ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT


patients with no gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and based, instead, on age or other risk factors. As of January 1, 2011, Medicare beneficiaries no lon- ger have any out-of-pocket expenses in the form of deductibles and copays when they undergo a screening colo- noscopy. Additionally, private health plans sold or renewed on or after Sep- tember 23, 2010, must cover screen- ing colonoscopies in full. The law, however, does not remove


all of the financial barriers that pa- tients face in obtaining colonoscopies to detect colon cancer. Patients are still financially responsible for their share when they receive a diagnostic colonoscopy as a result of exhibiting GI symptoms. Additionally, under the law, patients are responsible for the


copay when they come in for a routine screening colonoscopy and a polyp is discovered and removed during that colonoscopy.


ASCA and other advocacy groups


have pointed out the unfairness of charging patients after the procedure because a screening has turned into a diagnostic procedure.


In March 2012, Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) introduced the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Can- cer Screening Act of 2012 designed to fix this flaw in the law, but by the end of the last legislative sessions, the bill was still sitting in a House of Representatives subcommittee; only 48 members had signed on due to its “cost” to the health care system. Al- though this legislation is now expired,


as this issue of ASC Focus goes to press, Representative Dent has indi- cated that he will be re-introducing comparable legislation in the new Congress. Incentivizing more patients to re-


ceive colonoscopies to detect colon cancer through the payment systems is only one part of the solution. Patient education and awareness is also criti- cal. ASCA will continue to work with the CDC and others dedicated to reduc- ing the incidence of colorectal cancer in the US to promote greater aware- ness and improved access to care. Make certain that you and your ASC are involved. For more informa- tion, go to www.ascassociation.org/ GovtAdvocacy/crca.


ASC FOCUS MARCH 2013


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