House Bill Would Mandate Medicare Coverage for CT Colonography
U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) recently introduced H.R. 4879, the Virtual Screening for Cancer Act (VSCA) of 2007 which would include Computed Tomography Colonography (CTC) as a colorectal cancer screening test to be covered under the Medicare program. CTC, often referred to as Virtual Colonoscopy, offers a minimally invasive means of detecting colon cancer.
“Americans are incredibly fortunate to live in a time where advancements in technology give us the ability to detect diseases, improve treatment options, and save lives, all by taking pictures of the human body,” Cubin said. “Virtual colonoscopies are at the forefront of this transformation in modern medicine and I believe it is critical that Medicare beneficiaries across the country have access to this exam.”
In addition to expanding Medicare coverage to virtual colonoscopies, Cubin’s bill will make the exam part of the “Welcome to Medicare” program. This means Medicare beneficiaries would have their co-pays for virtual colonoscopies waived when the exam is conducted within the first six months of the beneficiaries’ enrollment in Medicare, just as is currently done for colonoscopies and mammograms.
CT colonography is a medical imaging procedure that uses x-rays and computers to produce two- and three-dimensional “fly-through” images of the colon that permit a thorough evaluation of the entire colorectal structure.
Patients go through a scanner first on their back and then on their stomachs, which takes only minutes. Since the exam is far less invasive than traditional methods used to detect colorectal diseases, patients do not require sedation to undergo the exam. Recent scientific literature suggests that virtual colonoscopy, as a front-line screening method, is a complement to the traditional colonoscopies that are still necessary to remove dangerous colon polyps when they are detected.
“Early detection is the most effective method we have to combat this killer. Unfortunately, too many Americans shy away from traditional colonoscopy exams because of the discomfort associated with it. Virtual colonoscopies provide a more comfortable screening alternative that will lead to more patients getting the treatment they need,” said Rep. Cubin.
Cubin, a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, worked with the medical community to craft this legislation. Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY) joined Cubin as an original co-sponsor of her bill.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults aged 50 and older in the general population receive a colonoscopy every 10 years.
The results of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network® (ACRIN) National CT Colonography Trial, expected to provide the definitive word on the ability of CTC to serve as a front-line screening exam, are expected to be released in the coming months.
The ACR Education Center will offer a comprehensive course of instruction on the performance of CT colonography beginning this spring.
Click here for more information on the ACRIN National CT Colonography Trial.
Click here for more information or to register for the CT colonography course or others offered at the ACR Education Center.