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People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
Colon Cancer
New cancer drugs offer hope — but at an often staggering cost
Julie Grabow, an oncologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, recently prescribed an exciting new therapy for a 60-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer — Afinitor made by Novartis. There was a catch, though. Novartis is charging $10,000 per month for the drug
Do the elderly get too many medical tests?
Are older patients being over tested? There is little evidence the elderly benefit from colon, breast and prostate cancer screening — and considerable risk.
Answers to readers’ insurance questions
If you’re injured after drinking, can your insurer refuse to pay? Do privacy rules keep insurers from talking to you about your spouse’s coverage? Does colonoscopy coverage include polyp removal? Yes, no and maybe.
U.S. colorectal cancer death rates continue to drop, but not equally
Death rates from colorectal cancer in the U.S. continue to fall, a trend that began more than two decades ago. But the decline has been greater in some regions.
Under health law, colonoscopies are free—but it doesn’t always work that way
Under the new health law, insurers must cover screening colonoscopies with no out-of-pocket cost. But if doctors find and remove a polyp, you might get hit with a big bill.
Colon cancer screening can save your life – Health tips from The Polyclinic
Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death, but death rates have been falling since the mid-80s, in large part due to increased screening. What’s involved?
Health law expands Medicare coverage of preventive care
Covered services include mammograms and colorectal cancer screening, bone mass measurement and nutritional counseling.
Adventures in Colonoscopy
Video by Ken Westermann of Seattle. For more videos from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s “Get Screened!” video contest click here.
Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center announces winners of its “Get Screened!” video contest
Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has announced the winners of it’s “Get Screened!” video contest. The purpose of the competition was to promote colorectal-cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the U.S., but is curable if detected early. Zach Smith of Spokane, Washington won first prize with [...]
Need help deciding to get your colonoscopy?
The Puget Sound Health Alliance has posted a short video of Diane from West Seattle who talks about going for a colonoscopy. The preparation is worse than the procedure, she says, and catching colon cancer when its easier to cure or just knowing you’re OK is worth it. The Puget Sound Health Alliance is a [...]
Sound Health: Colon Cancer Screening
People put it off, but colorectal cancer screening should top your list of things to do when you turn 50, writes Dr. Lori Whittaker in this month’s Sound Health column. It seems to be one of the most popular tests to put off to another day. If you’re 50 you probably know what I’m talking [...]
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