Annapolis, MD / PRWeb / June 4, 2014 – Preventing Colorectal Cancer (PCC) has released the seventh issue brief in a series that underscores the importance of increasing U.S. colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. Issue Brief #7, Take Advantage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Preventive Care Clause, Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer via Colonoscopy, highlights the obstacles and opportunities that influence efforts to achieve this goal.
The brief examines improved access to colorectal colonoscopy screenings due to new requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and urges patients to discuss the costs for preventative care with their health care providers.
“Patients should make themselves aware of their health plan benefits and how colonoscopies and related procedures are covered,” says Jere Pittner, PCC board member and director of physician billing for Galen Advisors. She notes further, “It is very important for individuals to be aware of what their cost sharing requirements are, including copayments and deductibles, along with services that are not covered. Being an informed consumer is very important in today’s health care environment.”
PCC launched the Issue Brief series to educate key stakeholders on the importance of increasing screening rates among the U.S. population. The series is a compelling resource for physicians, patients, payors, public policy experts and others who can take action to make a difference and serve as champions for patient safety.
Previous Issue Briefs in the series can be found here. Topics include:
- Colonoscopies Prevent Colon Cancer
- Preventing Colorectal Cancer: The Benefit of Propofol
- Health Insurers Should Cover Propofol Sedation
- Why We Need Pricing Transparency
- The Impact of Health Insurance Reform on Colorectal Cancer
- FDA Approves SEDASYS Device
PCC hopes the Issue Brief series will improve clinical outcomes and save lives by providing the information and guidance needed to educate the public, policymakers and other key stakeholders regarding colorectal cancer screening coverage, including safe sedation options.
Those interested may visit www.preventingcolorectalcancer.org to sign up to receive the issue briefs as they become available via email. The website also contains other valuable resources and information on CRC and prevention efforts.
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About Preventing Colorectal Cancer (www.preventingcolorectalcancer.org)
Headquartered in Annapolis, MD, Preventing Colorectal Cancer (PCC) preserves the tradition of safe, comfortable and quality-based medicine. PCC is a not-for-profit 501(c) 6 advocacy organization with the primary mission to educate both public and private stakeholders about the opportunities to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer through promoting effective screening, prevention and care options for patients. Membership is open to all individuals and groups.