not require any changes to diet before the test.
FIT-DNA test
A FIT-DNA test, also known as a multitarget stool DNA test, includes two measurements:
How To Use Cologuard
You will need a prescription from your healthcare provider to get a Cologuard kit. The kit with then be shipped directly to your home and includes a larger collection container, a smaller specimen tube, a bottle of preserving liquid, labels, and instructions.
If you have any questions about how to use it, you can speak with your healthcare provider or call Cologuard Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870.
There are a few things you should know before performing the test:
- You should complete the test before the expiration date on the kit.
- Try not to get urine on the sample. Empty your bladder before having a bowel movement.
- Collect the sample when you know you can return it within one day.
To collect a stool sample:
You May Like: How Do You Fix Bleeding Hemorrhoids
How Do I Prepare For My Screening Procedure
Prior to a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, there are some steps you must take to prepare. Your doctor will provide you with specific preparation instructions, which may be similar to the following:
The day before your procedure, you may need to limit drinks to clear liquids. You may also be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your test.
You will need to empty your colon before your test so that your doctor can see clearly into your colon. To do this, you may have to take a laxative or use an enema kit.
Your doctor may have you adjust your medication dosages or temporarily stop taking certain medications for your test.
Colon Cancer Screening Saves Lives
Approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States and nearly 50,000 people die from the disease. It has been estimated that increased awareness and screening would save at least 30,000 lives each year. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and can be detected by testing even before there are symptoms. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy encourages everyone over 50, or those under 50 with a family history or other risk factors, to be screened for colorectal cancer.
Read Also: Foods That Help With Hemorrhoids
How Do I Take A Fecal Occult Blood Test
There are different kinds of these tests. You can buy some kits at the pharmacy. Or your doctor may give you a home test kit at one of your appointments. They come with instructions. Most list a phone number to call if you have questions.
For some tests, you put a special pad or tissue from the kit into the toilet and tell your doctor if it changes color.
Other tests require you to collect stool samples on more than one day. You then send the samples, in a special container and envelope, directly to your doctors office for analysis with a microscope or chemicals. You should use newer âhigh sensitivityâ versions of these tests.
You May Like: Can You Use Vagisil For Hemorrhoids
Here Is A Small Sample Of What Youll Learn When You Download Your Copy Of The Hemorrhoid No More System Today: Can You Use Cologuard If You Have An Internal Hemorrhoid
The proven 5-step multi-dimensional Hemorrhoid No More Anti- Hemorrhoids Success System that has helped thousands of men and women to end the pain, bleeding and discomfort sometimes within days and eliminate all types of Hemorrhoids completely within 8 weeks
Discover EVERYTHING you need to know about Hemorrhoids, EXACTLY what causes your hemorrhoids and their related symptoms
The top eight best anti-Hemorrhoids foods you should eat all the time
The top ten worst foods you should never eat when you have Hemorrhoids
The shocking truth about conventional Hemorrhoids treatments and hemorrhoids surgeries and the medication trap. Discover Why Most Lotions, Ointments and Suppositories Dont Work and how you can finally free yourself and use the natural approach forever
If Youre Increasing Fiber and Water Inatke With No Results, Tty This Amazing Technique Instead
Discover Exactly What To Do If Your Hemorrhoid has Thombrosed Or If Your Hemorrhoid is Internal. This Secret Technique has Worked For Thousands of Sufferers Worldwide
Read Also: Why Won’t My Hemorrhoids Go Away
Will Cologuard Detect Polyps
Yes. A Cologuard can detect the presence of polyps in your colon through your stool. If your result indicates the presence of abnormal DNA or hemoglobin, it means there are suspected precancerous polyps in your colon. If precancerous polyps are present in your colon, the result of your Cologuard test will be positive.
What Causes Blood To Appear In Poop
Blood may show up in your poop because of one or more of the following conditions:
Gastrointestinal bleeding may be microscopic, so you canât see it. Or you may easily see it as red blood, or black tar-like bowel movements.
