Why Younger People May Skip The Colonoscopy?

Two years ago we reported that 59% of 25-35 year olds in our consumer poll said when the times comes they will “likely” or “definitely” choose Cologuard’s at home screening test for colon cancer over colonoscopy, several citing advantages like “not having to do the prep my dad did” or not “having to be sedated” and even financial benefits for those who say they may just pay cash “and I think the at home is a lot cheaper.” If a Cologuard test is positive, the patient will need a colonoscopy, but only 39% knew this. However, the cost of the colonoscopy in this situation would be applied to the patient’s deductible if they are using insurance. 20% said they would “definitely” choose the test, 39% “likely.”  In our recent poll of the same audience two years later, the results are directionally similar but there’s a new wrinkle – several said their parents have had to pay full cost for the colonoscopy – or fight the cost - because they didn’t get a referral from their primary care doctor. In several cases, the insurer sent a mailer to 45–55-year-olds encouraging them to get a colonoscopy with one of 2 doctors in the insurer’s network – they provided the phone numbers and websites – and said the screen would save lives. But these adult parents still got a bill for $800 or more.