12/08/2023

OAASC Supports Coverage for Surveillance Colonoscopy

OAASC recently joined over 80 organizations signing a letter urging government entities to ensure coverage for the surveillance colonoscopy that patients need after having precancerous polyps or lesions removed during an initial colorectal cancer screening test.

The letter, crafted by the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Fight Colorectal Cancer, specifically states their purpose:

“To ensure that private plans are compliant with the statute, we urge you to provide written guidance to clarify that surveillance colonoscopy after a colonoscopy that required polyp removal is part of the screening continuum and that patients should not face out-of-pocket costs for the surveillance procedure.” 

The full letter, which can be viewed here, went on to site several resources and provided a compelling argument to support the request. 

As this issue moves forward, we invite our interested member centers to use this link, to help urge House Representatives to sign a similar letter led by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). We are trying to encourage as many lawmakers as possible to join her, and your support in sharing this link would be greatly appreciated.