The president was checked for and found free of colon cancer with a virtual colonoscopy, a scan that avoids the more invasive visual inspection with a camera device that is passed into the large intestine.What is virtual colonoscopy?
Virtual colonoscopy is a procedure used to look for signs of pre-cancerous growths, called polyps; cancer; and other diseases of the large intestine. Images of the large intestine are taken using computerized tomography (CT) or, less often, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A computer puts the images together to create an animated, three-dimensional view of the inside of the large intestine...
Virtual colonoscopy is performed wherever the CT scanner or MRI unit is located—usually in the radiology department of a hospital or medical center. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and does not require sedation.
Patients will lie face up on a table.
A thin tube will be inserted through the anus and into the rectum. For CT, carbon dioxide gas will be pumped through the tube to expand the large intestine for better viewing. For MRI, contrast media will be given rectally to expand the large intestine.
The table will move through the CT scanner or MRI unit to produce a series of cross-sectional images of the colon.
At various points during the procedure, the doctor may ask patients to hold their breath to steady the images.
The procedure will be repeated while patients lie face down.
After the procedure, cross-sectional images taken by CT or MRI are processed to create three-dimensional, computer-generated images of the large intestine. A radiologist evaluates the results to identify any abnormalities.What is colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. The procedure is used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss...How are they different?
During colonoscopy, patients lie on their left side on an examination table. In most cases, a light sedative, and possibly pain medication, helps keep patients relaxed. Deeper sedation may be required in some cases. The doctor and medical staff monitor vital signs and attempt to make patients as comfortable as possible.
The doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope, or scope, into the anus and slowly guides it through the rectum and into the colon. The scope inflates the large intestine with carbon dioxide gas to give the doctor a better view. A small camera mounted on the scope transmits a video image from inside the large intestine to a computer screen, allowing the doctor to carefully examine the intestinal lining. The doctor may ask the patient to move periodically so the scope can be adjusted for better viewing.
Once the scope has reached the opening to the small intestine, it is slowly withdrawn and the lining of the large intestine is carefully examined again. Bleeding and puncture of the large intestine are possible but uncommon complications of colonoscopy.
The main difference between virtual and conventional colonoscopy is how the doctor sees inside the colon. Conventional colonoscopy uses a long, lighted, flexible tube called a colonoscope to view the inside of the colon, whereas virtual colonoscopy uses CT or MRI.In other words, during colonoscopy you get a long (6 foot), thick tube shoved up your butt together with a bunch of air blown into it. The procedure takes in the range of 45 minutes (unless a problem is found, then it takes longer) and there is a recovery period of about an hour or so after the procedure. Just to be nice, they first check you out by putting a professional's finger up your arschloch. If you are nice, the professional may ask you out to dinner.
During virtual colonoscopy they take pictures and look at those. Your butt-hole remains unviolated by the 6 foot snake, the radiologist's finger generally remains holstered (though another professional may cop an inner feel - keep your dinner calendar open, there's hope), you're done in 10 minutes and there is no recovery from sedation since there is no sedation needed, i.e., they do not have to knock you out so you can tolerate the significant discomfort.
See images at the end of this post to appreciate the differences.
You cannot get this test, virtual colonoscopy, if you are a regular person and have it paid for by Medicare (or your health plan in all likelihood).
You cannot get this test, virtual colonoscopy, if you are a regular person and have it paid for by Medicare (or your health plan in all likelihood).
This is for your own good. Or so they say.
This is from February 13, 2009:
Medicare has tentatively decided not to pay for virtual colonoscopies, dealing a setback to a technique that some medical experts recommend as a more tolerable alternative to conventional colonoscopy in screening for colon cancer.and this is from May 13, 2009:
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in a decision posted on its Web site that there was “insufficient evidence” to conclude that virtual colonoscopy “improves outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries.”
CT colonography for colorectal cancer screening will not be covered under Medicare, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has confirmed.Apparently, during this administration, even though "there was 'insufficient evidence' to conclude that virtual colonoscopy 'improves outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries'" and "Agency analysts cited evidence from numerous studies that found CT colonography less sensitive for smaller lesions" it is good enough for the hubby of Michellesie Obama.
The agency issued a final decision memo yesterday that reiterates the coverage denial proposed in February in draft form. (See Medicare to Deny Coverage of CT Colonography Screening)
"The evidence is inadequate to conclude that CT colonography is an appropriate colorectal cancer screening test under § 1861(pp)(1) of the Social Security Act," according to the final CMS memo.
Although the 30-day comment period following publication of the draft memo brought many requests to allow at least some coverage for the procedure, CMS stuck to its conclusion that there is not enough evidence to support the procedure in the Medicare population.
Agency analysts cited evidence from numerous studies that found CT colonography less sensitive for smaller lesions.
Your tax dollars go to save his ass, literally, but not yours.
Interesting.
Though not stating what my position is on sick care reform, I submit that it is at least reasonable to question the parity in coverage and care Americans can expect compared to the quality of care politicians will keep for themselves under a reform scheme.
Though not stating what my position is on sick care reform, I submit that it is at least reasonable to question the parity in coverage and care Americans can expect compared to the quality of care politicians will keep for themselves under a reform scheme.
Here are some images to help you appreciate the differences:
Virtual colonoscopy (1 image) - these are reconstructions of X-ray pictures:
What Medicare and insurers that follow Medicare pay for - regular colonoscopy (2 images):
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment