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ModifiedExcellus Health Plan IncPolicy 2.01.51

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance

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Medical necessity for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance tests, including age-based screening intervals, diagnostic CT colonography criteria, and investigational modalities.

Policy Summary

PayerExcellus Health Plan Inc

PolicyColorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance

Policy CodePolicy 2.01.51

Change TypeBlood-based screening criteria revised

Effective DateSeptember 17, 2026

Next Review DateSeptember 1, 2027

Key ActionFor blood-based CRC screening, document that the individual declined or has not completed a preferred screening test and was informed of its lower sensitivity.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

On 09/17/26, the policy statements were revised for blood-based colorectal cancer screening tests.

45+ yearsAverage-risk screening begins

10 yearsColonoscopy interval

5 yearsCT colonography interval

Stool or visualPreferred screening options

InvestigationalUnapproved testing

Coverage Criteria

Average-Risk Screening Modalities

Covered as medically necessary for average-risk individuals aged 45 years or older when performed at the specified interval.

ALL of the following

ONE of the following modalities
- Colonoscopy every 10 years.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
- Computed tomography colonography (CTC; virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years (CPT 74263).
- High-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year.

Policy Summary

PayerExcellus Health Plan Inc

PolicyColorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance

Policy CodePolicy 2.01.51

Change TypeBlood-based screening criteria revised

Effective DateSeptember 17, 2026

Next Review DateSeptember 1, 2027

Key ActionFor blood-based CRC screening, document that the individual declined or has not completed a preferred screening test and was informed of its lower sensitivity.

SourceLink

On This Page

High-sensitivity fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year.

Multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA), including Cologuard and Cologuard Plus (CPT 81528 and 0464U), every 1 to 3 years.

Multi-target stool RNA (mt-sRNA), including ColoSense (CPT 0421U), every 3 years.

Blood-Based Screening

Blood-based testing is covered every 3 years only when documentation confirms ALL of the following:

ALL of the following

The individual declines or has not completed one of the American Cancer Society-preferred CRC screening tests.
The individual has been informed that blood-based CRC screening has lower sensitivity for detecting advanced precancerous lesions and early-stage colorectal cancer than the preferred screening tests.

Diagnostic CTC Without Contrast

Diagnostic CTC without contrast (CPT 74261) is medically appropriate for CRC screening or surveillance of individuals at increased or higher risk when at least one of the following indications applies.

ANY of the following

Conventional colonoscopy failed because of a known colonic lesion, structural abnormality, or technical difficulty.
Conventional colonoscopy is medically contraindicated, such as because of coagulopathy, intolerance to sedation, age 80 years or older, or a recent myocardial infarction within the last 60 days.

Diagnostic CTC With Contrast

Diagnostic CTC with contrast (CPT 74262) is medically appropriate when at least one of the following clinical indications applies.

ANY of the following

A known obstructing colorectal malignancy is present and staging before surgery is desired.
There is a clearly stated indication for intravenous contrast to evaluate extra-colonic organs.

FDA Approval Requirement

CRC screening tests must meet the following requirement:

The screening test is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Follow-Up Colonoscopy

Follow-up colonoscopy is indicated when:

A noninvasive CRC screening test result is abnormal (positive).

USPSTF Age Guidance

For adults at average risk for CRC:

ALL of the following

Begin routine screening at age 45 years and continue through age 75 years (USPSTF Grades A and B).
For ages 76 through 85 years, individualize screening after discussion of the risks and benefits of each modality (USPSTF Grade C).

Recommended Screening Intervals

USPSTF-referenced screening strategies and intervals for average-risk adults include:

ALL of the following

High-sensitivity gFOBT every year.
FIT every year.
sDNA-FIT every 1 to 3 years.
CT colonography every 5 years.

American Cancer Society Average-Risk Screening

The American Cancer Society recommends regular CRC screening for average-risk adults beginning at age 45 years through age 75 years, with individualized screening decisions for ages 76 through 85 years.

ALL of the following

Use a preferred screening option when possible.
Blood-based testing is a non-preferred option limited to individuals who decline or have not completed a preferred CRC screening test.

