Medicare Plans to Deny Coverage for Virtual Colonoscopy

February 11-March 13

As many people know, virtual colonoscopy is an effective and acceptable form of screening for CRC. To everyone's surprise, Medicare announced, on February 11, 2009, its intention to not cover this test option. The CCA is taking the lead with other groups to fight this decision. There is a 30-day comment period and we are asking our entire membership to tell Medicare and Congress that we want virtual colonoscopy screening covered. The 30-day period ends on March 13th.

Medicare coverage of traditional colonoscopy resulted in a tremendous increase in screening rates which has resulted in decreased incidence of and deaths from CRC. Far less effective screening methods are currently covered by Medicare. The virtual colonoscopy is an important tool in the menu of screening options and we encourage you to tell Medicare this test should be covered.

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