Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, and it’s also one of the most preventable. Thankfully, there are many effective treatments available for colorectal cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, these treatments can be very expensive, and Medicare may not cover all of the costs. In this article, we’ll explain what Medicare covers and doesn’t cover when it comes to colon cancer treatment.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with an estimated 183,000 people expected to be diagnosed with it this year. While there are a number of treatments available for colon cancer, Medicare coverage for specific treatments can vary depending on the type of coverage you have.
If you are covered by Medicare, here is what you need to know about coverage for colon cancer treatment:
-Colon cancer is not a preventable disease, but early detection and treatment can improve your chances of survival.
-There are a variety of treatments available for colon cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
-Some Medicare covers only a limited number of specific types of treatment for colon cancer, depending on the stage of the disease.
-If you are covered by Medicare and have colon cancer, make sure to ask your doctor which treatments are covered and how much they will cost.
Types of Colon Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, it is important to know that Medicare coverage of colon cancer treatment can vary. Medicare will not cover all types of colon cancer treatments, but it does cover a number of them. Here are some of the most common treatments that Medicare covers:
1. Surgery – Medicare typically covers surgery to remove the tumor from the colon.
2. Radiation therapy – Medicare will typically cover radiation therapy to treat the cancerous cells in the colon.
3. Chemotherapy – Medicare will typically cover chemotherapy to treat the cancerous cells in the colon.
4. Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses your own immune system to fight the cancerous cells in the colon. While Medicare does not cover immunotherapy as a stand-alone treatment, it may cover it as part of a combination treatment plan.
How Common is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, after breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2018, there will be more than 183,000 new cases of colon cancer and about 50,000 people will die from the disease.
The good news is that if you are diagnosed with colon cancer, there is a good chance that Medicare will cover your treatment.
What Types of Medicare Coverage Are Available for Colon Cancer Treatment?
There are three types of Medicare coverage that may be available for your treatment of colon cancer: Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and Part C (dental).
The following table lists the various types of Medicare coverage and the conditions that they apply to.
Type of Coverage Description Hospital Part A coverage applies when you are hospitalized for your treatment of colon cancer. This coverage includes both in-hospital services and outpatient services. Medical Part B coverage applies when you receive medical services for your treatment of colon cancer. This coverage includes both in-patient and out-patient services. Dental Part C coverage applies when you receive dental services for your treatment of colon cancer. This coverage includes both dental services provided in a
Medicare Coverage of Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Medicare coverage of colorectal cancer treatment can be confusing, so we’ve outlined what you need to know.
Medicare covers a limited number of colorectal cancer treatments. The coverage depends on the type of treatment and whether it’s an “inpatient hospital treatment” or a “outpatient hospital treatment.”
Inpatient hospital treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Outpatient hospital treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Medicare also covers certain tests and exams related to colorectal cancer.
When to See a Doctor About Colorectal Cancer?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately: a change in bowel habits, anemia, fatigue, cramps, bleeding, or jaundice. If you have questions about whether you should see a doctor about your symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider.
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you will need to make several decisions regarding your care. Some of these decisions may include the following: whether or not to undergo surgery; which type of surgery to undergo; what treatment options are available to you; and whether or not to use Medicare coverage for your treatment.
There is no one definitive answer as to when Medicare coverage for colorectal cancer treatment begins. However, Medicare generally covers most types of colorectal cancer treatment when it is deemed medically necessary. Treatment options may include surgery (including pre-operative and post-operative care), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
There are several things you should keep in mind when making decisions about your care:
– Talk with your healthcare provider about your specific situation and what treatment options are best for you. There is no one
What to Expect During Treatment for Colon Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, you may be wondering what treatment is available to you. Fortunately, there are several different types of treatment that can help to shrink or remove the cancerous cells from your colon. Of course, the type of treatment that you choose will depend on a number of factors, including your age, health history, and overall medical condition. However, some of the most common types of treatment for colon cancer include surgery (to remove the tumor), radiation therapy (which aimed at destroying cancerous cells), and chemotherapy (a combination of radiation and drugs designed to kill cancerous cells).
Conclusion
Colon cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States, and Medicare covers a limited number of treatments for it. If you are age 65 or older and have colon cancer, Medicare will generally cover five types of surgery: removal of the entire tumor (lumpectomy), partial removal of the tumor (stenting), radiation therapy to the tumor bed, chemotherapy alone, or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
If you are younger than age 65 and have colon cancer, Medicare will generally not cover any type of treatment for your colon cancer. Instead, you may be eligible for coverage through a state Medicaid program or through private health insurance.