Colorectal cancer is highly preventable, and colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Everyone should begin routine colorectal cancer screening by the age of 45 (people with family histories of colon cancer or certain other conditions may need to begin at a younger age). A complete exam of the colon with colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening and is regarded as the best method with minimal risks. Colonoscopy is the only colon cancer screening test that can find and remove polyps to prevent the development of cancer. Most insurance companies and Medicare will cover the cost of a colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. Colonoscopy is typically repeated every 10 years for patients without polyps or a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer. If polyps are found, earlier follow up may be necessary.
For patients who do not want a colonoscopy, FIT testing and Cologuard® are options for average risk individuals only. These tests are not appropriate for someone with risk factors, like a family or personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer or someone experiencing symptoms. If FIT or Cologuard are positive, a colonoscopy is required. It is important to note that if FIT is negative, then repeat testing must occur every year. If Cologuard is negative, then repeat testing must occur every 3 years.
This questionnaire will help you determine which colorectal cancer screening option is right for you. This questionnaire should only be used for colorectal cancer screening. If you are experiencing symptoms, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. By using this tool, you give MNGI staff permission to contact you to schedule a procedure.
Most of the time, colorectal cancer screening starts at the age of 45. However, this recommendation can change if you have a family history of colorectal cancer. Let's go through a few more questions to determine the best option for you.
Based on your responses, an office visit or virtual visit would be best for you to discuss your symptoms. A screening colonoscopy is a preventative procedure performed on a patient with no symptoms for the purpose of testing for colorectal cancer or colon polyps. A diagnostic colonoscopy is performed because of a sign or symptom like bleeding or diarrhea. If you choose to proceed with scheduling a colonoscopy, you should be aware that it may be billed as a diagnostic colonoscopy due to symptoms. We will need a referral from your primary care provider, which we can help obtain, or you can see one of our MNGI providers for a virtual visit or clinic visit. For more information about Screening versus Diagnostic Colonoscopy, please visit this web page.
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An office visit or virtual visit is best for you. You indicated you are currently experiencing symptoms, which should be assessed by a provider. During your office visit with a gastroenterologist, they can help discuss any symptoms and can also provide a recommendation for which colorectal cancer screening test will be right for you.
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Based on your answers, only colonoscopy is right for you. Colonoscopy is the only colon cancer screening test that can find and remove polyps to prevent the development of cancer.
Based on your answers, only colonoscopy is right for you. You should start colorectal cancer screening with a colonoscopy at age 40 or 10 years before your youngest immediate family member (mother, father, sister, brother, or child) was diagnosed with colon cancer. If 2 or more family members with colorectal cancer were second degree relatives, like an uncle, aunt, or grandparent, we recommend colonoscopy starting at age 40 or 10 years before your youngest family member was diagnosed or we recommend scheduling an office visit or virtual visit with a GI provider to determine the best approach based on a detailed family history. Colonoscopy is the only colon cancer screening test that can find and remove polyps to prevent the development of cancer.
Have more questions? Schedule a virtual visit or office visit. Continue
Based on your answers, colonoscopy is the best screening test for you. Colonoscopy is the only colon cancer screening test that can find and remove polyps to prevent the development of cancer. If you’re hesitant to have a colonoscopy, you can schedule an office visit or virtual visit with one of our GI providers to determine if another screening test, like FIT or Cologuard, is an option for you, based on your detailed family history.
Based on your answers, only colonoscopy is right for you as a screening test. We also recommend that you schedule an office visit or virtual visit with one of our GI providers. Patients with Lynch syndrome, FAP, or other colon cancer syndrome should be overseen by a GI provider to ensure the appropriate tests are ordered for management.
Based on your answers, only colonoscopy is right for you. Colonoscopy is the only screening test appropriate for a person with a history of GI conditions.
Based on your responses, you are eligible for multiple testing options. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Colonoscopy is the only colon cancer screening test that can find and remove polyps to prevent the development of cancer. For average risk individuals, stool based tests like FIT or Cologuard are also an option.
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Based on your age and responses, it looks like you are up to date with screening. Everyone should begin routine colorectal cancer screening by the age of 45 (people with family histories of colon cancer or certain other conditions may need to begin at a younger age).
Looks like you are up to date. Stool based testing with FIT is completed every year. Please come back to schedule your FIT or colonoscopy after 1 year has passed. Have more questions? Schedule a virtual visit or office visit. Continue
Looks like you are up to date. Stool based testing with FIT is completed every year. Please come back to schedule your FIT or colonoscopy after 1 year has passed.
Looks like you are up to date. Stool based testing with Cologuard is completed every 3 years. Please come back to schedule your FIT or colonoscopy after 3 years have passed. Have more questions? Schedule a virtual visit or office visit. Continue
Looks like you are up to date. Stool based testing with Cologuard is completed every 3 years. Please come back to schedule your FIT or colonoscopy after 3 years have passed.
