The Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) is lauding insurance company Aetna for its decision to over CT colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy.
In its revised policy, Aetna covers CTC for average-risk members ages 50 and older when the test is recommended by their physician, MITA said. CTC is now covered by the top five insurers in the U.S., including UnitedHealth Group, Anthem, Cigna, and Humana.
In a statement, MITA Executive Director Patrick Hope noted that the best screening test is the one that gets done, and having CTC available as an option motivates more people to get screened.
"This is especially important for high-risk populations, including African-Americans and Latinos who are at increased risk for colon cancer," Hope said. "MITA has long supported expanding access to this technology and we hope to see other payors follow suit."
