How to Throw a Colonoscopy Party

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Recently, Steve Martin and his long-time buddy, Martin Short, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and shared details about the colonoscopy parties they host every other year.

Leave it up to a comedic duo to turn the dreaded bowel prep into an overnight event steeped in hilarity, including poker games, funny movies and “drinking all the stuff.” Martin, 72, and Short, 68, invite other celebrity friends like Tom Hanks to join the fun, and the ritual has become an important component of their friendship.

Colonoscopies and Colon Cancer Prevention

A colonoscopy party may not be your first choice when it comes to socializing, but consider this fact: colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. About one in every five Americans will develop colon cancer, but most cases are preventable through regular colonoscopies.

Young-onset colon cancer is more common than ever before, and studies show young people are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage colon cancer. For this reason, the American Cancer Society changed its recommendation for a first-time colon cancer screening from age 50 to age 45.

Although there are several types of colon cancer screenings, colonoscopy is the gold standard. Colonoscopy is the most thorough screening because:

  • It allows your doctor to inspect the entire colon, from cecum to rectum, for precancerous polyps.
  • Your doctor can remove a polyp during the colonoscopy, preventing it from developing into cancer.
  • It is the only procedure that can detect and prevent colon cancer.
  • It can reveal other GI issues like diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease and can allow for immediate treatment.

Turn Your Colonoscopy Prep Into a Party

Preventing colon cancer is a reason to celebrate, so turn your colonoscopy prep into a party! Here are some suggestions on how to infuse your bowel prep with some fun and laughter:

  1. Contact your family and friends and let them know you are getting a colonoscopy.
  2. Ask your loved ones if they are due for a colonoscopy, and suggest they schedule their procedure on the same day.
  3. Tell your group you’d appreciate some support on your bowel prep day, and ask them to reserve that evening on their calendar.
  4. Plan your party! You can plan a movie night, spa night, poker night, board game night, murder mystery party or video game tournament. The gathering can include almost any activity, but make sure there is a nearby restroom. Keep in mind you may feel most comfortable hosting the party in your own home.
  5. Print statistics about colon cancer and the preventive benefits of colonoscopy and display them for your guests to read.
  6. Amp up the fun by making themed colonoscopy prep foods and creating party games. Offer prizes for the best colon prep story or best colonoscopy joke. Commemorate your evening by taking lots of photos.

Schedule Your Screening Today

There’s no substitute for a colonoscopy. Call your gastroenterologist today to schedule a screening. It could save your life. 

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Best Foods for Arthritis that Help You Lose Weight

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Losing weight is a good thing for people with arthritis, even if they’re not obese or considered overweight, since losing just a couple of pounds can take a significant burden off the weight-bearing joints.

In fact, studies show for every pound lost, the result is 4 pounds of strain taken off the knees. Plus, if you lose a few extra pounds (or more if you need it), you’re not only helping to reduce arthritis pain, you are also decreasing inflammation in the body since too much body fat increases inflammation.

Also, something to consider: if you take off excess weight, there may be other unexpected benefits—for instance, you may not need to take pain medications for your arthritis as often or you might begin to sleep better because you have less joint pain.

Best Foods for Arthritis

What are some of the best foods for arthritis? Here are tips for choosing foods that will strengthen and protect your joints as well as support weight loss.

1. Choose Calcium-Rich Foods: To maintain healthy bones and joints, you need calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. Choose foods that contain high levels of these nutrients such as:

  • Lowfat milk, cheese and yogurt
  • Milk alternatives enriched with calcium, such as soy and rice
  • Canned salmon and sardines
  • Chard and other leafy greens

2. Focus on Eating Plenty of Fruits and Veggies: Foods that reduce inflammation, like fruits and vegetables that include naturally occurring chemical compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, are some of the best foods for arthritis. These fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber, which means they help you feel fuller faster—supporting your weight loss goals. The result? Less stress on your joints. Some low-calorie, anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables to add to your grocery list are:

  • Apples
  • Apricots
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cantaloupe
  • Grapes
  • Kale
  • Kiwi
  • Oranges
  • Papaya
  • Pineapple
  • Raspberries
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries

3. Eat Moderate Portions of Fish High in Omega-3s: Studies show foods that contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can help some people with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing stiffness in joints. Omega-3s can be found in oily fish—a good choice if you don’t overindulge since some fatty fish are high in calories. Omega-3-rich fish that can help support your joint health include:

  • Herring
  • Mackerel
  • Trout
  • Tuna
  • Salmon
  • Sardines

Foods to Avoid with Arthritis

It is also important to avoid foods that don’t nourish your joints. Foods to avoid with arthritis include highly processed foods, refined sugar and foods made with white flour, such as pasta or baked goods.

