Get a Colonoscopy Before Year's End (and Maximize Your Deductible)

Since we are heading into the last few months of this year, this is a reminder to assess the state of your health and your wellness goals for the upcoming year. One way to help you stay on top of those goals is to book a regular colorectal screening with an experienced gastrointestinal provider.

Although other testing methods are out there, in the world of colon cancer screening, colonoscopy remains one of the most reliable and efficient of all screenings available. The gastroenterologists at GastroArkansas consistently perform colonoscopy screenings to help patients catch warning signs of colorectal cancer as early as possible and to provide care for other concerns concerning the colon. Please read the following to learn more about colorectal screenings offered by our Little Rock, AR GI specialists.

Why is colonoscopy considered best when screening for colon cancer?

In addition to helping evaluate for indicators of colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy also allows your GI doctor to inspect the overall health of your colon and rid you of any polyps they find during the screening.

A colonoscopy screening is generally recommended for individuals who are at least 45 years old or for those who:

• Are part of specific demographic groups (African Americans have a higher chance of being diagnosed with colon cancer than people of other groups, though no group is immune)
• Keep a diet low in fiber but high in calories and fat
• Have a history of bowel cancer in their family
• Suffer from specific inflammatory bowel diseases (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) that are proven to elevate one's chance of developing colon or rectal cancer

It is essential to talk with a digestive health specialist to discuss your cancer risk and when a colonoscopy is indicated for you.

When is the recommended time for me to receive a colonoscopy?

In the big scheme of things, there is no "right" or "wrong" time in your life to be proactive regarding taking care of your health. Still, deductibles are typically reset with the majority of health insurance policies on Jan. 1. If you have already met your deductible, now might be the perfect time to come in for a colonoscopy in Little Rock, AR, and 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 chance to apply the remaining money that won't carry over into 2023.

Additionally, wrapping up any necessary health screenings before January 1 will set you up to head into the new year confident that you are taking good care of your health needs.

How do colonoscopies work?

A colonoscopy screening is a very common exam that is conducted in a private setting at your physician's practice location or your nearest endoscopy center. Upon your arrival at the exam site, you will be asked to lie on your side, and a member of our staff will give you intravenous sedation in small and controlled amounts to manage your comfort and safety during the test. Once you are sedated, your GastroArkansas GI specialist will begin the colonoscopy procedure by slowly inserting a scope into your rectum and up through the large intestine, assessing your bowel health through a camera mounted inside the end of the device. Depending on the results of the colorectal screening, the exam typically takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes.

Reserve your colonoscopy in Little Rock, AR today

Colorectal cancer is the cause of over 50,000 deaths each year in the U.S., but the odds of survival grow exponentially if the cancer is recognized near the beginning of its growth. For this reason, it's imperative to work with an expert colonoscopy specialist who has the skills to identify the signals that point to cancer and work with you if further treatments are called for. With the resources of our physician-led practice of gastrointestinal doctors, the providers at GastroArkansas are available to assist you in ringing in a new year with your health as a top priority. For more information about screenings for colon cancer or to talk with a provider specializing in colonoscopies in Little Rock, AR, we encourage you to get in touch with our gastroenterology group today.