A fast track colonoscopy is a smart way to take a proactive role in your colon health. While you may know that colon cancer screenings are important, finding the time to schedule a primary consultation and then the subsequent exam is not always practical.
Dr. Kamrava is a fellowship-trained and board-certified colorectal surgeon who specializes in the advanced care of colorectal cancer. To help you make colon health a priority, he offers a fast track colonoscopy option.
Who Qualifies for a Fast Track Colonoscopy?
Healthy patients who do not have a family history of colon cancer may only need average risk colon cancer screenings. These individuals may qualify for a fast track colonoscopy that does not require a prior consultation before the colonoscopy procedure. Individuals 50 years of age or older (age 45 for African Americans due to higher risk factors), can fill out fast track colonoscopy forms that declare that there are no pre-existing medical conditions that will inhibit an endoscopic examination of the colon. Once the forms are approved, a colonoscopy can be scheduled without a prior office visit.
Benefits of the Colonoscopy Procedure
Colon cancer screenings are an essential component of colon health because the early stages of colon cancer often have no symptoms. A fast track colonoscopy makes screening for the disease easy. Once symptoms develop, the disease is more advanced. Bloody stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, unusual bowel habits, weakness, fatigue, rectal bleeding, and sudden weight loss are all symptoms that require prompt examination by a colorectal expert. Screenings for colon cancer before any of those symptoms develop is the best way to catch the disease in a more treatable stage.
When colon cancer is detected early, successful treatment of the disease is more probable. During a colonoscopy, the small and large intestine will be examined with a colonoscopy. The visual inspection checks your colon for ulcers, polyps, tumors, or any other abnormalities. Colon tissue may also be removed and biopsied. The process helps determine whether or not precancerous or cancerous cells are present in the colon.
Colon Cancer Prevention
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the large intestine. When polyps and tumors form along the intestinal lining and are not removed, they may develop into cancerous masses. Colon cancer can be identified in its early stages because the disease develops slowly. Making an appointment with a colonoscopy doctor in Los Angeles is a quick and simple way to monitor the health of your colon.
Men have a slightly higher chance of developing colon cancer than women, and among ethnic groups, African Americans are more likely to develop colon cancer. However, cancerous tumors may develop regardless of these risk factors. At the age of 50, individuals should get their first colonoscopy and get additional screenings every 10 years.
Colonoscopy Cost & Price
If you’ve recently been searching phrases such as “colonoscopy price” or “colonoscopy cost” on Google, don’t let the potential cost of the procedure stop you from getting screened. Dr. Kamrava accepts many insurance plans that will help offset the cost and price of treatment. If you or a loved one does not currently have health insurance to help reduce the cost of a colonoscopy, our office will work with you to determine the best payment option for your individual situation.
Colonoscopy Procedure Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about fast track colonoscopies. If you’d like to receive the forms you need to fill out to sign up for the procedure, please feel free to call our office at 424.279.8222. We offer quick and easy appointments to patients living in Los Angeles and surrounding neighborhoods.
Q: What is a fast track colonoscopy?
A: A fast track colonoscopy is a standard colonoscopy procedure that does not require a previous consultation.
Q: Why would you get a fast track colonoscopy?
A: If you are healthy and do not want to have a prior in-office consultation, you may want to register for a fast track colonoscopy.
Q: When should you begin getting colonoscopies?
A: Individuals should get colon cancer screenings and colonoscopies starting at age 50. African Americans should get colonoscopies starting at age 45. Follow-up screenings are necessary at least every 10 years. These individuals may qualify for a fast track colonoscopy.
Q: A family member was diagnosed with colon cancer. Do I need a colonoscopy now?
A: It really depends. The generic answer is that you should start 10 years earlier than when they were diagnosed, but this does not hold true for everybody. Indeed, for some individuals, their family history is as such that we start screening them at age 20. For others, family history does not contribute to an increased risk. Speak with your doctor about your particular family history so he may advise you of the standard screening protocol.
Q: If colon polyps are found during a colonoscopy, are they always cancerous?
A: Colon polyps are not always cancerous, but they are generally assessed as pre-cancerous growths that require removal. A biopsy should be taken of the polyp to help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Get A Colonoscopy In Los Angeles Today!
Fast track colonoscopies are an easy and convenient way to get beneficial colon cancer screening. To learn more or book an appointment for a colonoscopy in our Los Angeles office, call us today at 424.279.8222!
