Last Updated on Friday, 20 July 2012 01:24 Written by deepwellarchive Friday, 20 July 2012 01:24

---

July 20, 2012

Patient and Radiology Advocates Ask Congress For Virtual Colonoscopy Bill

Recently the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Colon Cancer Alliance have asked Congress to pass a bill that would extend coverage of CT colonography screening to Medicare beneficiaries.  H.R. 4165, or the CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act, would not only extend the coverage for screening to Medicare beneficiaries, but provides access to virtual colonoscopies thereby expanding screening rates aimed at saving lives.  This bill was initially introduced unsuccessfully two years ago and was reintroduced in March of this year.

From an article posted on diagnosticimaging.com “Congress has been given a chance to make a difference in the lives of many Americans. I hope lawmakers act now and support the passage of H.R. 4165,” Andrew Spiegel, chief executive officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance, said in a statement.” CT colonography uses low dose X-rays to produce dynamic 3D images of the colon.  Virtual exams are significantly less invasive than traditional colonoscopies and do not require sedation, making these exams safer for seniors with underlying health problems.

Medical professionals within the radiology and oncology care communities have developed a screening process that has produced a less invasive procedure that reduces radiation exposure, does not require sedation, and can increase colonoscopy screening compliance.

This would seem to be a “No Brainer”.  We can only hope the CMS and third-party payers alike will be able to see the obvious; Early detection of illness, through expanded screening and image sharing among professionals will; result in increased quality of life for patients, in some cases save lives, and will certainly help decrease the costs of healthcare through early detection and treatment.

We are seeing, yet again, the results of non-medical bureaucrats taking charge of our healthcare policies… 

We will bring you more news, research and opinions on this and other topics in future posts.

For more information please visit:

www.deepwellarchive.com

 

“A Vendor Neutral Archive Company”