Annual stool test may be as effective as colonoscopy, study finds

Montecfo said:
My internist said most polyps that occur are found on an initial (versus subsequent) colonoscopies. I think the figure was 80+%.
Click to expand...
I've gone in every two or so years, on average. They found one on my third time (out of seven).
 
Montecfo said:
My internist said most polyps that occur are found on an initial (versus subsequent) colonoscopies. I think the figure was 80+%.
Click to expand...

Take it for what its worth. My doc told me they find polyps about 50% of the time.
 
I also read that only 40% of polyps are cancerous although the specialist that did my Mil’s lied and said they all become cancerous.
 
Thanks. What if your initial one had no polpys?
 
Montecfo said:
That's a good result. Mine was clean. If my internist is correct, your chance of clean 2nd or 3rd is high.
Click to expand...

I have a family history of polyps. First test was negative. 5 years later...clean. Doc says the next test can now go 10 years.
 
I'm opting for the screening test (not specifically Cologuard, but the LabCorp occult blood test). Just had my physical today and was handed the envelope.

No family history of colon cancer or polyps, and as a now-single I'd rather not go through getting someone to chaperone me home from the procedure.
 
First test - no polyps. Ten year recall. Second test - no polyps. Ten year recall. Third test (in January) - 1 polyp. Five year recall. I'll be 77 at that time so wondering if it makes sense. But I'm planning on living to 100 so maybe it does :)
 
Mid, many doctors won’t do them after 70 because your colon lining gets too thin. Risk of puncture is much higher.
 
A catch 22 for Medicare. Cologuard is 100% covered as a screening test. However, should it come up positive, you are recommended to ge a colonoscopy. This second test is considered 'diagnostic' and not 'screening' and Medicare treats it like a treatment i.e. 80% covered you or co-insurance picks up the rest.

Caveats: I am not a Doctor, Insurance Exec, medical tech, and I did not stay in a Holiday Inn last night. What I posted is how I understand articles on the web. Seems like they are saying if you are on Medicare, go for the colonoscopy first, and Medicare will consider it 'screening' and pay the bill. Not sure if that includes polyp removal.
 
Teacher Terry said:
Mid, many doctors won’t do them after 70 because your colon lining gets too thin. Risk of puncture is much higher.
Click to expand...

Terry, do you have a link for this? Originally after reading something, I had the same impression. More recently I have the sense that it wasn't so much the thin lining and the risk of puncture but the increasing odds of something else happening healthwise just because you're getting closer to the end......
so that skewed the the risk/benefit ratio.
 
Rustic23 said:
A catch 22 for Medicare. Cologuard is 100% covered as a screening test. However, should it come up positive, you are recommended to ge a colonoscopy. This second test is considered 'diagnostic' and not 'screening' and Medicare treats it like a treatment i.e. 80% covered you or co-insurance picks up the rest.

Caveats: I am not a Doctor, Insurance Exec, medical tech, and I did not stay in a Holiday Inn last night. What I posted is how I understand articles on the web. Seems like they are saying if you are on Medicare, go for the colonoscopy first, and Medicare will consider it 'screening' and pay the bill. Not sure if that includes polyp removal.
Click to expand...
My understanding is if they find polyps on a screening colonoscopy it becomes diagnostic and is no longer paid at 100%. So really no conflict here. Cologuard is saving money for insurers and the US taxpayer since most screening colonoscopies do not turn up polyps and Cologuard (where appropriate)is far cheaper.
 
Kane, I read it about a year ago after a friend was telling me she just had her last one and why. I don’t have a link.
 
kaneohe said:
Terry, do you have a link for this? Originally after reading something, I had the same impression. More recently I have the sense that it wasn't so much the thin lining and the risk of puncture but the increasing odds of something else happening healthwise just because you're getting closer to the end......
so that skewed the the risk/benefit ratio.
Click to expand...

Yes, what you said is basically correct, kaneohe. After age 70, colonoscopies may not be of much benefit, and there are potential risks to consider. Here is a link to one article that talks about that:

https://www.livescience.com/36865-colonoscopies-unnecessary-seniors-risks.html
 
I had a colonoscopy at 74 last summer and the doc told me I don't have to come back for any more due to my age and no issues identified. There were two small polyps and he removed them. Nothing came of the polyp test. :cool:
 
Cool. Unless you have a history of colon cancer, why get a torpedo run through your guts?
 
Timely article for me since I am in the midst of "prepping" to have a colonoscopy, AKA - Borescope in about 6 hours from now.....

All part of getting ready to retire at years end.

I did have one about 10 years ago and for me, I feel like they are a good thing to do. No issues found then.

My best friend from childhood put off going to have the colonoscopy done....he survived colon cancer but has to wear a colostomy bag now....He strongly advices getting checked.

His experience put things into perspective for me as to the aversion to getting a borescope done.

I am grateful for the good medical care we have available.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

audreyh1
Medicare and Colonoscopy: some surprises.
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
RetMD21
R
R
Beneficial change to Medicare payments for colon ca screening
Replies
0
Views
491
RetMD21
R
T
Last minute ACA paralysis
Replies
14
Views
1K
tmitchell
T
sengsational
Medigap Shopping: Closing the Book & Rate Increases
2 3
Replies
71
Views
3K
CRLLS
C
T
VO2 Max Trending
Replies
2
Views
304
audreyh1
audreyh1

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom