New Medicare Policy…

Coverage for screening colonoscopy for average risk individuals went into effect on July 1, 2001.

• If you are an average risk Medicare beneficiary, you are eligible for a screening colonoscopy once every ten years. You are also eligible for a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy once every four years.

• If you are an average risk Medicare beneficiary, and you receive a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy, you must then wait two years before a screening colonoscopy will be covered.

• If you are an average risk Medicare beneficiary and you receive a screening colonoscopy, ten years must pass before Medicare will cover a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy or another colonoscopy.

The rules for high-risk individuals remain unchanged. These individuals are eligible for a screening colonoscopy every two years.

• High risk is defined by Medicare as having a sibling, parent or child who has had colorectal cancer or an adenomatous polyp; a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis; a family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer; a personal history of adenomatous polyps; a personal history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.

Disclaimer: Nothing found at this website should be construed as medical advice or treatment recommendations. For any symptoms you may have, you should see your family physician or a gastroenterologist.

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