Important Health Screenings
for Colon Cancer

Cologuard is a non-invasive, at-home colon cancer screening test.

• It’s for people 45 or older at average risk for colon cancer.
• There’s no preparation, and you can screen in the privacy of your home.

Our records show that you are due for colon cancer screening. Cologuard is a screening test for colon cancer for adults 45 years old and older at average risk for colon cancer. Colon cancer screening saves lives by catching cancer at an early stage, or even by preventing growths called polyps from turning into cancer.

Cologuard tests your poop for blood and DNA changes that can be signs of cancer or pre-cancer. If your test is positive, it does not mean you have colon cancer, but it does mean we need to take a closer look at your colon with a procedure called a colonoscopy. To learn more about how Cologuard works, check out the website: https://www.cologuard.com.

Collect your sample as soon as possible because timely screening is important to your health. We suggest setting a goal to collect your sample. Your test order expires one year from the order date.

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. You can get a new Cologuard test kit at no additional cost.

It typically takes under 2 weeks from the date you ship back the Cologuard kit to get your results.

• You will be able to see your results in your Erie Mychart as soon as they are available.
• If you do not have a login for Erie Mychart, please call Erie at 312-666-3494 for help signing up.
• If there are any abnormal results, your Erie care team will contact you for the next steps.

Your Cologuard test kit includes simple instructions for repacking, labeling, and postage (Free) to return your sample. The easiest way to return your sample is to call Exact Sciences Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870 and arrange for a UPS pickup at your home.

You can also drop it off at any UPS location. It’s important to return your sample within 24 hours of collecting it so the sample can be processed.

Call Exact Sciences Customer Care at 1-844-870-8870. If needed, you can get a new Cologuard test kit at no additional cost.

Erie works in a care team model. Another team member may order Cologuard for you on behalf of your PCP because you are due for screening for colon cancer.

Please call Erie at 312-666-3494 and choose option for Referrals (press 4 then 1) to let us know that you do not want the Cologuard test. You and your insurance will NOT be charged if you do not return your sample.

Cologuard should be no cost to Erie’s uninsured sliding fee patients.

Please call Erie at 312-666-3494 Option 4 then 1 for Referrals to inform us that you are getting a bill. Cologuard should be no cost to Erie’s sliding fee patients. We will inform Exact Sciences to adjust your bill.

Please check with your insurance plan benefits as there may be a small out of pocket cost. 94% of patients with insurance have $0 copay for Cologuard.

Your Cologuard test can be positive for many reasons.  It may be because of a polyp or growth in your colon, or even because of bleeding from other sources. If your Cologuard is positive, your provider will refer you for a colonoscopy, a procedure where a camera is used to look directly at the entire colon, to see what caused the test to be positive.