Virtual Colonoscopy

How to Schedule a Study

ALL PATIENTS MUST BE REFERRED BY A PHYSICIAN
TO HAVE THIS STUDY PERFORMED.

Because Virtual Colonoscopy is a new technology that was only recently validated as a good screening test for colorectal cancer, Medicare and most other health insurance plans pay for it for the following medical indications:

  • For patients in whom a standard colonoscopy was incomplete due to an inability to advance the colonoscope through the large intestine for any of a variety of reasons. 
  • For preoperative cancer staging.
  • For patients in whom standard colonoscopy is contraindicated for reasons such as:
    • Coagulopathy (bleeding disorder)
    • Anticoagulation therapy with increased risk to patient if discontinued
    • Increased sedation risk
    • Acute diverticulitis or severe chronic diverticulosis
    • Complications from a previous standard colonoscopy
    • Bowel obstruction

Unfortunately, at the present time, a healthy person without symptoms must pay for Screening Virtual Colonoscopy up front and out-of-pocket.

If you do not have one of the medical indications listed above, but wish to get screened for colorectal cancer through Virtual Colonoscopy, you will be required to pay out-of-pocket for the study. The cost is $1,100.00. Payment will be expected prior to services being rendered.  You may pay with a cash, check or credit card. We accept Visa, Master Card and Discover.  If you wish to pay by check, please make the check out to UVa Health Services Foundation. 

Excellent bowel preparation is critical for obtaining excellent diagnostic test results.  The preparation for a Virtual Colonoscopy begins 2 days before the examination.  The bowel preparation involves taking a liquid diet for one day, using laxatives to remove all stool (feces) from the colon, and swallowing contrast agents to tag any remaining stool or liquid so that it can be electronically removed by the computer.

All of the required preparation materials and instructions will be available at the Radiology Reception Desk at UVA Hospital for you to pick up.  After your exam is scheduled, you need to pick up your prep materials and instructions at least 3 days before your study.  These are provided at no cost.  Should you need the prep kit mailed to you, please call JamieWeathersbee at (434) 243-9296 or call toll free 1-800-251-3627 and ask for Jamie's extension in the radiology department.  If you are requesting that the prep be mailed to you, be sure to allow at least 2 weeks for mailing.

FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS OFFICES:

  1. Fill out the CT request form.  If the patient is having a "screening" virtual colonoscopy performed, please indicate such on the request form. If the
    exam is being performed for medical signs or symptoms, please describe these on the request form.
  2. Fax the consultation request form to the number indicated on the top of the form.
  3. Call (434)243-6888 or toll free 1-800-467-4882 and speak with one of our resource scheduling specialists. You will be given a time and date for the study to be performed.
  4. Please advise the patient about getting the necessary prep information and materials. This is critical to having excellent diagnostic test results.