How Purdue can help…
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Preventive screenings – such as a colorectal cancer screening – are covered by Purdue health plans at 100 percent in-network. Check your coverage prior to your preventive care visit.
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Lab tests that are considered preventive are covered at 100 percent; however, some lab tests may be considered preventive in some cases and non-preventive, or diagnostic, in other situations. Generally, preventive lab work includes services for symptom-free or disease-free individuals who are at increased risk for a particular disease. See the preventive health coverage quick reference guide for more information about preventive care, including preventive lab work.
Colorectal confusion
There’s no question that colorectal cancer screening saves lives.
There are two different recommendations regarding colorectal cancer screening by two different national organizations — one by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and one by a collaboration including the American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology and U.S. Multi-Society Task Force.
Although the media focused on the differences in these guidelines, let’s focus on their similarities.
Both guidelines suggest the following:
- All men and women ages 50–75 should be screened by stool testing for blood (every year), flexible sigmoidoscopy (every five years), or colonoscopy (every 10 years).
- Women and men with inflammatory bowel disease, other high-risk bowel diseases or more than one immediate family member with colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about earlier and more frequent testing.
- People ages 76 and older should discuss the risks and benefits of colorectal screening based upon their personal health histories.
Don’t let differences in guidelines stop you from being screened. Talk to your doctor and protect yourself from colorectal cancer.
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