ACS Preferred Screening Modalities

ACS preferred screening modalities and intervals include:

ALL of the following

Stool-based tests
- High-sensitivity FIT every year.
- High-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test every year.
- Multitarget stool DNA test, original or next-generation, every 3 years.
- Multitarget stool RNA test every 3 years.
Direct visual examinations
- Colonoscopy every 10 years.
- CT colonography every 5 years.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.

ACS Blood-Based Testing Limitation

ACS identifies blood-based testing as a non-preferred screening option because of lower sensitivity than high-sensitivity stool-based tests and direct visual examinations.

ALL of the following

Use blood-based testing only for individuals who decline or have not completed a preferred CRC screening test.
Recognize that lower sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions and stage I colorectal cancers limits its effectiveness relative to preferred options.

NCCN Average-Risk Screening

NCCN v.2.2026 recommends the following screening modalities and intervals for individuals at average risk for CRC:

ALL of the following

Colonoscopy every 10 years.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 to 10 years.
CT colonography every 5 years.
High-sensitivity gFOBT every year.

Average-Risk Screening Modalities and Intervals

NCCN and cited professional guidance describe the following average-risk modalities and intervals:

ALL of the following

Colonoscopy every 10 years after a high-quality normal examination.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 to 10 years.
CT colonography every 5 years.
High-sensitivity gFOBT every year.
Quantitative FIT, including OC-Sensor or OC-Light, every year.
Multi-targeted stool DNA (mt-sDNA or sDNA-FIT) every 1 to 3 years; after a negative test, rescreen with any modality in 3 years.
Multi-targeted stool RNA (mt-sRNA) every 3 years.
Blood-based circulating free DNA (bb-cfDNA) every 3 years only for individuals unwilling to undergo screening through another modality.

Professional Guideline Modalities and Intervals

Professional guidance supports the following modality-specific considerations for average-risk screening:

ALL of the following

Colonoscopy is the gold-standard reference procedure; a 10-year interval is appropriate after a high-quality normal examination. If the examination is incomplete or preparation is suboptimal, consider repeat colonoscopy within 1 year or screening with another modality.
Colonoscopy and FIT are primary screening modalities; flexible sigmoidoscopy, mt-sDNA, CT colonography, and colon capsule may be considered in appropriate guidance, with the limitations stated in this policy.
NCCN includes mt-sDNA/sDNA-FIT as an average-risk option; it is not described for high-risk screening.
NCCN includes mt-sRNA as an average-risk option; a positive result should be followed by diagnostic colonoscopy as soon as possible.
FOBT has direct randomized-trial evidence supporting reduction in CRC incidence and mortality.

Increased- and Higher-Risk Screening

Individuals at increased or higher risk should undergo earlier or more frequent screening, with colonoscopy as the preferred method, when any of the following applies:

ANY of the following

Personal history of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps, or SSP/SSL (sessile serrated polyp/lesion).
Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Personal history of childhood, adolescent, or young adult cancer treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Personal history of cystic fibrosis.
Family history of a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer or polyps.
Personal or known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, including polyposis syndromes, FAP, Peutz-Jeghers, juvenile polyposis, Cowden syndrome/PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome, HNPCC, or Lynch syndrome.

Screening CTC Restrictions

Screening CTC (CPT 74263) is not indicated when:

ANY of the following

FIT-DNA (multi-targeted stool DNA testing) was performed within the last 3 years.
Colonoscopy was performed within the last 10 years.

CT Colonography Evidence and Coverage Basis

Coverage of CTC is supported by evidence that it can produce outcomes similar to optical colonoscopy for screening and has moderate-to-high sensitivity and high specificity for larger polyps and colorectal cancer.

ALL of the following

CTC may detect colorectal lesions at least 6–10 mm in diameter with relatively high sensitivity and specificity.
Sensitivity is lower and heterogeneous for smaller, flat, or precancerous lesions, improving as polyp size increases.
CTC does not permit lesion removal during the procedure; positive or clinically significant findings may require conventional colonoscopy.

