Cologuard Raleigh, NC

There are some things that no one really looks forward to, and a colonoscopy is one of them. When patients hear there are alternatives to a colonoscopy, such as Cologuard in Raleigh, NC, it’s understandable that they’d want to consider that option. But many take-home tests, such as Cologuard in Raleigh, NC, come with a cost, and the cost is often accuracy. Let’s take a look at the accuracy of Cologuard in Raleigh, NC when compared with other colon cancer screening diagnostics such as colonoscopy.

Why Is Cologuard in Raleigh, NC So Popular?

There are quite a few reasons why Cologuard in Raleigh, NC is popular. Even if you’ve never had a colonoscopy, you likely already know a few things about it. A colonoscopy requires a bit of overall prep, and this prep can have some messy outcomes—it requires that you empty your colon prior to the test. Take-home tests such as Cologuard in Raleigh, NC just require you to gather your own stool sample, so other than handling your own stool, there’s no time or preparation required.

Speaking of which, another reason Cologuard in Raleigh, NC is popular is time. A colonoscopy requires much more preparation time. While it is an outpatient procedure, you’ll need time to rest afterward, and someone to drive you home. Cologuard in Raleigh, NC is a quick test that won’t require a lot of your time.

How Accurate is Cologuard in Raleigh, NC?

One of the problems with take-home tests like Cologuard in Raleigh, NC is their accuracy. If you compare Cologuard in Raleigh, NC as well as other take-home tests on the market up against colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for colorectal cancer detection, it was found to miss up to 8 percent of colon cancer, and up to 58 percent of precancerous polyps. Another reason to choose colonoscopy over Cologuard in Raleigh, NC is that colonoscopy is one of the few diagnostic tests where the physician can remove polyps during the procedure. Cologuard in Raleigh, NC is a test sent back to a lab, so if cancerous polyps are detected, you will still need to make an appointment to have a colonoscopy performed. Essentially, if you administer Cologuard in Raleigh, NC and have a positive result, you will likely have to have a colonoscopy as a result anyway. However, since you may have used insurance to cover the cost of Cologuard in Raleigh, NC, insurance may not cover your colonoscopy, since they are essentially both testing for the same condition.

Similarly, if Cologuard in Raleigh, NC does detect colon cancer or precancerous polyps, this may not be enough for your insurance to cover a visit to a GI specialist or to have a colonoscopy performed without a referral. So, even though you’ve gone through the steps and had a Cologuard in Raleigh, NC test, you may still have to go through the red tape of seeing your primary care physician to get the GI referral to get the colonoscopy, unless you already currently see a GI physician. To date, very few insurance companies recognize Cologuard in Raleigh, NC results as conclusive for diagnosis. Cologuard in Raleigh, NC does not carry the same weight as colonoscopy or other medicinal diagnostics, such as a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FIT), which would need to be ordered by your doctor.

What Is the Bottom Line on Cologuard in Raleigh, NC?

Cologuard in Raleigh, NC tests do have some accuracy. You have to handle your stool carefully, being sure not to cross-contaminate the sample. The test takes roughly an hour to administer, and then you send the Cologuard in Raleigh, NC test off to be analyzed. Most Cologuard in Raleigh, NC tests cost between $600 and $700, which is often covered by insurance. However, if the result is positive for colon cancer, the patient should have a colonoscopy and further testing to confirm, and since the patient used the insurance benefit on Cologuard in Raleigh, NC, insurance may not cover the now-needed colonoscopy.

Why Have A Colonoscopy Instead of Cologuard in Raleigh, NC?

Colon cancer is the second-deadliest form of cancer in the U.S. today, and while Cologuard in Raleigh, NC can detect some forms of colon cancer, a colonoscopy can help detect colon cancer as well as precancerous polyps. A colonoscopy can detect early-stage colon cancer well before it spreads, while some take-home tests, including Cologuard in Raleigh, NC, have been known to miss some forms of colon and colorectal cancer. In addition, some Cologuard in Raleigh, NC tests have given patients false positives and undue stress. There can be no “false positives” with a colonoscopy.

