Will CMS cover virtual colonoscopy?

In the wake of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decision to cover the colorectal cancer test Cologuard, the American College of Radiology sent a letter urging CMS to cover virtual colonoscopy.

Cologuard was approved under a new joint approval process with the FDA. The American College of Radiology requests that virtual colonoscopy, as well as other colorectal cancer screening tests, should be reviewed under the same process.

Currently, major payers such as Cigna, UnitedHealthCare, Unicare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield cover virtual colonoscopy.

"CT colonoscopy is an American Cancer Society recommended screening test. The exam's performance far exceeds the standard applied to the DNA test. Transparent, evidence-based approval, and the need for more screening options for the nation's second leading cancer killer, require that Medicare cover beneficiaries for CT colonography," said American College of Radiology Colon Cancer Committee Chair Judy Yee, MD.

Read the full American College of Radiology letter.

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