Another "No" Means Another Blow
On Tuesday, Medicare and Medicaid went to revisit their former decision about
not paying for non-invasive virtual colonoscopy scans. But the verdict has
come in and it seems to stand still as a "No". The healthcare organizations
claim that there is not insufficient evidence about the benefits of virtual
scans preventing colon cancer as opposed to traditional invasive
methods. There have been mixed feelings amongst the medical industry, some physicians are
in favor of the decision while others are staunch advocates of the traditional technique.
Forbes said this of the recent stir, "Supporters of the procedure weren't pleased
by the move. Dr. J. Leonard Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for
the American Cancer Society, believes that a less-invasive method such as
virtual colonoscopy might encourage more Americans to get screened for colon
cancer the country's second-leading cancer killers."
Many elements were taken into consideration when the decision was made: from
price of procedures, radiation effects, time, and post-care treatment. Industry observers however say this may not adversely affect the colonography industry, as many people nationwide are still advocates of virtual scans and early detection.
