FAQs
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About Cologuard®
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What is Cologuard?Cologuard is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test for people 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. Rx only. Learn more about Cologuard now
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How does Cologuard work?Cologuard uses advanced stool DNA technology to detect the DNA and blood cells released from altered cells, and can detect both precancer and cancer. More about stool DNA technology
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How effective is Cologuard?
Cologuard is shown to be effective. In a clinical study of 10,000 participants ages 50-84 years old, of average risk for colorectal cancer, Cologuard found 92% of cancer.1 More about how Cologuard is effective
1. 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.
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Can Cologuard detect polyps?
Yes, Cologuard can detect some precancerous polyps that grow on the wall of the colon and may develop into cancer.1 More about how Cologuard is effective
1. 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.
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Who is Cologuard for?Cologuard is for people 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. More about who Cologuard is for
Getting, using, and returning a Cologuard kit
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Where do I go to track my Cologuard order?Log in to your account to track your order, view your test result, and more.
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How do I get a Cologuard kit?There are 2 options for getting Cologuard: through your own healthcare provider, or online through a telemedicine provider. More about requesting Cologuard
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How do I use a Cologuard kit?Your Cologuard kit comes with complete, easy-to-follow instructions. Get more information and watch the How to Use video. Watch video here. You can also download our Patient Guide here.
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How do I return a Cologuard kit?You can return your sample using the same box your kit came in, using the prepaid UPS® label. Your Cologuard kit comes with complete instructions. You can also download instructions for returning your Cologuard kit here. More about using and returning Cologuard
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I received my Cologuard kit a while ago and haven’t used it yet. How long is it good for?
Each Cologuard prescription and kit have expiration dates. The kit expiration date is on the box it comes in. Make sure to check and use your kit before the expiration date. If you have questions, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. We can help you get a new collection kit if needed.
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How will I know if my stool sample is “normal”?It’s important to get a sample that is typical for you in terms of consistency (loose stools are okay 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 specific questions, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. For instructions on how to provide your sample, watch the How to Use video and read more here.
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I received a Cologuard kit, but I made a mistake collecting my sample. What should I do?If you have any questions about using your Cologuard kit, call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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I received a Cologuard kit but it is damaged or missing a part. What should I do?Please call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. Our support specialists will confirm your information to determine if a new Cologuard kit should be sent to you.
Results & insurance
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How do I access my test result?When your result is ready, you can view it in your account. Your result will also be sent to your ordering healthcare provider.
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When will I get my screening results?It typically takes 2 weeks from the date you ship back your Cologuard kit to get your results. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results. Results may be positive or negative for detecting altered DNA and/or blood in your sample. More about screening and results
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What does a positive result mean?A positive Cologuard result is not the same as a cancer diagnosis. It means the test detected altered DNA and/or blood in your stool that could be caused by a precancerous polyp or colon cancer. False positives can occur and should be discussed with your healthcare provider and followed by a colonoscopy. See more information about results
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What does a negative result mean?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. See more information about results
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What is the cost of Cologuard?Cologuard is covered by Medicare and most major insurers. Most patients pay $0.* Find more information here
*Rate of coverage varies by state and region. Coverage rate only applies to Cologuard screening population.
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How do I pay a Cologuard bill?Cologuard offers payment options either by mail or online. For assistance you can call Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. More about bill payment
Additional questions
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What are the CPT, HCPS, Tax ID, and NPI for Cologuard?These codes are what your healthcare provider uses to describe the reasons they are prescribing Cologuard for you. If your provider has any questions, we can help. Contact our Customer Care team at 1-844-870-8870.
Cologuard is only billed under CPT code 81528. This code was established by the American Medical Association CPT Editorial Panel (and recognized by Medicare) with an effective date of 1/1/2016. It is also known as a HCPCS Level I or CPT Category I code.
Cologuard, Exact Sciences Laboratories NPI (145 E Badger Rd, Madison, WI): 1629407069 -
Is Cologuard available in all US states?Cologuard was approved by the FDA on August 11, 2014, and is available in all US states and Puerto Rico. As of October 9, 2014, Exact Sciences Laboratories is licensed in New York state. If you have more specific questions, please contact us at 1-844-870-8870.
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Is Cologuard FDA approved?Yes, Cologuard was approved by the FDA in August 2014 after undergoing a rigorous review process known as a Pre-Market Approval (or PMA).