Early 20s M, HMO: colonoscopy ?

Hi All,

I just graduated uni and have a job (at another uni) where I am paying for an HMO (medical IBC blue cross keystone, state is Pennsylvania) thru the university. I have very little reason to fear for colon cancer, since for the most part I believe I am very healthy (and also no personal history with any disease, allergy, etc). However, with the news of colon cancer on the rise in younger adults, and I do have family history with colon cancer, I thought I would at least screen myself once before I turn 25, and then 1-2 more times between 25-30.

I am assuming that most PCPs wouldnt refer me to see a gastro without good reason. I also wonder how much of a colonoscopy is usually paid for by insurance, especially in a healthy young adult with no medical history. In other words, I don't know what I don't know. Is a colonoscopy in the same scope as other preventive screenings? Would it help to **exaggerate** a bit, and say I found blood while wiping/stool, multiple family members with early colon cancer and morbidities? Is there something I should look out for while choosing a in-network PCP? Is it advantageous (or disadvantageous, in the monetary aspect) for a PCP to refer me to a specialist in any circumstance (in terms of insurance paying them, less time spent per patient, etc) ?

Thank you all!

submitted by /u/empathytrumpsentropy
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