Learn more about our approach to virtual colonoscopy, the benefits for facilities, patients and providers, and more.
The ColoWatch® program utilizes virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT Colonography, to obtain detailed images of the colon to screen for both colorectal cancer and colon polyps.
ColoWatch® is extremely safe. There have been zero deaths reported from this technology in its 25-year history and complications are rare. Deaths directly from traditional colonoscopy are estimated at 70 per million patients scanned equating to 1100 annually in the US. Other risks of colonoscopy include bleeding, perforation of the colon, infection, and complications from anesthesia. ColoWatch® is also better than traditional colonoscopy at detecting larger polyps.
Approximately 10% of ColoWatch® studies find a significant polyp or cancer requiring colonoscopy. 90% of patients will need no other testing.
All average risk patients should consider ColoWatch® for colorectal screening. ColoWatch® is the most accurate test for finding significant precursor polyps and colorectal cancer. It is far safer than colonoscopy. Consult your primary care provider to determine if you are in the average risk category.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all colon cancer screening studies—including ColoWatch®—approved by the United States Preventive Services Task Force must be covered by commercial insurers. As of January 1, 2025 Medicare covers screening virtual colonoscopy.
Yes. Because ColoWatch® utilizes CT scanning, it can detect other silent cancers and medical problems such as aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Because ColoWatch® is not designed as a comprehensive CT examination, it will not detect all abnormalities and should not be used to evaluate patients with symptoms.
Within several days of your ColoWatch® study, your referring doctor will receive the report of your exam.
Yes. Virtual colonoscopy, or CT Colonography is approved by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, and other medical societies.
ColoWatch® can detect over 95% of colorectal cancers and up to 94% of the polyps that can lead to colorectal cancer.
There is approximately a 10% chance that a polyp requiring removal will be detected in your ColoWatch® study. In that situation, you will be referred by your primary care provider to a gastroenterologist to remove the polyp.
No. Unlike colonoscopy, there is no sedation or medication administered during the ColoWatch® study, so there is no need to be accompanied by another person. Following the study, you can immediately return to work or other activity.
A very small number of individuals have a known allergy to iodine-containing contrast material. Although the risk of severe reaction is very small, if you have an allergy to iodine-containing contrast material you should consult your primary care provider before taking the ColoWatch® prep since it does contain an iodine-containing product. If you are elderly or have underlying medical conditions that could predispose you to dehydration or other issues, you should consult with your primary care provider before undergoing the bowel prep for ColoWatch® study.
If you are diabetic and on insulin, you should consult your doctor to determine what dose you should take prior to the ColoWatch® study. Unless told otherwise by your doctor, you can take your oral medications as usual. You should consult with your primary care provider if you have specific medication questions.
The radiation dose from a ColoWatch® procedure is exceedingly low, less than the average annual dose most of us receive in our normal lives. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine states: "There is a theoretical bioeffect associated with any level of radiation dose. However, at dose levels required for the vast majority of diagnostic imaging procedures, there is no conclusive epidemiological evidence to realize any deleterious effect or unequivocally predict an associated cancer incidence. Such predictions are subject to significant uncertainty and should not unduly influence the decision for a justified procedure. The anticipated benefits to the patient from a necessary diagnostic imaging substantially outweigh any potential radiation effect."