Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. It affects nearly 50,000 Americans each year. If caught early on, it can easily be treated. Typically, there are little to no signs or symptoms of colon polyps, so it’s critical to have screenings on an regular basis. In 2018, the American Cancer Society updated screening guideline recommendations for persons at average risk to begin colon cancer screening at age 45. The previous recommendation was age 50.
Colon polyps go unnoticed most of the time. Polyps are cell growths on the lining of the colon or large intestine. If you have them, it’s best to have them removed. Polyps don’t turn cancerous in every case, but your risk of developing cancer increases with the type, number and size of colon polyps you have.
Are you one of the several million people that have not had a colonoscopy? It’s imperative to be screened for colorectal polyps.
Virtual Colonoscopy
A virtual colonoscopy is a CT scan of the colon without the need for anesthesia or a colonoscope. A virtual colonoscopy captures intricate images of the colon lining and will show polyps or any irregularities. This test is highly accurate at finding polyps.
Procedure Details
A virtual colonoscopy procedure requires the same oral preparations as a traditional colonoscopy to clear stool from the colon. The procedure will begin by having air introduced into the colon through a small enema tip. This allows distention of the colon to enable the CT scanner to take detailed 3D images. The procedure requires you to lie comfortably on the scanning table first on your back and then on your stomach. The test takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Accuracy of a Virtual Colonoscopy
Recent medical research, including studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest that Virtual Colonoscopy is nearly as accurate as the conventional Colonoscopy screening in detecting significant polyps. Researchers from the National CT Colonography Trial gathered results from 15 different medical facilities that showed that virtual colonoscopy was able to detect 90% of polyps 10 millimeters or more in diameter. That’s the same accuracy reported for colonoscopy itself in other studies. Colonoscopy is, however, able to detect much smaller polyps.1
Results
After your exam, a board-certified radiologist will review your CT images. As with other procedures offered at Radiology Regional, confidential reports will be generated and mailed to you within 3 business days. In the event of a positive test, the report will be sent to your referring physician at your request.
What if Polyps are Detected?
If the radiologist sees one or more polyps, you will be instructed to schedule a with a gastroenterologist that will perform a colonoscopy. During the colonoscopy, the polyps will be removed and tested for cancer. In some cases a sigmoidoscopy may be recommended.
Why should I go to Radiology Regional for this exam?
Radiology Regional has been providing high-quality diagnostic services in Southwest Florida for 50 years. The Center is owned and operated by an innovative and devoted group of board-certified radiologists educated at distinguished institutions such as Duke, Harvard and Mount Sinai.The skills required to interpret virtual studies are different from those required for conventional Colonoscopy. Virtual Colonoscopy requires a radiologist trained in reconstructing and interpreting the images from the CT scanner.
How much does a Virtual Colonoscopy cost and is it covered by insurance?
We are currently offering the Virtual Colonoscopy health screening at an introductory price of $490. Since the Virtual Colonoscopy is a screening exam, it’s not covered by Medicare or private insurance. Full payment is required at the time of service.
The Radiology Regional Difference
Countless radiology centers use third-party radiologists that are not onsite and sometimes, not even in the same area. At Regional Radiology their radiologists are onsite and even more important, they are the most comprehensive group of fellowship-trained radiologist to include women’s Imaging, MSK (musculoskeletal), body, neuroimaging, cardiac imaging, and interventional radiology.
Radiology Regional has 11 locations to serve you, and they are all accredited by ACR and ICANL. At these convenient locations, they can accommodate same-day, walk-in x-rays, and scheduled appointments. When you arrive, the welcoming environment is different than larger, hospital-owned facilities and the knowledgeable staff works with you one-on-one to make you comfortable, and to plan you for your test. But it doesn’t start there. Radiology Regional begins its personalized attention when they schedule your appointment to make certain that you are well-prepared ensuring the best results and outcomes. The intricate imaging isn’t rushed or taken lightly. Each patient receives care as if they were family.
Radiology Regional Center Offers
• ON SITE RADIOLOGISTS
• Certified Technologists
• ACR Accredited Mammography
• ICANL (Intersocietal Commission for the
Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories)
• Same Day Appointments and Exam Availability
• Courtesy Calls For Abnormal Results
• 24-48 Hour Report Turn-Around for Referring Physicians
• Stat Reports on Request for Referring Physicians
• Courier Service For Film Delivery when Necessary
• Knowledgeable, Courteous and Bilingual Staff
• Accept Most Insurance, Auto and Workers Compensation
• Participate With Most HMO’s & PPO’s
• Contracted Lower Rates
Ask your physician to refer you to Radiology Regional Center for your imaging needs or call 239.936.4068 to schedule your Virtual Colonoscopy.
To speak with a Virtual Colonoscopy representative at Radiology Regional Center, call Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, 239.931.6399.
239-936- 4068
www.radiologyregional.com
Source:1. https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/research/
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