Read Also: What To Do When Hemorrhoids Hurt
Don’t Miss: Can Hemorrhoids Cause Hip Pain
Following Colorectal Cancer Screening
Following your colorectal cancer screening test, you will be taken to a recovery room. Your doctor will then speak with you regarding the results of your test. You may feel bloated or pass more gas than usual for a while after the exam, which is normal. You will need someone to drive you home following your test. There is no downtime required unless specified by your doctor, so you can return to normal activities as soon as you would like.
How The Test Is Performed
The Cologuard testing kit for colon and rectal cancer must ordered by your health care provider. It will be sent by mail to your address. You collect the sample at home and send it back to the lab for testing.
The Cologuard testing kit will contain a sample container, a tube, preserving liquid, labels and instructions on how to collect the sample. When you are ready to have a bowel movement, use the Cologuard testing kit to collect your stool sample.
Read the instructions that come with the testing kit carefully. Wait until you are ready to have a bowel movement. Collect the sample only when it is possible to ship it within 24 hours. The sample must reach the lab in 72 hours .
DO NOT collect the sample if:
- You have diarrhea.
- You have rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids.
Follow these steps to collect the sample:
The results of the test will be sent to your provider in two weeks.
You May Like: Treatment Of Hemorrhoids In Females
Does Cologuard Return False Positives
Yes, there are instances in which Cologuard tests return false positives. According to a study on the FDAs website , 13% of patients received a positive result on their Cologuard test, even though they did not have colon cancer or polyps.
On the flipside, 8% patients showed negative results, even though there were cancer or polyps present in their colon. So while its not very common to receive a false positive on a Cologuard test, it is possible. False negatives are possible, too.
Can A Colonoscopy Detect Ibs
No, a colonoscopy cant detect IBS, a condition also known as irritable bowel syndrome. You may wonder why a colonoscopy cant detect IBS when it can diagnose the IBD conditions we outlined earlier.
IBS is different from IBD. The biggest difference is that IBS doesnt change bowel tissue, so theres no way to identify it during a colonoscopy either visually or through a biopsy.
But since IBS is a digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, it has similar symptoms to IBD conditions. Common symptoms of IBS include abdominal cramping, changes in the appearance of your poop and how often you need to go.
So, theres a chance that your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to make sure you dont have IBD or another condition. But if its IBS, your doctor wont be able to find anything to confirm its IBS.
You May Like: Best Natural Way To Shrink Hemorrhoids
Can A Colonoscopy Distinguish Hemorrhoids From Colon Cancer
Colon polyps are growths in the lining of your colon that can be an indication you could be at risk from colon cancer. They can be quickly and easily removed during a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is one of several tests that can uncover the reason you’ve experienced rectal bleeding. The first, simplest test is a rectal examination. You can’t see the inside of your rectum easily, but a clinician can.
Other tests include an anoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy. These are minimally invasive tests that don’t require you to be sedated. A colonoscopy is a more extensive procedure and requires sedation.
If you do need a colonoscopy, your Digestive Health Associates of Texas can perform one. It’s a simple procedure which lasts about two hours. The test can remove polyps and other potentially abnormal tissue that the colonoscopy scope sees during the procedure.
Should I Use Cologuard
Cologuard is approved for use in adults 45 and over who are at average risk of colon cancer. A person at average risk has about a 4% chance of developing colon cancer.
The vast majority of colon cancers are sporadic, meaning that the genetic causes of cancer happen by chance after a person is born. By contrast, 5% of colon cancers are inherited, meaning that the cancer-related genetic mutations are passed from one generation to the next.
Having genetic mutations for cancer doesnt mean you will get cancer but greatly increases your risk.
Recommended Reading: Does Preparation H Work For External Hemorrhoids
Whats The Difference Between A Colonoscopy And Cologuard
Currently, there is a considerable amount of attention focused on Cologuard. Similar to a FIT, a Cologuard is a non-invasive and easy to complete test to detect and find cancer. A pivotal clinical study on 10,000 patients reveals that Cologuard has an improved sensitivity when it comes to finding colon cancer compared to a leading FIT.
