Arrange for a Colonoscopy Before Year's End (to Maximize Your Deductible)

Since we are heading into the fall and winter months of this year, it is the perfect reminder to consider the state of your overall health and your wellness goals for the upcoming year. One option to help you stay in front of your goals might be to reserve your recommended colorectal health screening with a qualified GI provider.

While other testing methods are available, in the world of colon cancer screening, colonoscopy remains one of the most reliable and efficient of all tests available. The specialists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants consistently carry out colonoscopy screenings to help patients identify indicators of colorectal cancer early on and to provide care for related problems in the colon. Keep reading to hear more regarding colonoscopy screenings with our DFW gastroenterology team.

What makes colonoscopies the preferred screening when checking for colon cancer?

Not only do they assist in helping evaluate for indications of cancer of the colon, but a colonoscopy enables your GI physician to inspect the overall wellness of your colon and also remove any polyps discovered during the procedure.

A colonoscopy screening is generally recommended for those who are at least 45 years of age or in those that:

• Suffer from specific inflammatory bowel conditions (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) that have been proven to elevate the risk of colon or rectal cancer
• Keep a diet low in fiber but high in calories and fat
• Are a member of certain demographic groups (African Americans are at a greater chance of being diagnosed with colon cancer than individuals of other ethnicities, though no ethnicity is without risk)
• Have a history of bowel cancer in their family

It's essential to talk with a specialist in digestive health to discuss your cancer risk and when to schedule a colonoscopy.

When is the best time to have a colonoscopy?

In the big picture, there is no "right" or "wrong" time in one's life to be proactive regarding caring for your health. Still, deductibles are due to reset for the majority of health insurance plans on January 1, so if you have already met your deductible, now may be the ideal time to book a colonoscopy in DFW, and take advantage of your deductible having already been met. If you're a member of a plan with a flexible savings account (FSA), the end of the year is your chance to use up extra funds that won't roll over into the next year.

In addition, performing any needed health screenings now will prepare you to head into the new year confident that you are managing your health needs.

Exactly how does a colonoscopy screening work?

A colonoscopy is a common procedure that is conducted in a private setting at your provider's practice location or at a nearby endoscopy center. After arriving at the exam site and making preparations, you will lie on your side, and a member of our team will give you intravenous sedation in small and controlled amounts to ensure your safety and comfort during the exam. Once sedation is administered, your Texas Digestive Disease Consultants GI doctor will start the colonoscopy by slowly inserting a scope via your rectum and up through the large intestine, checking the health of your bowel by way of the camera affixed inside the end of the device. Based on the information revealed by the colonoscopy, the test commonly takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes to complete.

Schedule a colonoscopy in DFW today

Colorectal cancer causes more than 50,000 deaths annually in the U.S., but the odds of survival grow drastically if the cancer is found and addressed early in its development. That's why it's of the utmost importance that you consult an expert colonoscopy specialist who can identify the warning signs of cancer and treat you in the case that additional treatments are indicated. With the knowledge and resources of our physician-led practice of GI doctors available, the providers with Texas Digestive Disease Consultants are ready to help you ring in a new year with your health as a top priority. To learn more regarding screenings for colon cancer or to talk with a provider specializing in colonoscopies in DFW, we encourage you to reach out to our GI practice today.