Colonoscopy is a Tough Sell

A recent NEJM study showed the benefit of getting screening colonoscopies.   This is a good thing because colon cancer may really be a preventable death.  I still think the cost of the procedure is way too high and so do patients, evidently.   A study in the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology  found that during recession of December 2007 to June 2009, about 500,000 fewer Americans who had health insurance underwent a screening colonoscopy, compared to the two years before the recession began.   I find getting patients to get a colonoscopy in the first place is a tough sell.   If there is a big monetary cost to them then it is almost impossible.    I do NOT believe that getting a colonoscopy is a right (life, liberty, colonoscopy and the pursuit of happiness) but others may.    Is it okay for people to choose not to have this test?   Should some law be made to make sure these tests get done (a new tax)?  If this is out of the doctors’ hands, should the colonoscopy be used as a quality indicator?