Wondering how to lose weight or the best way to lose weight? Although there are many diets for those who want to lose weight, and it can be tempting to look for ways to lose weight fast, don’t take the easy route. Fad diets that offer quick solutions are almost always unhealthy and won’t support your joint health. If you need help finding the best way to lose weight, talk to your doctor.

A Doctor Referral May Cost You More

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Learn how to take back control of your healthcare (and your budget) when your doctor offers you a referral.

When a Doctor Referral is Not in Your Best Interest

If you are like most people, you follow your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to referrals. Your doctor hands you a card with the contact information of the specialist and suggests you make an appointment. In most cases, you view this referral as a courtesy because it saves you time.

Think again. The healthcare industry is a $3.5 trillion business, and that convenient doctor referral may be contributing to the healthcare cost burden. It’s time to start asking questions about why your doctor is referring you to a specific physician or facility.

According to The Wall Street Journal article, “The Hidden System That Explains How Your Doctor Makes Referrals,” many doctors employed by hospital systems feel pressured to refer patients to other physicians in their hospital system, even if the patient may benefit more from a physician outside the system.

Because many primary care physicians work at hospital-owned practices, they are expected to refer patients to physicians within their hospital group. These in-house doctor referrals often mean patients will be scheduling their procedures at hospitals or hospital outpatient departments (HOPD), which may be much more expensive than independent ambulatory surgery centers (ASC).

How to Shop For Healthcare

You can shop for affordable, quality healthcare in the same way you shop for an appliance or car. When your doctor refers you to a specialist for a procedure like a knee arthroscopy, ask why he or she recommends that physician or facility and request an estimate of costs. Before you leave the doctor’s office, get the procedure code for the procedure or screening so you can begin your own research.

Websites like HealthcareBluebook.com and Medicare.gov Procedure Price Lookup Tool (for Medicare patients) provide helpful information like the national average cost for common procedures, often comparing hospital rates against independent facilities like ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or read online reviews and testimonials.

Location, Location, Location

You can save as much 40 percent on a procedure at an independent ASC compared to hospital rates for the same procedure. Preventive procedures are often covered at 100 percent for insured, eligible patients at most independent ASCs, and diagnostic procedures are a fraction of the cost charged by hospitals.

For example, the nationwide, average cost of a knee arthroscopy is $4,720 at an independent ASC compared to $7,799 at a hospital.*

Besides being more affordable, ASCs offer advantages including:

  • Transparent pricing
  • Curbside drop off and pick up
  • Convenient parking
  • Shorter wait time
  • Top-ranked industry accreditations and certifications for safety and quality

Save on Your Next Procedure

A 2015 study found 80 percent of patients want to talk to their physicians about healthcare costs, but 72 percent say they have never broached the subject. The next time your doctor refers you to a physician or a facility, don’t be afraid to ask, “Why?” A doctor referral is just that – a referral, not a requirement.

*National average from HealthcareBluebook 2018. Rates vary by geography and procedure code.

Knee Replacements May Last 25 Years

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The study, published in The Lancet, reported eight out of 10 knee replacements last as long as 25 years. This is significant for a number of reasons:

Total Knee Replacement Estimate Raised From 15 to 25 Years

Prior to the study, 15 years had typically been cited as the length of time patients should expect an artificial knee joint to last. Fifteen years had been given as a rough estimate because there was no scientific evidence to prove the actual time period joints lasted after joint replacement surgery.