Average-Risk Modalities and Intervals

Professional guideline-supported average-risk screening modalities and intervals include:

ALL of the following

Colonoscopy every 10 years.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 to 10 years, depending on the guideline and clinical context.
FIT or quantitative FIT every year.
High-sensitivity gFOBT every year.
mt-sDNA/sDNA-FIT every 1 to 3 years, with rescreening in 3 years after a negative result.
mt-sRNA every 3 years.
CT colonography every 5 years.

Molecular Stool Test Follow-Up

Molecular stool testing requires the following follow-up considerations:

ALL of the following

After a negative mt-sDNA/sDNA-FIT result, rescreen with any modality in 3 years.
A positive mt-sRNA result should be followed by diagnostic colonoscopy as soon as possible.

Limited-Evidence or Non-Preferred Technologies

The following technologies are limited-evidence, emerging, or non-preferred and are not supported for routine first-line CRC screening in the circumstances described by the policy:

ANY of the following

Blood-based biomarker technologies have insufficient evidence to establish improvement in clinical outcomes; performance is particularly limited for advanced precancerous lesions.
Urine metabolite assays are not recommended by the USPSTF or professional clinical guidelines.
Blood-based screening is not a first-line tool and is inferior to established colonoscopy and stool-based options; it is limited to individuals unwilling to undergo another modality when otherwise covered under this policy.
The USPSTF excludes serum-based tests from its endorsed screening strategies because of limited evidence regarding accuracy, clinical utility, and outcomes.
The American College of Gastroenterology suggests against Septin 9 testing for CRC screening.

This includes blood-based biomarker testing and/or gene-expression profiling that is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and stool-based biomarker testing that is not FDA-approved.

Non-FDA-approved blood-based biomarker testing or gene-expression profiling; non-FDA-approved stool-based biomarker testing; urine-based testing, including metabolite biomarker testing such as PolypDX and microRNA; colon capsule endoscopy (refer to Corporate Medical Policy #6.01.27); and adjunctive endoscopic technologies including chromoendoscopy, narrow band imaging, confocal laser endomicroscopy, and fiberoptic analysis.

For another indication, such as surveillance for a history of colon polyps or evaluation of changed bowel habits, abdominal pain, or bleeding, diagnostic CTC may be the appropriate code if otherwise approvable.

Urine-based tests are being investigated as screening options, but urine metabolite assays are not currently supported by the USPSTF or professional clinical guidelines.

The USPSTF and professional clinical guidelines, including NCCN and the American College of Gastroenterology, do not recommend urine metabolite assays for colorectal cancer screening.

It is not a replacement for diagnostic colonoscopy or surveillance colonoscopy in high-risk individuals.

NCCN limits bb-cfDNA/bb-ctDNA to average-risk individuals who would not be willing to undergo another screening modality. ACS similarly limits blood-based testing to individuals who decline or have not completed a preferred test because of lower sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions and stage I CRC. ASGE considers blood-based tests inferior to established options, and the USPSTF excludes serum-based tests because of limited evidence regarding accuracy, clinical utility, and outcomes.

The USPSTF, NCCN, and American College of Gastroenterology do not recommend urine metabolite assays for CRC screening.

Coding and Intervals

Covered or medically necessary CRC screening and diagnostic CTC codesCPTCovered

74263	Computed tomography colonography (CTC; virtual colonoscopy)
81528	Multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA), e.g., Cologuard and Cologuard Plus
0464U	Multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA), e.g., Cologuard and Cologuard Plus
0421U	Multi-target stool RNA (mt-sRNA), e.g., Colosense
0537U	Blood-based CRC screening test, e.g., Shield
74261	Diagnostic CTC without contrast
74262	Diagnostic CTC with contrast

