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Screening for Colorectal Cancer

At-Home Stool Screening Test

A do-it-yourself colon cancer screening test allows you to collect your stool
sample at home and mail it to a lab who will then send results to your doctor.

 

This seemingly convenient way to screen for colon cancer is covered by most insurance plans, but it’s known for having a miss rate of 40% for polyps and 8% for cancer according to Dr. Douglas Rex, MD, distinguished professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and chair of the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. At-home screening tests are also known for their high rate of producing false-positive results (12%), which can cause many patients unnecessary panic.

 

In the event you receive a positive or false-positive result, you’ll be advised to
schedule a diagnostic colonoscopy as a follow-up. This is necessary to rule
out or diagnose cancer.

 

Many patients are caught by surprise when they learn that insurance coverage
for a follow up diagnostic colonoscopy is different, and in some cases can end
up costing thousands of dollars.

 

Because insurance doesn’t cover a diagnostic colonoscopy the same way it does
a screening colonoscopy, patients are forced to pay out of pocket unless they’ve
already met their deductible.

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Screening Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is the most effective way to screen for, prevent and detect colon cancer.

 

For MOST patients 50 and older the cost of a screening colonoscopy is covered by insurance.

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The preventative aspect of this screening test involves removal of any precancerous polyps (growths in the lining of the colon) during the procedure.

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Because a diagnosis can be made during screening, a follow-up diagnostic procedure is most likely not needed.

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No other screening method has this added advantage of saving patients both time and money.

No other screening method has this added advantage of saving patients both time and money.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

574-402-0300

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, but with regular screening it’s one of the most preventable diseases. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings, beginning at age 45, to help prevent colorectal cancer. With screening, doctors can find and remove polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer.

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Michiana Gastro offers a variety of digestive health services including screening colonoscopies. We have a state-of-the-art endoscopy center where procedures are performed in a friendly and comfortable setting. Our physicians are fellowship trained and board-certified gastroenterologists.

South Bend Location
17501 Generations Drive 
South Bend, Indiana 46635

574-234-0049

Plymouth Location
1919 Lake St, Bldg 2, Suite 102 
Plymouth, Indiana 46563

574-780-8602

LaPorte Location
900 I Street
LaPorte, Indiana 46350

219-324-1825

Telephone Hours

Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday: 8 am - 4:30 pm

Wednesday & Friday: 8 am - 1:30 pm

Fax

Michiana Gastroenterology, Inc.

17501 Generations Drive

South Bend, IN 46635

574-234-0049 or 877-818-7084

574-234-0053 or 571-251-2861

South Bend Clinic Office

211 North Eddy Street

South Bend, IN 46617

574-234-0049

Fax

Michiana Endoscopy Center

53830 Generations Drive

South Bend, IN 46635

574-271-0893

574-273-0762

Plymouth Office

1919 Lake St.,
Medical Office Bldg 2, 
Suite 102

Plymouth, IN 46563

574-780-8602

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