The researchers followed nearly 500,000 patients who had undergone joint replacement surgery over the past 25 years. Specifically, the results showed that:

Among total knee replacements 

  • 93 percent lasted 15 years
  • 90 percent lasted 20 years
  • 82 percent lasted 25 years

Among partial knee replacements 

  • 77 percent lasted 15 years
  • 72 percent lasted 20 years
  • 70 percent lasted 25 years

Knee Replacement Revision Surgery

After a patient has had joint replacement surgery, sometimes a second surgery, called a revision, is needed to replace the joint. Reasons for revision surgery vary and may include infection in the knee, loosening of the implant, or wear-and-tear of the artificial joint.

The results of the study may reduce the frequency of revision surgeries (which can be more complex and less successful than initial joint replacement surgery). Additionally, younger, more active people may consider joint replacement as a viable option, knowing there may be less chance of needing revision surgery in the future.

A Positive Impact on Patients and the Healthcare System

The study is not only useful for those considering total knee replacement, it also impacts healthcare more widely:

  • The population of older adults in the U.S. is increasing at an unprecedented rate, and people are living longer due to advances in healthcare.
  • Joints are some of the first parts of the body to wear, and increasing numbers of people may need knee replacement surgery.
  • Knowing artificial knees last longer than believed may help the U.S. healthcare system better manage its resources.

Click here to read the full study in The Lancet.

Vision Simulator Prepares Cataract Patients for Surgery

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Coming Soon: SimVis Vision Simulator

Although cataract surgery is routine and safe, you may have questions about scheduling an invasive eye procedure. But what if you could get a glimpse of how cataract surgery can improve your vision?  Developed by scientists at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the SimVis is a lightweight vision simulator that can be worn alone or in a headset. The device was designed to imitate the effects of a multifocal IOL and help patients anticipate their post-cataract surgery vision. The SimVis is not yet available on the market, but researchers predict the device holds the potential to assist millions of patients in selecting the best lens for cataract surgery.

Cataracts, a Common Cause of Vision Loss

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, and it can cause blindness if left untreated. Today, more than 24 million Americans over 40 have cataracts. Most cases of cataracts can be treated with a short outpatient procedure to remove the clouded lens and insert a prescription IOL. Determining the best lens is often the most difficult decision, but the SimVis can eliminate much of the guesswork. 

How the SimVis Mimics IOLs

The SimVis uses lenses, mirrors and light modulators to simulate different types of IOLs. The binocular headset allows patients to experience vision changes associated with different lenses. Throughout the simulation, the device is controlled wirelessly via a mobile or tablet app.

One of the best benefits of the SimVis is it is non-invasive, so it decreases the fear barrier of cataract removal. CSIC researcher Susana Marcos says, “The possibility of the patient experimenting [sic] vision with a multifocal lens before the surgery is very attractive to reduce uncertainty and to manage expectations. Visual simulators are an ideal technique to provide patients with a new realistic experience of multifocality before the implantation of a new intraocular lens” (Science Daily).

Details about the SimVis are available in the February 7, 2019 edition of Scientific Reports.

Make an Appointment With your Eye Doctor

One in six adults have a developing cataract by age 40, and half of adults have a cataract by age 70. Don’t let cataracts affect your independence. If you have symptoms like clouded, blurry vision, double vision, fading of colors, and sensitivity to light, call your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.

Myth #3 – Colonoscopies are Too Expensive

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How Much is a Screening Colonoscopy?

Under the Affordable Care Act, most screening colonoscopies (including anesthesia) are covered by insurance and, if you qualify, you can even avoid the hassle of a pre-procedure consultation with a GI doctor under a “direct access” or “open access colonoscopy” – saving you time and money.

If you are at average risk for colon cancer, your screening colonoscopy is considered a preventative service and is not subject to cost-sharing. Between the ages of 50 and 75, you are entitled to one screening colonoscopy every ten years, following the recommendations of the United States Preventative Services Task Force.

With an “open access” or “direct access colonoscopy,” healthy, qualified patients can schedule a screening colonoscopy without an initial office visit and co-pay to a gastroenterologist. However, open or direct access colonoscopies are available in participating markets only to patients who qualify. Qualification is based on medical history and current medical status. Ask your doctor for more details.

What if My Doctor Removes a Polyp During the Procedure?

