Cologuard
Stool DNA Test for Colon Cancer Screening
What is Cologuard?
Cologuard is an easy noninvasive colon cancer screening test that can be used at home. The advanced DNA test was FDA approved in 2014 after the most extensive study ever conducted and was quickly approved by Medicare, and was put on American Cancer Societies list of approved colorectal cancer screening tests (Link). The test is recommended every 3 years.
What is the cost of the Cologuard through the ColonoscopyAssist program?
The cost of the Cologuard DNA Test is $599. This includes cost of shipping the kit to your home and the return shipping of back costs.
Order Cologuard
Who is eligible to receive a discounted Cologuard?
To receive the discounted rate for a cologuard you must
be:
1) indicated for a colonoscopy
2) paying for the entire procedure out of pocket
The program does not have any residency, income or
immigration limitations at this time.
Where can I get the Cologuard done?
Cologuard is a laboratory test where the specimens are collected in the comfort of your home. A kit with instructions is mailed to you upon submission of an order. ColonoscopyAssist currently accepts orders from all 50 states.
How do I order Cologuard?
You can order Cologuard using the following link below :
Once ordered, you will receive a kit via UPS or Fedex within 1 week. All instructions and a pre-paid shipping label will be included in the package. Once a stool sample is taken, the package will be picked up and returned to the Cologuard lab. You will receive a result from ColonoscopyAssist within 2 weeks.
How long does it take to get the Cologuard after submitting an order?
You will receive a kit via UPS or Fedex in approx 1 week after placing your order. Reports are available within 2 weeks after the lab receives the specimen. On average, you receive results approximately 1 month after placing your order.
Does Cologuard make sense for me?
If you are 50 years of age or older at average risk, or if you've been
avoiding screening, you can use Cologuard as a noninvasive option.
There is no bowel prep required, no direct risk to the colon and no pre-test
diet changes required.
That being said, Cologuard is not for everyone. It is not a replacement for diagnostic or surveillance colonoscopy in patients at high risk for colorectal cancer.
Who is Cologuard Right For?
If you are 50 and older and at average risk for colon cancer, Cologuard may be right for you. Cologuard is not for everyone. It is not a replacement for diagnostic or surveillance colonoscopy in high risk individuals.
It may not be right for you if:
- You have a personal history of colon cancer, polyps, or other related cancers
- You have a family history of colon cancer (one or more relatives diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer before the age of 60, or two or more first degree relatives diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer of any age)
- You have had a positive result from another screening method in the last six months
- You have been diagnosed with a condition that places you at high risk for colon cancer. These include but are not limited to: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, Familial adenomatous polyposis
- You have been diagnosed with a relevant cancer syndrome passed on from your family, such as Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, MYH-Associated Polyposis, Gardner’s syndrome, Turcot’s (or Crail’s) syndrome, Cowden’s syndrome, Juvenile Polyposis, Cronkhite-Canada syndrome, Neurofibromatosis, or Familial Hyperplastic Polyposis
- Results should be interpreted with caution for individuals over age 75, as the rate of false positives increases with age
What does the result on a Cologuard mean?
The Cologuard is a binary test. You will either
receive a Negative or Positive result.
Positive Result : A positive result
means that there is a high chance of Colorectal Cancer
or precancer being present. You will be asked to follow
up with a diagnostic colonoscopy.
Negative Result : Following a
negative result, patients should continue participating in a screening program at an interval and with a method appropriate for the individual patient.
Do I need a referral or PCP to order the Cologuard?
Yes. Cologuard can only be ordered with a physician referral. You will need to provide either a referral or your providers information.
