Colonoscopy and Colorectal Cancer Screening

Aetna covers routine colorectal cancer screening for average‑risk members aged ≥45 when ordered by a physician: colonoscopy every 10 years, CT colonography every 5 years, double‑contrast barium enema every 5 years, and annual guaiac- or immunochemical FOBT. Routine screening is not considered medically necessary for members ≥85 years old unless life expectancy is ≥10 years, and numerous tests (e.g., stool molecular genetic tests other than Cologuard, methylated Septin‑9, capsule endoscopy, full‑spectrum/FUSE colonoscopy, AI‑aided colonoscopy, many blood/stool biomarkers, and anal Pap/HPV screening) are deemed experimental/investigational and not covered.

"Colonoscopy (considered medically necessary every 10 years for persons at average risk);"

Sign up to see full coverage criteria, indications, and limitations.