Easier To Schedule, Easier To Prep
No one looks forward to getting a colonoscopy. The good news is that having a colonoscopy has gotten easier. Colonoscopies now typically require:
- Less prep solution.
- Just one day off from work.
- Phone call consults for those with an average risk for colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends that those with average risk begin screening at age 45. Talk with your doctor and insurance provider about screening based on your family history and other risk factors.
My Colonoscopy by Eilynn Sipe, MD
There are many misconceptions about preparing for a colonoscopy. Dr. Sipe, a colorectal surgeon with ProMedica Physicians, is here to address them. She records her experience before, during and after her procedure.
With Screenings, Colorectal Cancer Is Preventable, Treatable and Beatable
Preventable
Screening can prevent colorectal cancer by finding polyps before they develop into cancer.
Treatable
Screening tests can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
Beatable
When found in the early stage, the five-year relative survival rate for colorectal cancer is about 90%.
Mary Beth’s Story: A Routine Colonoscopy Saved My Life
When she turned 50, Mary Beth Headman dutifully went in for a colonoscopy – and it may have saved her life.
FAQ
What happens during a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a visual exam of your colon using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic or video endoscope. An endoscope is inserted through your anus and moved gently around the bends of your colon.
Viewing the colon like this helps your doctor check for conditions like colon cancer, noncancerous tumors (which can be painlessly removed during the colonoscopy), inflammation, infection and bleeding.
A colonoscopy can be performed by a general surgeon, a gastroenterologist, or a colorectal surgeon.
What’s the difference between a screening and a diagnostic colonoscopy?
Screening colonoscopies are routine, preventive procedures to check for polyps and potential signs of colorectal cancer.
Sometimes, a closer look at the colon or rectum is needed to help determine the cause of a person’s symptoms. When a colonoscopy is used to determine a potential diagnosis, the test is diagnostic.
A diagnostic colonoscopy is the same experience as a screening colonoscopy. However, you will need an in-person exam with a provider before a colonoscopy is ordered. Check in with your insurance regarding the differences in cost between a screening and diagnostic colonoscopy.
What is the open access colonoscopy program?
Our open access colonoscopy program makes it easier to get preventive colonoscopies to screen for colorectal cancer. The program allows healthy people, age 50 and older and with an average risk for colon cancer, to schedule a colonoscopy without having an office visit first. This saves you the time and cost of an office co-payment.
To get started, complete our short form and let us know the best time for a member of our team to call you. When we talk, we’ll ask you some health questions to decide if the open access colonoscopy program is the best choice for you. If it is, we’ll schedule your screening at one of our convenient locations.
If the open access colonoscopy program isn’t a good fit for you, we’ll work with you to determine next steps for an in-office visit.
Should I have a colonoscopy or use Cologuard®?
Colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for colorectal screening. This is because they can detect colorectal cancer and precancer. If a polyp or growth is found during the screening, it can be removed. Then, it won’t have the chance to develop into cancer.
The results of stool-based tests like Cologuard should be interpreted with caution. An at-home stool screening can miss colorectal cancer, advanced polyps and even have a false positive result. Therefore, if the person tests negative, it does not confirm the absence of cancer or precancer. If a person tests positive, they will need further evaluation and likely a diagnostic colonoscopy, which is typically more costly than a screening colonoscopy.
Do I need an order for a colonoscopy?
Yes, you will need a physician’s order for a colonoscopy. Talk with your primary care provider or specialist to obtain an order.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Once your colonoscopy is scheduled, you will receive details about your screening from the provider who will perform it. This information will include what to expect the day of your colonoscopy and how to prepare. We’ll go over step-by-step instructions for the bowel preparation you’ll need to complete before your procedure. You may also receive a prescription for a bowel preparation kit.
What should I expect during my colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a visual exam of your colon. Using a lighted, flexible fiber-optic or video endoscope, your doctor can check for colon cancer, noncancerous tumors (which can be painlessly removed during the colonoscopy), inflammation, infection and bleeding.
On the day of your colonoscopy, you’ll meet your doctor right before the procedure to review things one more time. Afterwards, your doctor will go over the results with you before you leave our office. The doctor will also send your results and follow-up recommendations to your referring physician.