Plan Your Colonoscopy Before the End of the Year to Maximize Your Deductible

Since we are heading into the last few months of this year, now is a prudent time to track the state of your overall health and your wellness goals for 2023. One way to help make sure you stay in front of your goals might be to make plans for a regular colorectal health screening with a qualified gastrointestinal doctor.

Even though there are other testing methods, when it comes to colon cancer screening, colonoscopy is one of the most efficient and reliable of all tests available. The experts at GI Alliance of Illinois regularly perform colonoscopy screenings to check for the warning signs of colorectal cancer before it is too advanced and to provide care for any concerns concerning the colon. Read ahead to hear more regarding colonoscopy screenings offered by our Illinois gastrointestinal specialists.

Why are colonoscopies considered best when checking for colon cancer?

Not only do they assist in evaluating for indicators of colorectal cancer, but a colonoscopy also allows your GI provider to check the overall wellness of your colon and remove any colorectal polyps encountered in the course of the procedure.

A colonoscopy may be advised for people at least 45 years old or those who:

• Have specific inflammatory bowel conditions (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) which are proven to heighten your chance of developing colon or rectal cancer
• Have a family history of bowel cancer
• Consume a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories
• Are from specific demographic groups (African Americans are at a greater chance of having colon cancer than people from other groups, though no group is immune)

It is vital to consult with a digestive health expert to understand your risk of cancer and when a colonoscopy is right for you.

When is the optimal time for a person to undergo a colonoscopy?

In the big scheme of things, there is not a "right" or "wrong" time in one's life to be proactive about the care of your health. From a practical perspective, however, deductibles are due to reset for most health insurance policies on Jan. 1, so if you have already reached your deductible, now might be the perfect time to schedule a colonoscopy in Illinois to keep your out-of-pocket costs down. If you're a member of a plan with a flexible savings account (FSA), the end of the year is your last opportunity to use remaining funds that won't carry over into 2023.

Additionally, wrapping up any routine health screenings now can give you peace of mind that you are managing your health needs.

How do colonoscopies work?

A colonoscopy is a common test that is conducted in a private setting at your physician's office or your nearest endoscopy center. Upon your arrival at the exam site, preparations will be made, and you will lie on your side as a member of our staff will give you intravenous sedation in measured and controlled amounts to manage both your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. Once sedation is administered, your GI Alliance of Illinois GI specialist will initiate the colonoscopy exam by carefully inserting a scope via your rectum and up through the colon, observing your bowel health through a camera mounted inside the end of the device. Based on the information revealed by the screening, the exam usually takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes to complete.

Reserve a time for your colonoscopy today

Colorectal cancer is responsible for more than 50,000 deaths each year in the U.S. alone, but the chance of survival increases markedly when the cancer is diagnosed and treated near the beginning of its development. That's why you must rely upon a skilled colonoscopy specialist who can recognize the markers of cancer and help you if ongoing treatments are needed. With the collective knowledge of our physician-led practice, the providers with GI Alliance of Illinois are ready and willing to help you ring in a new year by making your health a top priority. For additional information regarding screenings for colon cancer or to talk with a provider specializing in colonoscopies in Illinois, we encourage you to reach out to our gastrointestinal group today.