Exact Sciences, maker of Cologuard, a DNA-based at-home screening test for colorectal cancer, announced its support on Friday for changes proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) to its colorectal cancer screening policy.
The CMS Calendar Year 2023 Physician Fee Schedule proposal considers follow-up colonoscopy to an at-home test as a preventative service. The rule would eliminate all costs to Medicare patients for a follow-up colonoscopy following a positive at-home colorectal cancer screening test.
Additionally, CMS has proposed covering the service for patients aged 45 years and older who participate in Medicare. This proposal aligns with a previous recommendation from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society.
The final CMS rule is expected to be published in fall and take effect on January 1, 2023.