Continue to Step 2
A positive Cologuard test requires follow up with a colonoscopy. You must agree to follow up with a colonoscopy if positive to proceed. If you have additional questions, please schedule a clinic or telehealth visit. Have more questions? Schedule a virtual visit or office visit. Continue
A positive Cologuard test requires follow up with a colonoscopy. You must agree to follow up with a colonoscopy if positive to proceed. If you have additional questions, please schedule a clinic or telehealth visit.
Continue to Step 3
If screening is completed with Cologuard then repeat Cologuard should occur every 3 years or schedule a screening colonoscopy. Have more questions? Schedule a virtual visit or office visit. Continue
If screening is completed with Cologuard then repeat Cologuard should occur every 3 years or schedule a screening colonoscopy.
Proceed to scheduling Schedule
Ready to schedule a colonoscopy? Click here to schedule now or fill in the information below and one of our staff members will contact you to schedule your appointment.
Ready to schedule an office visit? Click here to schedule now or fill in the information below and one of our staff members will contact you to schedule your appointment.
Based on your answers, you may be eligible for multiple testing options, including colonoscopy or stool-based testing (FIT or Cologuard).
A complete exam of the colon with colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening and is regarded as the best method with minimal complications. Colonoscopy is the only colon cancer screening test that can find and remove polyps to prevent the development of cancer. Most insurance companies and Medicare will cover the cost of colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. Colonoscopy is typically repeated every 10 years for patients without polyps or a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer. If polyps are found, earlier follow up may be necessary.
For patients who do not want a colonoscopy, FIT testing and Cologuard are options for average risk individuals only. These tests are not appropriate for someone with risk factors, like a family or personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer or someone experiencing symptoms. If FIT or Cologuard are positive, a colonoscopy is required. It is important to note that if FIT is negative, then repeat testing must occur in every year. If Cologuard is negative, then repeat testing must occur every 3 years.
Before you schedule your procedure or stool-based testing, please make sure to check coverage with your insurance provider.
For more information on each screening test, please visit the links below:
Interested in scheduling a Colonoscopy? Please read the Why is Screening Colonoscopy Right for Me section below.
Colonoscopy is the only appropriate option for patients who are considered at higher risk of colorectal cancer. This includes anyone with a personal history of colon cancer, a personal history of colon polyps, personal history of GI diseases like IBD, or a family history of colorectal cancer or family history of colon polyps in one or more first degree relatives before age 60 or 2 first degree relatives at any age, or a personal or family history of Lynch syndrome, FAP, or colorectal cancer syndrome.
Before you schedule your procedure, please make sure to check coverage with your insurance provider. It is your responsibility to confirm your insurance benefits with your insurance plan(s) prior to your clinic visit or procedure. If your insurance plan(s) require(s) a co-payment for your appointment, the co-payment is due at the time of your appointment.
Learn more about the difference between Screening and Diagnostic Colonoscopy.
Cologuard® is a new, noninvasive colon cancer screening test that does not require any preparation or dietary changes. It can be used by men and women 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. It should not be used by those who are at higher risk for colon cancer including those with a history of inflammatory bowel disease or a known family history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps.
The cost for each Cologuard® test is $599. Since Cologuard® is a relatively new test, coverage for this test might vary. Medicare recently stated they would cover the test once every three years for people between ages 45 and 85 who do not have any symptoms. It is best to check with your insurance provider for coverage.
I want to learn more about colonoscopy.
If you choose to complete your colorectal cancer screening with Cologuard®, you should be aware that a colonoscopy is required for any positive Cologuard® test. Colonoscopy is the only test that can remove colon polyps. If screening is completed with Cologuard® then repeat Cologuard should occur every 3 years or schedule a screening colonoscopy.
We have 3 additional questions to make sure this is the right test for you. Continue
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used as a screening test for colon cancer. It tests for hidden blood in the stool which can be an early sign of cancer. FIT only detects human blood from the lower intestines. If the FIT results come back positive for blood in the stool, your provider will need to have a colonoscopy. The FIT test does not diagnose cancer. The cost for the FIT test is around $25. You should check with your insurance company for coverage prior to ordering a test kit. Colorectal cancer screening with FIT is completed every year.
A diagnostic colonoscopy is performed because of a sign or symptom like bleeding or diarrhea. If you choose to proceed with scheduling a colonoscopy, you should be aware that it may be billed as a diagnostic colonoscopy due to symptoms. We will need a referral from your primary care provider, which we can help obtain, or you can see one of our MNGI providers for a virtual visit or clinic visit.
Please read here for more information about the difference between a screening colonoscopy and diagnostic colonoscopy.
Based on your responses, we would recommend scheduling an office visit or virtual visit with one of our GI providers.
You indicated you are currently experiencing symptoms. During your office visit with a GI provider, they can discuss any symptoms or concerns and can outline which colorectal cancer screening test will be right for you.
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