For Immediate Release May 30, 2014 Media Contact: Anne Brownsey (630) 570-5635 [email protected] American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 3300 Woodcreek Drive Downers Grove, IL 60515 P (630) 573-0600 F (630) 963-8332 www.asge.org www.screen4coloncancer.org ASGE APPLAUDS LEGISLATORS FOR ACTION TO CORRECT MEDICARE LAW ON COST-SHARING FOR SCREENING COLONOSCOPY "ASGE applauds Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Congressmen Joe Courtney (CT-02), Henry Waxman (CA-33), Sander Levin (MI-09), Frank Pallone (NJ- 06), and Jim McDermott (WA-07) for sending a letter to President Barack Obama requesting a change to Medicare beneficiary cost-sharing policy for polyp removal during colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy," said Colleen M. Schmitt, MD, MHS, FASGE, president, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. "Screening colonoscopy is a life-saving preventive exam during which endoscopists find and remove polyps before the polyp can turn into cancer. Current cost-sharing obligations create an unforeseen and unfair financial burden for Medicare patients that must be changed in order to achieve higher colorectal cancer screening rates and reduce deaths from this largely preventable disease.” Dr. Schmitt added, “Colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy has been promoted as a ‘free’ benefit for Medicare beneficiaries, but when colorectal cancer is prevented through polyp removal during the examination, beneficiaries must then pay. ASGE urges the President to recognize the truly unique nature of screening colonoscopy and its ability to prevent, not just detect, colorectal cancer and take action this year to remove coinsurance for polyp removal during screening colonoscopy for Medicare patients." Read the letter. ### About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 12,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area. About Endoscopy Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system..