At-home colorectal screening · Fort Myers

Cologuard: screening at home.

Cologuard checks a stool sample for signs of colorectal cancer and certain precancerous changes. You collect the sample at home; your IMLWP physician orders the test, reviews the result with you and helps arrange follow-up.

What to expect ↓

Cologuard

Collect at home. Review the result with your physician.

Collection

An at-home stool sample

Eligibility

Average-risk adults age 45+

If positive

Physician review, usually colonoscopy

Cost

At cost for members

IMLWP is a concierge (membership) primary care practice in Fort Myers. This service is part of your membership care. Medicare patients sign a private contract with the practice. Membership plans and prices →

Understand your options

What to expect from an at-home stool test

Look for DNA changes and hidden blood

Cologuard checks the sample for selected DNA markers and blood that may be associated with colorectal cancer or advanced precancerous changes. The laboratory sends the result to your physician.

Use the collection kit at home

The kit includes supplies and instructions for collecting and returning your sample. Follow those instructions so the laboratory can process it. Contact the practice if you need help understanding the next step.

A screening choice for average-risk adults

Cologuard is intended for adults age 45 or older at average risk. A history of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer or certain family histories may make colonoscopy the appropriate choice instead.

Follow-through is part of screening

A positive result is not a diagnosis, but do not ignore it, even if you feel well. Your physician reviews the result with you and explains the next steps, which usually include a colonoscopy. Repeating the stool test does not answer the same question. After a negative result, you plan your next screening together.

Your experience at IMLWP

Screening with Cologuard at IMLWP

Confirm the right test

Your physician checks your risk and screening history.

Collect your sample

Use the at-home kit and its instructions.

Return the kit

Send the sample as directed for laboratory analysis.

Review the result

Your physician explains the result and the next steps, usually a colonoscopy if positive.

Your IMLWP physicians

Care from a physician who knows you

Your own board-certified primary care physician manages your care, from deciding what to investigate to reviewing results and adjusting treatment.

Michael Barry, DOBoard-certified Internal Medicine

David Marconi, MDBoard-certified Family Medicine

Raymond Kordonowy, MDBoard-certified Internal Medicine

Common questions

Your questions, answered

Do I need a blood draw?

No. Cologuard uses a stool sample collected at home.

Will a positive result mean I have cancer?

Not necessarily. It can reflect cancer, precancerous changes or a false positive. Your physician reviews the result with you and explains the next steps, which usually include a colonoscopy to find the cause.

What happens after I send back the kit?

The laboratory analyzes your sample and sends the result to your physician, who contacts you to explain what it means and the next steps: usually a colonoscopy after a positive result, or a date for your next screening after a negative one.

Is Cologuard offered at cost?

Yes, for members when their physician recommends it. Ask the practice for the current test charge. If a colonoscopy is recommended, your physician arranges the referral. That procedure is billed separately.

Take the next step

Book a complimentary Meet & Greet

A free, 30-minute visit with one of our physicians to meet the practice and ask about membership. It is not a medical visit.

Visit our Fort Myers office

6160 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919 · Get directions →

Welcoming patients from: Fort Myers Cape Coral Bonita Springs Estero Sanibel

Clinical sources and further reading

Cologuard: important risk information