CT colonography reimbursement bill gains support
The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) issued a statement supporting H.R. 4165, CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2012, which would require Medicare to reimburse physicians for virtual colonoscopy.
The legislation was introduced on March 8 by Congressmen Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.) and Ralph M. Hall (R-Texas).
Access to virtual colonography increases compliance in patients who would otherwise avoid colorectal cancer screening, according to MITA, which cited research showing 40 percent of patients would choose virtual colonoscopy if given the option.
MITA also cited a recent study published in Radiology which compared virtual colonoscopy to conventional colonoscopy. That study showed virtual colonoscopy is just as effective as the conventional procedure for Americans aged 65 and older.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., but has a 90 percent cure rate if detected early. More than half of U.S. states mandate insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening; coverage is not required on a national level.
The legislation was introduced on March 8 by Congressmen Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.) and Ralph M. Hall (R-Texas).
Access to virtual colonography increases compliance in patients who would otherwise avoid colorectal cancer screening, according to MITA, which cited research showing 40 percent of patients would choose virtual colonoscopy if given the option.
MITA also cited a recent study published in Radiology which compared virtual colonoscopy to conventional colonoscopy. That study showed virtual colonoscopy is just as effective as the conventional procedure for Americans aged 65 and older.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., but has a 90 percent cure rate if detected early. More than half of U.S. states mandate insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening; coverage is not required on a national level.
Evan Godt, Writer
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.