Cost
Some screening methods cost more than others. Most are covered by Medicare but coverage by other medical insurers may vary depending on the plan. There is also wide variation in a patient's out-of-pocket costs related to co-payments and deductibles even if a test is covered. Here's how each one rates on a scale of $ (least costly) to $$$$$ (most costly).
Colonoscopy
- Covered by Medicare and most insurers (a co-pay or deductible may be required).
Virtual Colonoscopy
- Not covered by Medicare or most insurers.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Covered by Medicare and most insurers.
Barium Enema
- Covered by Medicare and most insurers.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
- Covered by Medicare and most insurers.
Stool DNA Test
- Old test (PreGen-Plus) test not covered by Medicare or most insurers.
- New test (Cologuard) test covered by Medicare and some insurers.