SOUTHGATE, Mich. /CitizenWire/ — Southgate Surgery Center announced that it is again offering its complimentary screening colonoscopy program throughout March, 2013. The facility will qualify 21 applicants from Michigan who need a screening colonoscopy are aged 50 or over, uninsured, severely financially distressed and cannot afford the procedure. The facility implements the program every March to promote National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
"At most outpatient facilities, the physician, facility, anesthesia and laboratory fees could add up to $2,000 or more. An uninsured or 'cash-pay' patient would be required to pay 100 percent of the fee prior to their appointment – many people simply cannot afford it and would decline the potentially life-saving procedure. Our Colorectal Cancer Month program makes a difference for the underserved in our community and we are proud to offer it in conjunction with our physicians and suppliers," states Linda Phillips, R.N. and Administrator of Southgate Surgery Center.
For an uninsured person who does not qualify for the complimentary colonoscopy during colorectal cancer month, Southgate Surgery Center provides patients with the option of using ColonoscopyAssist(TM) – a national program that subsidizes a large portion of the fees for a colonoscopy. The patient pays $950 and can take advantage of a payment plan option.
"ColonoscopyAssist makes the screening colonoscopy accessible without compromising the quality of care," says, Dr. Husein Poonawala, Chief Medical Advisor at ColonoscopyAssist.
As colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and one of the only preventable cancers. Regular screenings are essential and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and American Cancer Society. Providing lower-cost solutions for the uninsured and underinsured is an imperative for Southgate Surgery Center and ColonoscopyAssist(TM).
Application packages for a complimentary Colorectal Cancer Month screening colonoscopy are available for download at www.southgatesurgery.com. If computer access is not available, contact Southgate Surgery Center at (734) 281-0100 to request a package.
To request an appointment for a lower-cost colonoscopy via ColonoscopyAssist go to www.colonoscopyassist.com or call (847) 986-8999.
More Information:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/guidelines.htm .
About ColonoscopyAssist:
ColonoscopyAssist(TM) is a nationwide program providing colonoscopy procedures to underinsured communities at subsidized rates. The program offers procedures in more than 50 cities today in an effort to increase colorectal cancer screening rates amongst the uninsured. The organization is dedicated to creating awareness in society about colorectal cancer and its prevention.
About Southgate Surgery Center:
Serving Southeast Michigan and the Downriver community since 1976, Southgate Surgery Center (www.southgatesurgery.com) specializes in ophthalmology, gastroenterology, pain management and minor general outpatient procedures. Southgate Surgery Center offers patients efficient, quality, personal care with lower co-pays and exceptional customer satisfaction. Follow them on Twitter @SSC14050 and www.facebook.com/southgate.surgery .
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