If you have private healthcare insurance and your doctor removes a polyp during a first-time screening colonoscopy, you won’t be responsible for a copay or deductible. According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), “polyp removal is an integral part of a colonoscopy. Accordingly, the plan or issuer may not impose cost-sharing with respect to a polyp removal during a colonoscopy performed as a screening procedure.”

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, however, the screening colonoscopy guidelines differ. If your doctor finds a polyp, the screening colonoscopy is coded as a diagnostic colonoscopy and you will be responsible for a copayment.

Are There Other Costs Associated With a Colonoscopy?

Even though insurance typically covers screening colonoscopies, you may be responsible for paying for your bowel prep kit and other services. To get accurate pricing and avoid unexpected costs, obtain the current procedural terminology (CPT) code for your colonoscopy from your doctor. Call your insurance provider and ask:

  1. What out-of-pocket costs, if any, should I expect to pay for CPT code ____?
  2. What in-network gastroenterologists are near me?
  3. Can you verify whether the anesthesiologist for my colonoscopy is in your network?
  4. What in-network facilities are near me?
  5. Can I save money by scheduling my procedure at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) versus a hospital outpatient department (HOPD)?
  6. If my doctor finds a polyp during my screening colonoscopy, will I have any financial responsibility?

Medicare patients can access the Procedure Price Lookup Tool to compare payments and copayments for colonoscopies and other medical procedures performed in ASCs and HOPDs.

How Much is a Colonoscopy Without Insurance Coverage?

Colon cancer screenings are an essential part of your preventative healthcare. If you don’t have health insurance, you still have affordable options to help you get access to this life-saving procedure:

These suggestions also apply to patients who want to be screened earlier than their insurance provider’s recommended age. The American Cancer Society recommends all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45, but Medicare and most commercial insurers will not cover colon screenings until age 50.

Call a Gastroenterologist

A colonoscopy is an essential component of digestive wellness and can help prevent colon cancer when scheduled at recommended intervals. By asking the right questions, you can get an affordable colonoscopy with or without insurance. Call your gastroenterologist and ask to schedule your colonoscopy at an outpatient endoscopy center for a high-quality procedure at a lower cost. 

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Americans Are Waiting Too Long To Start Colorectal Cancer Screening

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Yet according to new data from AMSURG, a leader in the detection, prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, most people wait until the age of 58 for an initial screening – 13 years after the recommended guidelines.

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, AMSURG today released proprietary data from approximately 1 million patient encounters during the past five years showing that more work is needed to encourage Americans to get screened at the recommended age. This year, more than 140,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. While research shows that younger adults are increasingly diagnosed, they do not start regular screenings until their late 50s when cancer is often more advanced.

“Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest form in the U.S.,” said John Popp, M.D., Medical Director for AMSURG. “Having a screening during those 13 years can be life-changing. Screening is the most effective way to detect, prevent and treat colorectal cancer. These cancers typically develop during a 10- to 15-year period, and with early and regular screenings, growths can be removed before they become cancerous.”

If cancer is diagnosed early, it is easier to treat, and patients often have a shorter recovery time as well as an increased chance of survival. Colorectal cancer affects people of all genders, races and ethnicities and it often has no warning signs or symptoms until it becomes advanced. Risk factors can include a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes and certain lifestyle habits.

“A screening colonoscopy is considered the gold standard,” said Colleen Schmitt, M.D., MHS, FASGE, FACG, Past President of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Trustee and Vice Chair of the ASGE Foundation and a gastroenterologist at Chattanooga Endoscopy Center in Tennessee. “It is the most comprehensive because we can both detect and remove precancerous polyps during the procedure. In addition to being safe, colonoscopies enable us to evaluate the overall health of the colon and help patients treat any underlying conditions.”

People can decrease their chances of developing colorectal cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and having routine screenings.

Depending on a person’s age and health insurance policy, a screening colonoscopy may be provided free of cost.

AMSURG, an Envision Healthcare solution, provides nearly 1 million colonoscopies a year and is committed to helping patients develop appropriate care plans to prevent and treat colorectal cancer. To learn more about colorectal cancer and find a gastroenterologist, visit www.stopcoloncancernow.com.

