Office visit

I have had 2 colonoscopies in the past 10 years. I am due again, & called to make the appointment. The office staff told me that I will now need a separate office visit prior to the procedure date, so that they can "explain the procedure" to me. This has not been required previously. They also stated that my insurance (Medicare) could have a problem paying for the procedure if I didn't have that visit first. I am thinking that this is simply a new practice for them to be able to bill my insurance for an additional visit. In your opinion, is this additional visit necessary?

re: Office visit

There is no evidence of an office visit requirement prior to the procedure. You may want to contact Medicare direct to verify:

http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/colorectal-cancer-screenings.html