Cologuard is also known for its advantages over a leading FIT due to a 69% sensitivity for high-grade dysplasia compared to a leading FIT with a 46% sensitivity. However, this only reveals a miss rate of 31% versus colonoscopys miss rate of only 1%. Aside from the fact that colonoscopy does a better job of finding cancer, it also does a good job of helping prevent colorectal cancer.
Studies have shown that around 60% of colorectal cancer deaths have been reduced by colonoscopy.
Abnormal growths which may be seen in the colon and rectum during a colonoscopy may be removed during the process. Therefore, a colonoscopy not only detects colorectal cancer better but also helps prevent the progression of the disease at the same time.
This proves that colonoscopy remains as the top choice in detecting cancer and is the gold standard in preventing colon cancer.
How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy
How Accurate Is The Cologuard Test
Cologuard can detect 92% of cancers but only 42% of large precancerous polyps.
Cologuard is better at detecting cancer than FIT , but the false positive rate is higher. Cologuard has a 13% false-positive rate, and that rate increases as people age.
Cologuard is less accurate than a colonoscopy at detecting polyps of any size. A colonoscopy can detect 95% of large polyps and Cologuard only 42%.
Read Also: Will Preparation H Heal Hemorrhoids
What Happens After A Colonoscopy
You will be monitored for an hour or two post-colonoscopy until the effects of the sedatives have worn off. It is normal to experience some cramping or bloating due to the air introduced into the colon during the procedure. This can be relieved quickly with the passage of gas.
Before leaving the clinic, your gastroenterologist might discuss the findings with you. If a biopsy was performed, you will likely need to wait for its results, which usually takes a few days.
It is also important to have someone drive you home and accompany you if sedation has been given prior to or during the examination. The side effects of the medication may cause nausea and drowsiness. Your reflexes and judgment may also be weakened throughout the day even if you feel alert after the procedure.
When it comes to your diet, it should be back to normal unless your doctor instructs otherwise. If polyps were removed, your doctor might restrict your activities and you might be advised to eat a special diet for a specified time period.
Do I Need A Colonoscopy For My Hemorrhoids
In most cases, you will not need a colonoscopy to diagnose, stage, or treat your hemorrhoids. However, in some cases you may need this type of screening test to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end to look at your colon and check for issues with your lower gastrointestinal tract. This allows them to see cancerous growths, polyps, and other problems.
If you experience rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids or other causes, seeing a colonoscopy doctor in Los Angeles can help you confirm your diagnosis and get the treatment you need to help you recover as quickly as possible. Usually, a colonoscopy simply rules out more serious problems, and your doctor will then offer the appropriate hemorrhoid treatment.
Read Also: What Can I Do For Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Read Also: How Long Does It Take For Hemorrhoids To Go Away
Why The Test Is Performed
The test is done to screen for colon and rectal cancer and abnormal growths in the colon or rectum.
Your provider may suggest Cologuard testing once every 3 years after age 50 years. The test is recommended if you are between ages 50 to 75 years and have an average risk of colon cancer. This means that you do not have:
- Personal history of colon polyps and colon cancer
- Family history of colon cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (
There is no risk involved in taking the sample for Cologuard test.
Screening tests carry a small risk of:
- False-positives
How Does Your Doctor Determine The Right Bowel Prep For You
Your doctor will look at your medical condition to help him/her determine the type of prep that will suit you best. This is the stage where you have to disclose any current and previous medical conditions to your doctor, including high blood pressure, history of bowel obstruction, diseases in the heart, kidney or liver as well as allergies to medications.
It is also crucial to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Other than examining your medical history, your doctor will also consider personal preferences and costs to help him/her identify the right bowel prep for you. Make sure to check with your medical insurance if they can cover your bowel prep.
Don’t Miss: What Can You Take For Hemorrhoids