Managing Healthcare Costs

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A lower monthly premium gives you the power to choose how you want to spend your reserved healthcare funds. Instead of contributing your hard-earned dollars toward a healthcare network account, you can invest that same money, tax-free, into your HSA for your own medical costs and even earn interest.

Budgeting for better health

Traditional healthcare plans focus on managing your health benefits, but HDHPs focus on managing your health and your budget. If you can be self-disciplined and plan ahead, your HDHP will offer you flexibility and control. Here are some guidelines on how to maximize your cost savings and make your HDHP work for you:

Open an HSA and contribute the maximum amount each year

To open and put money into a Health Savings Account (HSA), you must have an HDHP. This is regulated by the Internal Revenue Service. Think of your HSA as a unique bank account whose sole purpose is to fund your HSA-qualified expenses. You are eligible to reserve $3,450 annually (pre-tax) for an individual and $6,850 (pre-tax) for a family to pay for qualified medical expenses, including your deductible. You can even request an HSA debit card that is linked to your HSA. This allows you to immediately pay for covered medical expenses using your reserved HSA dollars, instead of requesting to be reimbursed from your HSA later . Another advantage is that the dollars in your HSA account do not expire, so they roll into the following year if you do not use them.

When you open and fund an HSA, you have the flexibility to:

  • Pay for eligible medical expenses on a claim-by-claim basis using your HSA or
  • Use your own personal funds to cover medical expenses and save HSA dollars for future use

This is where personal monthly budgeting can help you get ahead. If you pay toward your deductible with your own funds and leave your HSA intact, you can accumulate a large savings account that can accrue interest.

Consistently building into your HSA can benefit you in two ways. You will be financially secure in the event of an unexpected medical event because you have funds readily available. You can also accumulate a sizable reserve for when you decide to enroll in Medicare (Part A and/or B). Although the IRS will not allow you to contribute to your HSA after you enroll in Medicare, you can still withdraw money from your HSA to help pay for medical expenses such as deductibles, premiums, copayments and coinsurances. As long as you use your HSA for qualified medical expenses, it will continue to be tax-free.

Price compare in-network doctors and facilities

There is no standard cost for a doctor visit or elective medical procedure, which means there can be huge cost variation among doctors and facilities in the same geographic area. Just as you would shop around before purchasing a new car, you should compare prices of doctors and facilities. By calling around to find low-cost, high-quality healthcare, you will be able to make informed decisions about how you spend your HSA funds.

Federal and state-initiated programs on healthcare price transparency allow you to obtain information regarding specific health charges and provider payments. This has not always been the case, but thanks to recent transparency laws, you are perfectly within your rights to call a doctor or facility and inquire about the cost of services such as non-emergency procedures and tests.

One of the best ways to reduce your medical costs is to stay in-network. Schedule your appointments with in-network doctors, and choose an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) over a hospital if you need an outpatient procedure. ASCs are modern healthcare facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. They are a convenient alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures, and many patients prefer ASCs because they offer quality care, personal service, convenient access, shorter wait times and lower cost. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, ASCs save consumers between 17 and 43 percent compared to hospitals.

The role of screenings and lifestyle habits in preventive care

It is always more expensive to treat a disease than to prevent it. Preventive screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies and annual physicals offer early detection, quick intervention and disease prevention. HDHPs do not require you to pay for covered preventive care services as long as you stay within the guidelines of your plan. You may be required to see a doctor within your network for the procedure to be covered at 100 percent.

As much as 70 percent of healthcare spending can be attributed to behavioral and lifestyle choices. HDHPs encourage healthy lifestyle habits that keep your healthcare costs down. Because you pay out-of-pocket when you go to the doctor, staying healthy keeps money in your HSA where it belongs. Unhealthy choices like smoking, drinking alcohol and not exercising increase your risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  These conditions are associated with frequent doctor visits, expensive medications and hospitalizations. Good nutrition, regular exercise, annual wellness exams and preventive screenings can save you thousands of dollars each year in medical costs.

Take control of your budget and your health. Consider an HDHP so you can get the most out of your healthcare plan. High-quality medical care does not have to be expensive, so inquire today about an HDHP that fits your needs.