ASCA Endorses Colorectal Cancer Screening Legislation

The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association has announced its support for a new bill that could ensure all colorectal cancer screenings for Medicare beneficiaries are covered, according to a news release.

 

The Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2012, introduced by Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), calls for the waiving of the co-payment for a screening colonoscopy regardless of whether a polyp or lesion is found. Under the federal healthcare reform law, Medicare waives the coinsurance and deductible for colonoscopies — unless a polyp is found and removed, which reclassifies the screening as a therapeutic procedure and requires a co-payment.

 

Since there is no way to know in advance of a screening whether a polyp will be discovered, such uncertainty as to whether a patient will need to pay a co-payment may dissuade patients from undergoing the screening.

 

"Colonoscopies save lives — with recent studies indicating they reduce colorectal cancer by mortality by as much as 53 percent," said ASCA Executive Director William Prentice, in the release. "ASCs serve as a vital provider of these life-saving screenings and we applaud Congressman Dent's efforts in ensuring more Americans have affordable access."

 

Related Articles on Colorectal Cancer Prevention:

ACG and Campaign to End Obesity Join to Highlight Link Between High BMI and Colorectal Cancer

Gastroenterologist David Keisler Shares 10 Observations on Reducing Colorectal Cancer in Local Publication

ASGE Provides Tips for a Quality Colonoscopy

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Webinars

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Podcast