FAQ
Cologuard® Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Cologuard?
Cologuard is an FDA-approved, non-invasive, at-home colon cancer screening test. It’s for people 45 or older at average risk for colon cancer. RX only.
Colon cancer is the most preventable, yet least prevented cancer.1 But when caught in early stages (I & II), it’s treatable in about 90% of people.2
- 1 Itzkowitz SH. Incremental advances in excremental cancer detection tests. JNCI. 2009;101(18)1225-1227.
- 2 National Cancer Institute. SEER cancer stat facts: colorectal cancer. Accessed Nov. 23, 2022. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html
Cologuard detects the DNA and blood released from altered cells, and can detect both precancer and cancer.
Cologuard uses advanced stool technology to detect the DNA and blood cells released from altered cells, and can detect both precancer and cancer.
Cologuard found 92% of all colon cancers (and 94% of all stage I & II cancers) in a clinical study of 10,000 participants ages 50-84 years old, of average risk for colorectal cancer.
- Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al. Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(14):1287-1297.
Yes, Cologuard can detect some precancerous polyps that grow on the wall of the colon and may develop into cancer.
- Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al. Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(14):1287-1297.
Cologuard is for adults 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. Cologuard is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk individuals.
Yes, Cologuard was approved by the FDA in August 2014 after undergoing a rigorous review process known as a Pre-Market Approval (or PMA).
How To Use Cologuard
You can request Cologuard through your healthcare provider. Requesting Cologuard through an online telehealth provider is also an option.
Your Cologuard test kit comes with easy-to-follow, step-by-step sample-collection instructions. You can also Download our Patient Guide or watch Helpful How-To Videos.
There is no prep required to use Cologuard. You can keep your diet and your medications exactly as they are.
Your Cologuard test kit includes simple instructions for repacking, labeling, and postage (which we cover) to return your sample. You can also Download Return Instructions or watch a Helpful How-To Video.
Your test order expires one year from the order date. Collect your sample as soon as possible, because timely screening is important to your health. We suggest setting a goal to collect your sample.
Also, check the Cologuard box for the expiration date. If that date has passed, or you have other questions, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. We can help you get a new Cologuard test kit at no additional cost.
It’s important that your sample is consistent for you (loose stools are ok if that’s normal for you). However, if you are sick and have diarrhea, you should wait until you feel better to collect a sample. If you have any questions, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870.
We’re here to answer any questions you may have 24/7. Just call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. If needed, we can get you a new Cologuard test kit at no additional cost.
Call our Customer Care Center at 1-844-870-8870. We'll help you find out if you need a new Cologuard test kit. If you do, we'll send you one at no additional cost.
The American Cancer Society recommends that you begin screening for colon cancer at age 45 – no matter your race, ethnicity, or gender. If you receive a negative result, it's recommended that you screen again in 3 years.
- American Cancer Society. When should you start getting screened for colorectal cancer? Published February 4, 2021. Accessed December 22, 2022
Managing Results
It typically takes under 2 weeks from the date you ship back your Cologuard kit to get your result. We’ll send them to your healthcare provider too so you can discuss your result with them.
Log in to your account to access your results. It typically takes under 2 weeks from the date you ship back your Cologuard kit.
A positive result means the test detected altered DNA and/or blood that could be caused by a precancerous polyp or colon cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a colonoscopy, and any other next steps.
A negative result means the test did not detect altered DNA and/or blood that could be caused by a precancerous polyp or colon cancer. We send your result to your provider regardless and recommend following up with them.
A positive Cologuard test result is not a cancer diagnosis. If you receive a positive result, contact your doctor to discuss next steps.
Cologuard is intended to screen adults 45 and older at average risk for colon cancer. In a study of 10,000 people of average risk, Cologuard found 92% of cancer. Cologuard was negative in 87% of patients without cancer. A positive result is not a cancer diagnosis. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your results and next steps.
You should always talk to your doctor about what colon cancer screening method is right for you. Cologuard® offers a noninvasive, convenient and effective test that can be completed right in your home.
If you have any questions, please contact Exact Sciences Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870.
Billing & Insurance
Cologuard is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurers. Most insured patients pay $0.00*
- *Rate of coverage varies by state and region. Coverage rate only applies to Cologuard screening population.
Most insured patients pay $0.00*. However, there are some instances where Cologuard is only partially covered, or not at all. The rate of coverage varies by state, region, and your insurance plan. If you’re struggling to get Cologuard covered, give our Customer Care Center a call at 1-844-870-8870 and we’ll call your insurance provider ourselves to see if we can help.
- *Rate of coverage varies by state and region. Coverage rate only applies to Cologuard screening population.
As of 2023, Medicare and commercial plans cover the out-of-pocket cost for a colonoscopy following a positive Cologuard result. Exceptions for coverage may apply; please confirm with your insurer. They are the best source of info on your plan and coverage.
Cologuard accepts payment either online or by mail. For assistance call our Customer Care Center at 1-844-870-8870.
You can request Cologuard online through a telehealth provider. Exact Sciences partnered with Recuro Health to offer this telehealth service. You just need to answer a few questions to get started.
Recuro Health is a telehealth company. Exact Sciences partnered with Recuro Health to offer telehealth services. This allows you to request Cologuard online.
Please discuss your colon cancer screening plan with your healthcare provider. If you choose not to screen for colon cancer with Cologuard®, you may simply recycle the components of the kit. There is no charge until a sample is received and processed. You may receive some reminders in the meantime, and if you wish not to, please contact Exact Sciences Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870.
Additional Questions
If you received a Cologuard test in the mail, it means your insurance or healthcare provider requested it on your behalf. Adults aged 45 and older at average risk for colon cancer are eligible for testing. If you have additional questions about this order, please contact Exact Sciences Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. The team is available 24/7 and will be able to help.
Cologuard is available in all US states. If you have more specific questions, please contact us at 1-844-870-8870.