Wellness

[Pink123]

No, it depends on your history.  If you have had colon cancer or a history of polyps you will contine to get colonoscopies, etc.

If you have never had a problem it might not be necessary and I mean "might not" depending upon the circumstance comanding it.

[Estellee]

 I was looking at a plan my former employee is offering their retirees and it does indicate colonoscopies will be covered if you have  a previous history polyps, etc.

[lynnie61]

I'm 62 and the doctor told me maybe one more pap. An older dear friend of mine, was happy to report at 93, her doctor told her she would no longer would need to schedule another colonoscopy.  She did have had one last year at 92. 

[Starpolisher]

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@lynnie61 wrote:

I'm 62 and the doctor told me maybe one more pap. An older dear friend of mine, was happy to report at 93, her doctor told her she would no longer would need to schedule another colonoscopy.  She did have had one last year at 92. 

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These are guidelines. Of course, it depends on your history. My mom will be 94 in October. She's in great shape! Still lives alone(my brother and his family live next door and my sister and I live within a two mile radius of her) She still drives, to familiar places and still gets her hair done once a week. She's very independent and takes care of herself. Of course, we help her whenever possible. Her doctors no longer do any of these test. My sister in law and I are both nurses and we agree. Should she have Cancer, she probably would not survive the treatment. Our concern would be to make her comfortable.

[Cakers3]

Medicare does not place age limits on colonoscopies. It's on the official website. Links are touchy around here.

It's true that risks increase with age (anesthesia, perforation, e.g.)

but  doctors should be having an informed discussion with patients.

I am not 75 but with family history of colon cancer and finding the type of polyps which can become cancerous our insurance doesn't even charge a copay for diagnostic anymore.

I also find the term "ethical decision" odd. What could be more ethical than preventative care?🤔

[hyacinth003]

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@On It wrote:

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@phoenixbrd wrote:

Is this medicare or does it involve all medical insurance.  This does not surprise.   Years ago I was told that at a certain age certain medical exams will no longer be routine.  Perhaps this practice has become more wide spread as to which exams are no longer considered necessary.  Don't allow this to tag you a second class citizen, allow your relevance and wisdom to shine!

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This is a change in how doctors treat patients over 75. It is a medical practice ethics policy. It is not related to insurance coverage.

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@On It 

I am not an expert about this, but I believe it IS also tied to insurance coverage.  "Follow the money" is a wise procedure.  Some feel the risk of tests and treatments outweigh benefits for those over a certain age.  It used to be much prostate cancer was found on autopsies, not during the life of men over a certain age.

There are more than a few people in power who think those past a certain age are expendable (maybe until they or their loved ones reach it).

So my belief is it is at least tied to insurance expenditures.

Hyacinth  (RN)

[On It]

@hyacinth003 You may be correct, but the article I read about the change was from a London based journal. It was about the change in ethics and how certain treatments should no longer be used on the over 75 patient. I cannot find it. 

Whatever the cause, my Family Practice doctor in New Mexico and our Internist and Urologist in Texas have each discussed the changes with us. I wanted those unaware to not be caught off guard. My hope is that no one postpones treatment or a surgery and then discovers it won't be done. The immediate change is specifically that some routine testing will no longer be done if there is no prior history or issues with the specific patient.