ACR joins colon coalition to press for federal CTC law

The American College of Radiology and the CTC Coalition have issued a joint statement urging Congress to pass the Virtual Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2010. HR 5461 would require CMS to extend Medicare benefits to include CT colonography as a colorectal cancer screening option for patients.

CT colonography is endorsed by the American Cancer Society as a recommended colon cancer screening test and is recognized by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center as an effective screening tool. President Obama received a CT colon scan this spring as part of his physical exam.

Medicare’s denial of coverage has created a two-tiered approach to screening: one tier for those with private insurance or the ability to pay out of pocket, and lesser coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, the American College of Radiology said.

“We urge Congress to pass this bill, as it will finally allow seniors access to this less invasive alternative to conventional colonoscopy that requires no sedation and that many elderly patients may better tolerate,” the CTC Coalition said.