Virtual Colonoscopy Is Becoming a Reality for More People

Colorectal cancer deaths are slowly declining, but shocking racial and ethnic disparities remain. According to the American Cancer Society, Latinos living in the United States are more likely to develop and die than those in Central and South American countries. African-Americans are less than 41 percent more than likely to die from colorectal cancer. Groups are also less likely to be screened, and their cancers are often found later. What can be done? A growing number of medical groups, patient advocates and members of the Congress say virtual colonoscopy - known medically as the CT colonography - can be overcome with cultural stigmas and anxiety on this screening. "CT colonography can attract those who will otherwise be not screened, allowing doctors to remove more polyps before they cancers and help People are getting this disease, "says Carolyn R.

(" Bo "), Aldigé, president and the founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The evidence is there that Virtual Colonoscopy is an American Cancer Society-recommended screening exam. Studies show that it is as accurate as standard colonoscopy in most people - including those 65 and older. Virtual colonyoscopy increases screening rates where it is offered in U.S. and abroad. Former President Obama has chosen the virtual exam. Michael Sapienza, President and CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance, says that "the jump-start screening by offering a low-invasive option to millions of screening ages that can not choose be tested find more appealing. "Unfortunately, the prep is the sameHowever, the virtual exam is standard colonoscopy than far less invasive. The CT scanner uses low-dose X-rays to make 3-D, moving images of the doctor's examination for polyps and cancer. The test does not require sedation. It's over in minutes. And you may not need someone to drive you to the test. Afterward, you can go back to daily

activities.Private insurers are starting to listenThirty-six states require that insurance policies are sold in their state cover virtual colonoscopy. The companies who take part in federal exchanges are required under the Affordable Care Act to cover the exam. CIGNA, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, AETNA and other insurers cover these tests without the ACA requirements. Challenges remain for Medicare patientsScreening those on Medicare with virtual colonoscopy can be standard colonyoscopy than almost a third less cost. However, Medicare is one of the shrinking numbers of insurers that do not cover the test. "We need more medical-covered options, including CT colonography, to increase Hispanic screening rates and lives," says Elena V. Rios, MD, MSPH, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hispanic Medical Association.Patient and provider groups want Congress to pass a new bill that will provide Medicare coverage for virtual colonoscopy. "With Medicare coverage, CT colonography can increase screening and unnecessary deaths," says Judy Yee, MD, chair of the American College of Radiology Colon Cancer Committee. More information on Virtual Colonoscopy (CT colonography) at RadiologyInfo.org/virtualct.