Investigational modalitiesmixedExperimental

No codes listed

Screening CT ColonographyCPT

74263

CT colonography, screening

CPT CodesCPT

0002U	Oncology (colorectal), quantitative assessment of three urine metabolites (ascorbic acid, succinic acid and carnitine) by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using multiple reaction monitoring acquisition, algorithm reported as likelihood of adenomatous polyps.
0421U	Oncology (colorectal) screening, quantitative real-time target and signal amplification of 8 RNA markers and fecal hemoglobin, algorithm reported as a positive or negative for colorectal cancer risk (e.g., ColoSense, Geneoscopy).
0453U	Oncology (colorectal cancer), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), methylation-based quantitative PCR assay, plasma, reported as presence or absence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) (e.g., ColonAiQ).
0464U	Oncology (colorectal) screening, quantitative real-time target and signal amplification, methylated DNA markers, a reference marker, and a protein marker (fecal hemoglobin), utilizing stool, algorithm reported as a positive or negative result (e.g., Cologuard Plus).
0496U	Oncology (colorectal), cell-free DNA, genes for mutations, genes for methylation, and proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, blood, reported positive or negative for colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma risk (e.g., ColoScape PLUS).
0501U	Oncology (colorectal), blood, quantitative measurement of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) (e.g., QuantiDNA Colorectal Cancer Triage Test).
0537U	Oncology (colorectal cancer), analysis of cell-free DNA for epigenomic patterns, next-generation sequencing, greater than 2500 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), plasma, algorithm reported as positive or negative (e.g., Shield).
0558U	Oncology (colorectal), quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassay for secreted colorectal cancer protein marker, using serum, result reported as indicative of response/no response to therapy or disease.

Experimental/Investigational CPT CodesCPTExperimental

0002U	Flagged E/I: oncology (colorectal), quantitative assessment of three urine metabolites by LC-MS/MS, algorithm reported as likelihood of adenomatous polyps.
0453U	Flagged E/I: oncology (colorectal cancer), cfDNA methylation-based quantitative PCR assay, plasma, reported as presence or absence of ctDNA.
0496U	Flagged E/I: oncology (colorectal), cell-free DNA, mutation and methylation markers and proteins, blood, reported positive or negative for colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma risk.
0501U	Flagged E/I: oncology (colorectal), blood, quantitative measurement of cfDNA.
0558U	Flagged E/I: oncology (colorectal), quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassay for a colorectal cancer protein marker using serum.
44799	Flagged E/I when applicable: unlisted procedure, intestine.
45399	Flagged E/I when applicable: unlisted procedure, colon.
45330-45335	Flagged E/I when used to report chromoendoscopy, fiberoptic polyp analysis, narrow band imaging, or confocal fluorescent endomicroscopy.

CPT CodesCPT

44388-44391	Colonoscopy code range as listed in the policy.
44401-44408	Colonoscopy code range as listed in the policy.
45378-45382	Colonoscopy code range as listed in the policy.
45384-45386	Colonoscopy code range as listed in the policy.
45388-45390	Colonoscopy code range as listed in the policy.
45338	Sigmoidoscopy-related code as listed in the policy.
45349	Sigmoidoscopy-related code as listed in the policy.
81528	Oncology (colorectal) screening, quantitative real-time target and signal amplification of 10 DNA markers, including KRAS mutations and promoter methylation.
82270	Blood, occult, by peroxidase activity (e.g., guaiac), qualitative; feces, consecutive collected specimens with single determination for colorectal neoplasm screening; patient provided 3 cards or a single triple card for consecutive collection.
82274	Blood, occult, by fecal hemoglobin determination by immunoassay, qualitative, feces, 1-3 simultaneous determinations.

HCPCS CodesHCPCS

G0104	Colorectal cancer screening; flexible sigmoidoscopy.
G0105	Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk.
G0121	Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk.
G0327	Colorectal cancer screening; blood-based biomarker.
G0328	Colorectal cancer screening; fecal occult blood test, immunoassay, one to three simultaneous determinations.

