Rocky Mountain Health Plans | Medicare | Fall 2019

By Dr. Betsy Longenecker, RMHPAssociateMedical Director S creening for colon cancer can be performed in a variety of ways. Your provider can order a colonoscopy, or they might recommend testing of a stool sample for evidence of possible colon cancer- associated DNA. This latter test is named Cologuard. It can be done at home and does not require bowel preparation or anesthesia. Its ability to detect colon cancer appears to be very good. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended that it can be included among options for colon cancer screening. If the Cologuard test results in a positive finding, your provider will likely recommend further testing by colonoscopy. The Cologuard test to screen for colon cancer could be an option for you if you are between the ages of 50 and 75. It may not be appropriate if you have bowel symptoms, a history of certain types of polyps, or a significant family history of colon cancer. If you are older than 75, it is less certain whether screening for colon cancer can be beneficial for you. You and your provider can discuss the risks and benefits of performing colon cancer screening. Currently, it is recommended that the Cologuard test be performed every three years. It is a preventive service, so no copayment or deductible applies. 4 • FALL 2019 | RMHP.ORG Cologuard Testing Can Save Your Life The Cologuard test can be done at home and does not require bowel preparation or anesthesia. This information is available at no cost to you in other languages. Please call RMHP Customer Service at 970-244-7912 or 888-282-1420 (TTY: 711). Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, Oct. 1 to Mar. 31, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon.-Fri., Apr. 1 to Sept. 30. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 for Relay Colorado or use our Live Chat at www.rmhpMedicare.org . Para asistencia en español, llame al 888-282-1420 . H0602_MS_MCNwLtr13_09202019_NS_C