The American College of Radiology, the Society of Gastrointestinal Radiologists and the Society of Computed Body Tomography and Magnetic Resonance yesterday informed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that there is sufficient data and clinical evidence to support national coverage for CT colonography (CTC) as a screening tool for colorectal cancer.
The joint comment letter also urged CMS to reimburse providers for the exam.
The document pointed to recent American Cancer Society screening guidelines, released jointly with ACR and the United States Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer, that added CTC to the ACS list of recommended screening options for colorectal cancer.
Additionally, the letter cited recent research that demonstrates CTCs viability as a screening option, including the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) National CT Colonography Trial. Scheduled to be published in August or September, the ACRIN findings indicate that the broad application of the technique as a primary test option appears highly feasible and may serve to enhance compliance with current CTC screening recommendations.
The letter concludes, In light of the American Cancer Society guidelines, existing strength in literature, current screening programs, and the compelling ACRIN findings, the ACR, SGR, and SCBT strongly support national coverage of screening CTC. In addition to the existing cogent evidence identifying CTC as a valuable screening tool and the developing data, we are committed to quality of patient care and the development of programs that ensure consistent levels of performance and quality assurance measures.
