Blue Review
A newsletter for contracting institutional and professional providers

June 2019

In-home Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Provided to Select Members

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says one-third of adults age 50 or older – the age group at greatest risk of developing colorectal cancer – have not been screened for colorectal cancer as recommended.1 We want to help increase awareness and make it easier for our members in this age group to get screened.

Some of our Blue Choice Preferred PPOSM members who are 51 to 75 years old, with no claim history of colorectal cancer screening, may receive a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Kit. The FIT Kit is a convenient option for our members to complete the test in the comfort and privacy of their homes at no additional charge.

We let our members know they will receive the test and that taking the test is voluntary. If they choose to participate, members will send their completed test kits to Home Access Health Corporation, an independent company specializing in in-home diagnostic testing. Members have until Nov. 15, 2019, to complete and submit their test for processing. Home Access Health Corporation will process the tests and send results to our members and the primary care providers they specify.

How You Can Help

  • Talk to your patients about the importance of colorectal cancer screening and healthy lifestyle choices that promote wellness.
  • If your patients receive a FIT Kit and call your office with questions, please encourage them to participate and complete the screening as soon as possible.
  • You may receive a test result from Home Access Health Corporation. Please include it in your patient’s medical record and discuss the results with your patient.

If you have questions, contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) Provider Network Consultant (PNC). Members may call the number on their BCBSIL member ID card.

1CDC, Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign, Oct. 29, 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl/index.htm

This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own best medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the best course of treatment. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.