HCPCS CodesHCPCS

G0104	Colorectal cancer screening; flexible sigmoidoscopy
G0105	Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk
G0121	Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk
G0327	Colorectal cancer screening; blood-based biomarker
G0328	Colorectal cancer screening; fecal occult blood test, immunoassay, one to three simultaneous determinations

ICD10 CodesICD-10

No codes listed

CT Colonography Screening

Screening modalityCT colonography

Screening intervalEvery 5 years

Alternative nameVirtual colonoscopy

High-Sensitivity gFOBT Screening

Screening modalityHigh-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)

Screening intervalEvery year

Test typeStool-based screening test

Quantitative FIT Screening

Screening modalityQuantitative fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

Screening intervalEvery year

Examples specifiedOC-Sensor or OC-Light

Multi-Targeted Stool DNA Screening

Screening modalityMulti-targeted stool DNA test (mt-sDNA; sDNA-FIT)

Screening intervalEvery 1 to 3 years

Test componentsFIT combined with DNA analysis of multiple stool biomarkers

Multi-Targeted Stool RNA Screening

Screening modalityMulti-targeted stool RNA test (mt-sRNA)

Screening intervalEvery 3 years

Test typeStool-based molecular screening test

Blood-Based DNA Screening

Screening modalityBlood-based circulating free DNA (bb-cfDNA)

Screening intervalEvery 3 years

Use limitationRecommended only for individuals unwilling to undergo screening through another modality

Recent FIT-DNA Exclusion

Restricted modalityScreening CT colonography

Recent test exclusionNo FIT-DNA or multi-targeted stool DNA test within the last 3 years

Applicable codeCPT 74263

Recent Colonoscopy Exclusion

Restricted modalityScreening CT colonography

Recent procedure exclusionNo colonoscopy within the last 10 years

Other indicationsDiagnostic CT colonography may be appropriate for surveillance or symptom evaluation, if approvable

Provider Documentation and Action Items

Documentation Required

Document required conditions for blood-based screening

For blood-based CRC screening, document both that the individual declined or has not completed one of the preferred ACS CRC screening tests and that the individual was informed of the lower sensitivity of blood-based screening for advanced precancerous lesions and early-stage colorectal cancer.

Documentation Required

Support diagnostic CTC without contrast

For diagnostic CTC without contrast (CPT 74261), document the failed conventional colonoscopy and the known colonic lesion, structural abnormality, or technical difficulty, or document the medical contraindication to conventional colonoscopy.

Documentation Required

Support diagnostic CTC with contrast

For diagnostic CTC with contrast (CPT 74262), document the known obstructing colorectal malignancy requiring possible preoperative staging or the clearly stated indication for IV contrast to evaluate extracolonic organs.

Documentation Required

Confirm FDA approval

Document that the CRC screening test is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Documentation Required

Document follow-up after a positive screening test

When a noninvasive CRC screening test is positive, document the abnormal result and indication for follow-up colonoscopy.

Documentation Required

Document elevated colorectal cancer risk

For individuals at increased or higher risk, document the relevant personal, family, or hereditary risk history supporting earlier or more frequent screening and the preference for colonoscopy as the screening method.

Billing Rule

Verify CLIA compliance for laboratory-developed tests

Laboratory-developed tests offered as laboratory services must meet applicable CLIA regulatory standards. Laboratories offering these tests must be licensed by CLIA for high-complexity testing.

Denial Risk

Avoid unapproved testing modalities

CRC screening or surveillance using blood-based biomarker or gene-expression testing, or stool-based biomarker testing, that is not approved by the FDA is considered investigational.

Denial Risk

Incomplete blood-based screening documentation may result in denial

Blood-based CRC screening may be denied if documentation does not confirm that the individual declined or did not complete a preferred ACS CRC screening test and was informed that blood-based screening has lower sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions and early-stage colorectal cancer.

Denial Risk

Flag investigational CRC modalities

CRC screening or surveillance using non-FDA-approved blood-based, stool-based, or urine-based testing, colon capsule endoscopy, or specified adjunctive endoscopic technologies is considered investigational.

Denial Risk

Do not repeat screening CTC within restricted intervals

Do not use screening CT colonography (CPT 74263) when a FIT-DNA or multi-targeted stool DNA test was performed within the last 3 years or a colonoscopy was performed within the last 10 years. For another indication, such as polyp surveillance or evaluation of bowel habit changes, abdominal pain, or bleeding, use the diagnostic CT colonography code if approvable.

Denial Risk

Do not substitute stool testing for indicated colonoscopy

Cologuard Plus and ColoSense are indicated for average-risk adults aged 45 years or older and are not replacements for diagnostic colonoscopy or surveillance colonoscopy in high-risk individuals.

