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Bethesda, MD, March 14, 2005 – News on Friday of an elaborate insurance
fraud in California involving patients who underwent unnecessary surgical
and diagnostic procedures, including upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and
colonoscopy, has created significant concern among the nation’s clinical
gastroenterology practitioners.
According to John W. Popp, Jr., M.D., FACG, President of the American
College of Gastroenterology, “Health care fraud is indefensible and needs
to be addressed aggressively by the authorities. Our concern is that patients,
after hearing this news, may avoid important diagnostic tests, such as
colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy, because they may question: ‘Is
this necessary?’”
For consumers, this news underscores the importance of seeking screening
for digestive diseases from physicians with specialized training and experience
in gastroenterology and endoscopy. “Patients should not be shy about asking
their physicians about their training and qualifications, the number of
procedures and complications they experience, and the facility where the
procedure will be performed,” explained Dr. Popp.
Dr. Popp noted that one of the key factors for many patients in deciding
to undergo colorectal cancer screening, and colonoscopy in particular,
is the recommendation of their physician. “It is important that this illegal
and unethical scheme does not deter physicians from recommending colorectal
cancer screening to appropriate patients based on age and other risk factors.
It is also essential that patients comply with their doctor’s recommendations
about colorectal cancer screening,” added Dr. Popp. “We know that with
screening and early detection of pre-cancerous polyps, we can prevent over
90 percent of colorectal cancer.”
“Consumers and patients should not shy away from potentially lifesaving
colorectal cancer screening or important diagnostic procedures for digestive
problems of the upper GI tract because of this news,” added Dr. Popp.
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