March 8, 2010, Gallipolis, OH - Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S., and 90% of colorectal cancer deaths are preventable.

Screening, or testing, is done while you are feeling well – to detect, or find, any abnormalities early, before signs and symptoms of disease occur. Screening for colorectal cancer allows for the early detection of cancer when it is highly curable, as well as the detection of growths, or polyps, that could become cancer.

Holzer Clinic now offers “open access colonoscopy” to healthy patients who are eligible for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance colonoscopy. For your convenience, a separate consultation visit at the physician’s office is no longer required, saving you time, effort and money. In addition, we will schedule your colonoscopy at the date and time that best fits your schedule.

Open access colonoscopy is for asymptomatic patients who are in generally good health (as defined below), who have not been previously screened, who were screened more than 10 years ago, or who have a history of polyps and are due for a follow-up colonoscopy. Any patient who wishes to meet with the physician prior to the date of the procedure is encouraged to make an appointment but those patients who do not feel it is necessary may call Holzer Clinic and schedule the screening or surveillance colonoscopy directly. This can be best done through your primary care physician who can send the request for you. We will provide one-stop convenience for patients and families.

Please be aware that some insurance plans do not cover preventive health screenings. Patients covered by such plans will not have insurance coverage for the procedure unless it is being done to evaluate a specific condition/diagnosis. These patients will need to be seen in the physician’s office prior to their colonoscopy. HMO patients require precertification and therefore, are not eligible for open access colonoscopy.

Please call us if you are unsure whether you, a family member or friend or your patient, qualify for open access colonoscopy.

Eligible patients should meet the following criteria:

• Age 50-70 (younger IF they have a first-degree relative with colon cancer at age 60 or younger)
• No previous problems with anesthesia or conscious sedation
• No anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (Coumadin, Plavix, etc.) and gingko-biloba should be stopped one week prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. No vavular heart disease, including mitral valve prolapse (with murmur).
• No disease of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, or renal systems requiring active management.

What is Open Access Colonoscopy?

An Open Access Colonoscopy Program has been developed by Holzer Clinic Gastroenterology Services, making screening procedures more accessible for everyone. The Open Access program allows healthy patients, who only need a screening and surveillance colonoscopy to simply be referred directly by their Primary Care Physician’s office to our office. This allows patients who qualify to skip the office appointment. This program is extremely popular with today’s busy lifestyles, and we find it encourages patients who have been undecided about having a colonoscopy to schedule this potentially life-saving procedure. We believe it to be safe and appropriate for the right patients, and most importantly, it save lives.

By potentially eliminating an office visit, the patient saves not only time but a co-payment as well. This new Open Access colon cancer screening and surveillance program is accepted and covered by most major insurance companies. It is conducted with the latest medical technologies at our 4 endoscopy centers conveniently located in Athens, Gallipolis, Jackson, and Proctorville. One of our experienced gastroenterologists will be performing your procedure.

After the referral form is reviewed, the patient will be contacted and set up for either a colonoscopy or an office visit. Participation in the Open Access Colonoscopy Program is contingent upon pre-procedure insurance approval, medical history and the patient’s desire to participate. You will have the choice of which gastroenterologist you will want to perform your procedure.

How do I enroll in the Open Access Colonoscopy Program at Holzer Clinic?

If you have read over the above information and feel you would be a good candidate for this program, simply turn over the page, complete the short medical questionnaire and fax or mail the completed form as instructed. We will contact you upon receipt.

“We look forward to caring for you.” - The Physicians & Staff of Holzer Clinic.

Holzer Clinic… Medical Excellence, Local Caring.

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Holzer Clinic is a multiple discipline health care system of over 140 board certified physicians providing care in more than thirty areas of expertise. With nine locations throughout southeastern Ohio and western West Virginia, Holzer Clinic provides “Medical Excellence, coupled with Local Caring”.

Holzer Clinic is accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact MarJean Kennedy @ 740-441-3288 or MKennedy@holzerclinic.com