Step Therapy

Reserve blood-based screening for patients unwilling to use preferred modalities

Blood-based biomarker tests are not recommended as first-line screening and are intended only for individuals who decline, will not undergo, or have not completed preferred screening modalities. Use them only when the patient is unwilling to undergo colonoscopy or stool-based screening.

Note

Do not use urine metabolite screening

Urine metabolite assays for colorectal cancer screening are not recommended by the USPSTF or cited professional clinical guidelines.

Policy Background

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related illness and death among men and women in the United States. Screening can identify colorectal cancer and precancerous disease, allowing removal of some polyps before malignant transformation and increasing the likelihood of detecting cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. The policy distinguishes routine screening for average-risk individuals from diagnostic CT colonography used when conventional colonoscopy is unsuccessful or contraindicated, or when specific staging or extracolonic evaluation is needed.

Definitions and Abbreviations

SSP/SSL

SSPSessile serrated polyp

SSLSessile serrated lesion

Synonymous termSessile serrated adenoma; all three terms are synonymous

Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndrome

Included syndromesPolyposis syndromes and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer

Polyposis examplesFamilial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis, and Cowden syndrome/PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome

Hereditary non-polyposis exampleHNPCC, including Lynch syndrome

Colonoscopy

ProcedureDirect-visualization examination of the rectum and entire colon

InstrumentFlexible camera-equipped scope

Tissue managementPolyps or suspicious tissue can be removed or biopsied for pathologic evaluation

Computed Tomography Colonography

TechniqueNoninvasive imaging of the colonic lumen using thin-section helical CT data

Image viewsTwo- and three-dimensional views

PreparationRequires bowel preparation and gas insufflation; does not require sedation

Guaiac-Based Fecal Occult Blood Test

Test typeStool test

Detection methodDetects the heme component of hemoglobin through a peroxidase reaction

LimitationsSusceptible to dietary and medication interference and historically required multiple stool specimens

Fecal Immunochemical Test

Test typeAntibody-based stool test

Detection targetHuman globin

Collection featuresGenerally eliminates most dietary restrictions and typically requires a single sample

Multi-Targeted Stool DNA

Test nameMulti-targeted stool DNA (mt-sDNA)

Combined methodFIT combined with DNA analysis

AnalytesMultiple stool biomarkers associated with colorectal neoplasia

Cell-Free DNA and Circulating Tumor DNA

Cell-free DNAFragmented DNA circulating in blood

SourceReleased through normal cellular processes such as apoptosis and necrosis

Circulating tumor DNAA small tumor-derived fraction of cell-free DNA carrying genetic and epigenetic alterations

Chromoendoscopy

TechniqueApplication of topical stains or dyes during endoscopy

PurposeEnhances mucosal visualization and detection of subtle lesions

DistinctionDiffers from endoscopic tattooing, which permanently marks a location

Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy

TechniqueReal-time microscopic visualization of cellular structures during endoscopy

IlluminationLow-power laser illumination

Detection methodConfocal detection captures high-resolution images from the same focal plane

mt-sDNA / sDNA-FIT

Abbreviationmt-sDNA / sDNA-FIT

Primary componentMultitarget stool DNA analysis

Combined componentFecal immunochemical test (FIT)

mt-sRNA

Abbreviationmt-sRNA

FIT componentCommercial fecal immunochemical test

Additional componentsEight RNA transcripts and smoking status

CTC

AbbreviationCTC

Full termCT colonography

Alternative nameVirtual colonoscopy

bb-ctDNA

Abbreviationbb-ctDNA

Full termBlood-based circulating tumor DNA

Clinical useTesting used as a colorectal cancer screening modality

E/I

AbbreviationE/I

MeaningExperimental/Investigational

Policy useIdentifies services or technologies considered experimental or investigational

NMN

AbbreviationNMN

MeaningNot medically necessary/appropriate

Policy useIdentifies services or technologies considered not medically necessary or appropriate

FOBT

AbbreviationFOBT

Included testsGuaiac-based fecal occult blood testing and fecal immunochemical or immunohistochemical testing

Specimen collectionThe patient collects stool samples using a kit and returns them to the physician