Virtual Colonoscopy FAQ:

Q. Does my insurance cover Virtual Colonoscopy screenings?

A. Virtual Colonoscopy is a CT scan test consisting of CT Abdomen and CT Pelvis with air contrast, and 3d reconstruction. Because this is a new way to perform colonoscopy, many insurance companies may balk at reimbursing for these tests. If your doctor orders these tests because of symptoms, then most all insurance companies will pay for them. If the test is ordered and done only for screening purposes, a few will pay, but many will not. Medicare will pay if there are symptoms.

Q. Do I have to have a bowel prep for Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. Yes, a cleansing bowel prep is necessary. Any solid material remaining in the colon would make it impossible to identify small polyps.

Q. What if a polyp or tumor is found on the Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. If a polyp or tumor is found, another test such as flexible colonoscopy or surgery will be required for removal. This is the same for any non-invasive screening test.

Q. How much radiation is involved in Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. We perform a CT Abdomen and Pelvis with the patient on their back and then again on their stomach, so there would be more radiation than a conventional CT scan. However, the amount of radiation involved is still within a safe range.

Q. Is Virtual Colonoscopy a non-invasive test?

A. This test requires the insertion of a small tube into the rectum and inflating the colon with air or carbon dioxide. This is much like having an enema. There are no needles or injections required and therefore it is non-invasive.

Q. I am on blood thinners. Will I have to stop them before the Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. No. Since Virtual Colonoscopy is non-invasive, blood thinners are not a problem, as they are with conventional flexible colonoscopy.

Q. Is Virtual Colonoscopy safe? Is there a risk of colon perforation?

A. Virtual Colonoscopy is very safe. There is no risk of colon perforation such as there is in a small percentage of cases with conventional flexible colonoscopy.

Q. Will I need someone to drive me to and from the Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. No. Virtual Colonoscopy does not require any sedation, pain medications, oral or IV medications.

Q. Is Virtual Colonoscopy painful?

A. Patients describe Virtual Colonoscopy as uncomfortable with mild cramping (but not painful) when the colon is being filled with air. The CT scan can be completed in one or two breath holds and then the rectal tip is removed and the air is expelled or absorbed.

Q. Is Virtual Colonoscopy as reliable as conventional flexible colonoscopy?

A. Virtual Colonoscopy has been shown to be as good as conventional flexible colonoscopy in detecting clinically significant polyps and cancers. Virtual Colonoscopy will visualize the entire colon in most cases. Conventional colonoscopy will fail to visualize the entire colon in 10 to 20% of cases.

Q. Does my insurance cover Virtual Colonoscopy screenings?

A. Virtual Colonoscopy is a CT scan test consisting of CT Abdomen and CT Pelvis with air contrast, and 3d reconstruction. Because this is a new way to perform colonoscopy, many insurance companies may balk at reimbursing for these tests. If your doctor orders these tests because of symptoms, then most all insurance companies will pay for them. If the test is ordered and done only for screening purposes, a few will pay, but many will not. Medicare will pay if there are symptoms.

Q. Do I have to have a bowel prep for Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. Yes, a cleansing bowel prep is necessary. Any solid material remaining in the colon would make it impossible to identify small polyps.

Q. What if a polyp or tumor is found on the Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. If a polyp or tumor is found, another test such as flexible colonoscopy or surgery will be required for removal. This is the same for any non-invasive screening test.

Q. How much radiation is involved in Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. We perform a CT Abdomen and Pelvis with the patient on their back and then again on their stomach, so there would be more radiation than a conventional CT scan. However, the amount of radiation involved is still within a safe range.

Q. Is Virtual Colonoscopy a non-invasive test?

A. This test requires the insertion of a small tube into the rectum and inflating the colon with air or carbon dioxide. This is much like having an enema. There are no needles or injections required and therefore it is non-invasive.

Q. I am on blood thinners. Will I have to stop them before the Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. No. Since Virtual Colonoscopy is non-invasive, blood thinners are not a problem, as they are with conventional flexible colonoscopy.

Q. Is Virtual Colonoscopy safe? Is there a risk of colon perforation?

A. Virtual Colonoscopy is very safe. There is no risk of colon perforation such as there is in a small percentage of cases with conventional flexible colonoscopy.

Q. Will I need someone to drive me to and from the Virtual Colonoscopy?

A. No. Virtual Colonoscopy does not require any sedation, pain medications, oral or IV medications.

Q. Is Virtual Colonoscopy painful?

A. Patients describe Virtual Colonoscopy as uncomfortable with mild cramping (but not painful) when the colon is being filled with air. The CT scan can be completed in one or two breath holds and then the rectal tip is removed and the air is expelled or absorbed.

Q. Is Virtual Colonoscopy as reliable as conventional colonoscopy?

A. Virtual Colonoscopy has been shown slight;y better results than in conventional colonoscopy in detecting clinically significant polyps and cancers. Virtual Colonoscopy will visualize the entire colon in most cases. Conventional colonoscopy will fail to visualize the entire colon in 10 to 20% of cases.