If you’re approaching the age of 45, which is the new threshold for colon cancer screening, talk to your primary care physician about colonoscopy and getting set up with a gastroenterologist that you can trust, like those at Cary Gastroenterology Associates. Keep in mind that not all insurance companies are in line with the new guidelines, so make sure yours covers a colonoscopy prior to age 50 before setting your appointment. Having a GI specialist that you can trust can help make the process of colonoscopy easier and more seamless, so you don't have to waste time and money on take-home tests like Cologuard in Raleigh, NC. Our caring and professional staff can help walk you through every step of colonoscopy, so it doesn’t have to be scary or awkward. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer detection for a reason, and it helps save lives.

Cary Gastro

Cary Gastro has been providing high-quality digestive health care for more than 3 decades. We are the pioneers in private gastrointestinal (GI) practice in the region and offer premium healthcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our physicians, which include seven licensed gastroenterologists and hepatologists, are available to support you with various digestive conditions. They have a combined experience of more than 90 years in the medical field.

Our Founder

Dr. Michael R. Pike, M.D. established Cary Gastro back in 1986. He retired from practice back in 2014 after 28 years of unparalleled service in the region. Our clinic will forever be thankful for all of his contributions. We continue to follow his vision in offering excellent health care to the community.

Procedures We Offer

Our clinic conducts various procedures to support patients with various digestive conditions. Here are some of the tests performed by our clinics:

• Anorectal Manometry
• Colonoscopy
• Esophageal Dilation
• Esophageal Manometry
• Esophageal pH/Impedance Testing
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
• H. Pylori Breath Testing
• Hemorrhoid Banding Ligation
• Hydrogen Breath Testing
• Upper GI Endoscopy
• Video Capsule Endoscopy
• Weight Loss Options

Conditions We Treat

At Cary Gastro, we specialize in treating different digestive conditions. Here are some of the healthcare conditions handled by our clinics:

• Acid Reflux
• Anal Fissures
• Barrett's Esophagus
• Celiac Disease
• Cirrhosis
• Colorectal Cancer
• Constipation
• Crohn’s Disease
• Diarrhea
• Diverticular Disease
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
• Fecal Incontinence
• Gallstones
• Gastritis
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER & GERD)
• Hemorrhoids
• Hepatitis
• Hiatal Hernia
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Lactose Intolerance
• Microscopic Colitis
• NAFLD/NASH
• Pancreatitis
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Smoking and the GI Tract
• Ulcerative Colitis

The Hemorrhoid Center

The Cary Gastro Hemorrhoid Center is here to provide you with fast and painless treatment for hemorrhoids. We understand that some people may have reservations in consulting about this condition that is why we strive to make you feel at ease during your visit. Our center also aims to keep you informed about your condition.

Our doctors, who are board-certified gastroenterologists, puts a premium on the doctor-patient relationship. They will examine you closely and provide you with the best treatment for your condition.

The Cary Gastro Women’s Center

The Cary Gastro Women's Center for GI Health serves the specific needs of women with gastrointestinal (GI) concerns. Women go through GI concerns related to stress, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.

Some women may not be comfortable disclosing delicate issues concerning their health. As a practice that highly values privacy, we provide women a venue where they can disclose concerns with female doctors without reservations. Communication is essential in addressing different GI health problems so feel free to describe what you’re feeling and let our physicians take care of the rest.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are experiencing any digestive disorders, Cary Gastro is here to help you. Contact us at (919) 816-4948 to schedule an appointment with our doctors. You may also set up a consultation online. You may also check out our homepage to learn more about our company and our services. We are looking forward to serving you.

Our Locations

We have six clinics ready to accommodate you. Visit us in any of these locations:

Cary Office

115 Kildaire Park Dr #201
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 816-4948

Holly Springs Office

208 Village Walk Drive,
Holly Springs, NC 27540
(919) 285-2801

Women’s Center For GI Health

2418 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 250
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 787-1644

Raleigh Endoscopy Center - Cary

1505 SW Cary Parkway, Suite 202
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 249-5087

Raleigh Endoscopy Center - Main

2417 Atrium Drive, Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 249-5246

Raleigh Endoscopy Center - North

8300 Health Park, Suite 210
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 249-5902