ACR calls for virtual colonoscopy coverage—again

While 22 states mandate insurers to cover virtual colonoscopy screening, it’s yet to be fully covered under Medicare, citing “insufficient evidence on test characteristics and performance” in a 2009 brief. Since then, imaging societies and patient advocacy groups representing millions of Americans have urged Medicare to reverse it’s decision.

This week, the American College of Radiology (ACR) and affiliates called for the test to be covered under Medicare, noting studies that show the increase in screening rates saves lives and lowers costs. Specifically, the ACR pointed to a study at U.S. Naval medical centers, where overall screening rates rose from 69 percent to 80 percent.

“The best colorectal cancer screening exam is the one that a person chooses to use,” said Eric Hargis, public policy adviser for the Colon Cancer Alliance. "Too many Americans are dying from a largely preventable disease that can almost always be treated if found early. Medicare coverage of virtual colonoscopy would ensure access to a proven screening method for those who cannot, or will not, have an optical colonoscopy. This will save lives."

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States; nearly 50,000 people will die of the disease in 2016.