It’s no surprise that the most wonderful time of the year is also one of the busiest. Holiday shopping, meal planning, out-of-town guests and parties with friends and co-workers fill our calendars to the brim, and there doesn’t seem to be much downtime in-between. But as you’re making your holiday to-do list and checking it twice, be sure to set aside time for one very important event, your colonoscopy.
The Digestive Health Center and endoscopy center in Dallas and neighboring cities have reputable gastroenterologists dedicated to your care. Make sure to reserve time this holiday season for an appointment.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women of average risk begin screening colonoscopies at the age of 45 and every 10 years thereafter. While a colonoscopy is probably the last thing on your mind during this time of year, there are actually several benefits to scheduling this exam during your holiday vacation time:
No Extra Time off Work
You’ll need to miss work for the day of your exam, so why not schedule it on a day when you’ll already be home? Then you save your vacation days for something fun, like a family road trip or beach getaway.
Help with Transportation
You will need a designated driver to take you home after your procedure. Use this opportunity to call in a favor from a friend or family member who also has time off for the holidays.
Time to Relax
You will still be groggy from the anesthesia when you arrive home from your exam. Take advantage of this time to rest on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa and a favorite holiday movie!
Take Advantage of Your Deductible
Your screening colonoscopy and anesthesia costs could be fully covered under the Affordable Care Act, but you may still be responsible for facility fees or the cost of your bowel prep. If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, these expenses could be much lower than if you wait until next year when your policy renews. Call your insurance company to determine your cost-sharing responsibility.
A Great Start to the New Year
Can you think of a better way to start the New Year than with a clean bill of health? Getting a negative result on your colonoscopy will free your mind of any worry about colon cancer, and you won’t need another screening for the next 10 years! Schedule your screening with Digestive Health Centers, including Dr. Yamini Maddala, Dr. Deepti Dhavaleshwar, and Dr. James Nackley, dedicated gastroenterologists in our Dallas-area medical practices.