AHN to Offer Saturday Colonoscopy Appointments in March

Appointments are now being accepted for Saturday screenings during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition will mark national colorectal cancer awareness month by offering appointments for colonoscopy on four Saturdays in March at select AHN locations across Western Pennsylvania. To schedule an appointment, call 412-515-2723. Space is limited.

March 1
7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Bethel Park Surgery Center
990 Higbee Drive, Entrance C
Bethel Park, PA 15102

8:00 a.m. – noon
McCandless Endoscopy Center
9335 McKnight Road, Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

March 8
7:30 a.m. – noon
Westmoreland Endoscopy Center
118 Nature Park Road, Suite 200
Greensburg, PA 15601

March 22
8:00 a.m. – noon
Monroeville Surgery Center
4121 Monroeville Blvd
Monroeville, PA 15146

March 29
7:30 a.m. – noon
Wexford Surgery Center
12311 Perry Highway
Wexford, PA 15090

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S., yet it is one of the most preventable cancer types. With screening, gastroenterologists can identify and safely remove polyps in the colon before they potentially become cancerous and progress to later-stage colorectal cancer.

AHN gastroenterologists recommend a colonoscopy once every 10 years for average-risk individuals starting at age 45. Alternatively, an at-home, stool-based test known as a ‘FIT test’ may be used on an annual basis, however a positive FIT test requires a follow-up colonoscopy.

This is the eighth year that AHN is offering colonoscopies on Saturdays in March. The Saturday screenings offer a more convenient option for those who find it difficult to undergo screening on weekdays.

Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of colonoscopy, however patients should check with their provider for specific coverage information. Upon scheduling, patients will receive instructions regarding how to prepare for the outpatient procedure.

Colonoscopies are performed at 23 locations across AHN’s footprint. To schedule a screening on a weekday during regular hours, call (412) DOCTORS.

To learn more, visit https://www.ahn.org/lp/colorectal-cancer-awareness.

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