Summary: Getting your colonoscopy before your insurance deductibles reset can help you safeguard your digestive wellness and save money while you're at it.
Since we are heading into the final months of this year, this is a prudent reminder to consider the state of your overall health and your wellness goals for the new year ahead. One option to help make sure you stay in front of those goals is to schedule a routine colorectal screening with a qualified GI provider.
Though other testing methods are available, in the world of colon cancer screening, colonoscopy is one of the most efficient and reliable tests in the field. The doctors at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center regularly conduct colonoscopies to give patients the opportunity to catch warning signs of colorectal cancer as early as possible and to provide care for connected concerns affecting the colon. Read ahead to learn more about colonoscopy screenings offered by our Jackson, MS GI group.
Why are colonoscopies considered the best screening test for colon cancer?
Not only do they assist in helping evaluate for markers of colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy permits your GI provider to check the general wellness of your colon and also remove any polyps discovered in the course of the procedure.
Colonoscopy is generally appropriate for patients of at least 45 years of age or for those that:
- Are from certain ethnicities (African Americans are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer than people of other ethnicities, though no ethnicity is without risk)
- Suffer from specific inflammatory bowel diseases (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) that are recognized to elevate the chance of developing colon or rectal cancer
- Have a history of bowel cancer in their family
- Maintain a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories
It's essential to talk with a digestive health specialist to understand your risk of cancer and when to schedule a colonoscopy.
When is the recommended time for a person to go in for a colonoscopy?
Generally speaking, there is not a "right" or "wrong" time in your life to be proactive regarding taking care of your health. From a practical perspective, however, deductibles are due to reset for the majority of health insurance policies on Jan. 1, so if you have already met your deductible, now could be the perfect time to be seen for a colonoscopy in Jackson, MS, and keep your out-of-pocket costs down. If you've enrolled in a plan that has a flexible savings account (FSA), the end of the year is your opportunity to apply extra funds that won't carry over into 2023.
In addition to the financial benefits, performing any needed health screenings now will allow you to enter into the new year with the knowledge that you're taking good care of your wellness needs.
How do colonoscopies work?
A colonoscopy screening is a common test that takes place in a private setting either at your doctor's office or at a nearby endoscopy center. Upon your arrival at the exam site, preparations will be made, and you will be asked to lie on your side. A member of our team will administer intravenous sedation in measured can controlled amounts to ensure your safety and comfort during the procedure. Once you are sedated, your GI Associates & Endoscopy Center doctor will begin the colonoscopy exam by slowly inserting a scope into your rectum and up through the large intestine, assessing your bowel health through a camera affixed inside the end of the device. Based on the results of the colonoscopy, the exam usually takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes.
Schedule a colonoscopy in Jackson, MS
Colon cancer is responsible for more than 50,000 deaths each year in the U.S. alone, but the chance of survival improves drastically if the cancer is diagnosed and combated early in its development. For this reason, it's vital to work with an experienced colonoscopy specialist who has the skills to identify the markers of cancer and help you in case further treatments are indicated. With the collective knowledge of our physician-led network of gastrointestinal providers ready to lend a hand, our providers with GI Associates & Endoscopy Center are here to assist you in ringing in a new year with your health as a priority. For additional information about screenings for colon cancer or to visit with a provider specializing in colonoscopies in Jackson, MS, please get in touch with our gastroenterology office today.
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