Cologuard is a one-of-a-kind, noninvasive stool test designed to screen for colorectal cancer in the comfort of your home.

As a reminder, our prescribers only provide a Cologuard consultation – the cost of your Cologuard kit is additional and you will be responsible for the cost of the kit.

If you’ve received this guide, your AgelessRx provider has approved your Cologuard request and sent your prescription to Exact Sciences. The next step to receiving your Cologuard collection kit is to contact Exact Sciences directly to confirm your personal details and provide payment.

Read below for tips on how to complete the process with Exact Sciences, and what to expect when collecting your sample.

Quick tips

Here are some simple steps to help you get started:

• You’ll receive confirmation of your prescription from AgelessRx
• Once you receive your prescription confirmation, you must call Exact Sciences at +1 (844)-870-8870 to complete your order
• When asked, elect not to pay through insurance, as we’ve already submitted your prescription
• Ship your sample the same day as it is collected
• Remember: your results are NOT a diagnosis

Receiving your kit

By this point, your prescription for Cologuard has been approved by your AgelessRx provider and sent to Exact Sciences.

You will complete the next steps with Exact Sciences to submit your payment, receive your Cologuard collection kit, and ship your sample.

1. Call Exact Sciences
   
   When you receive your product instructions email for Cologuard, you can contact Cologuard directly at +1 (844)-870-8870. Exact Sciences may also text or call you first. The phone number they use to contact you may be different from the number listed here. In some cases, calls or texts from Exact Sciences may be marked as spam.
   
   Be sure to complete the next steps with Exact Sciences within 2 weeks of approval to ensure the most efficient delivery times.
2. Confirm your identity
   
   When you connect with Exact Sciences, you will be walked through a series of automated messages to confirm your identity. These are basic questions (such as name and date of birth) that help Exact Sciences ensure HIPAA compliancy.
3. Complete payment
   
   To receive your Cologuard collection kit, you must complete your payment with Exact Sciences. AgelessRx does not provide or ship Cologuard, and your payment with AgelessRx does not cover the cost of the collection kit.
   
   You must provide your payment information over the phone to pay for Cologuard.
4. Opt out of insurance
   
   Once you confirm your identity, your call will be redirected to a live agent. The agent will ask for your insurance information to collect payment.
   
   You must request not to pay via insurance to ensure the best out-of-pocket price for you.
   
   If you choose a one-time, direct payment at the time of your phone call, you will only pay $381.
   
   If you would prefer to pay through your insurance, you are free to do so. However, please note that AgelessRx does not coordinate payments with insurance companies, so our prescribers can’t guarantee that you are covered.
   
   If your insurance decides not to cover Cologuard, you could pay an out-of-pocket price of $681 or more.

Shipment and storage

Exact Sciences will ship your Cologuard collection kit at no additional cost.

You will receive your kit within 3-7 business days of completing your payment. You will also receive a physical receipt of your purchase in the mail. Your receipt may arrive separately from your collection kit.

Exact Sciences recommends storing your Cologuard collection kit in your bathroom, out of reach from pets and children.

Collecting your sample

Cologuard makes collecting your stool sample quick and simple.

1. To start, unzip the plastic bag in the box to reveal its contents. You’ll need this bag later for shipping, so leave it attached to the box.
2. Unpack your Cologuard collection kit and make sure you have all the necessary items: patient instructions and shipping instructions, sample container, sample tube, bottle of preservative liquid, bracket, and sample labels.
3. Next, unfold the bracket, and place it across the rim of your toilet seat, towards the back of the toilet. Fold the seat down over the bracket to keep it in place.
4. Unscrew the lid of the sample container and place the container in the bracket.
5. Have a normal bowel movement, using the container to collect your stool sample. It’s okay if a small amount of urine gets in the collection container, but make sure your sample is not contaminated by any toilet paper or too much urine. Your sample can be whatever consistency is normal for you, but should be no larger than the bottle of liquid preservative.
6. Remove the container from the bracket and place it on your bathroom counter.
7. Unscrew the cap of the sample tube and pull out the probe. Scrape the surface of your sample until you cover the grooves on the probe, place it carefully back into the tube, and screw the cap on tightly.
8. Pour the entire bottle of preservative liquid into the container. (HINT: you must do this after you’ve completed the previous step.) Screw the lid on straight and tight.
9. Fill out both sample labels with your name, date of birth, and the date and time of your collection. Place one sample label on the collection container, and the other on the sample tube.
10. Place the container and sample tube back in the box and zip up the plastic bag. Close the container and seal it for shipment. Peel back the label on the shipping box to reveal your pre-paid return label.
11. Ship your sample back to Exact Sciences on the same day that you collect it. You must use UPS to return your sample. You can also schedule a contact-free pick-up with Exact Sciences.

Managing your results

You can expect to receive the results of your Cologuard test within 2 weeks of the lab receiving your sample.

Your results will be sent via your AgelessRx portal as soon as they’re available. Your prescriber will deliver your results via email and discuss your results with you if necessary. You can also create an account with Exact Sciences to view your results when they’re available.

Keep in mind that Cologuard does not diagnose cancer. A positive result is not a diagnosis, and a negative result does not indicate that you are 100% free of colorectal cancer. You should always share your results with your primary care physician so they can help you determine the best course of action.

Cologuard benefits

Cancer is one of the four horsemen of death, the leading age-related diseases. Colorectal cancer is the #2 cause of cancer-related deaths.

Colorectal cancer is also the most preventable type of cancer, because we have the best chance of catching it early, thanks to tests like Cologuard. Early detection is our best defense against age-related diseases like colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopies have historically been a clinician’s go-to screening method for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopies are invasive and inconvenient, and many doctors won’t recommend them until you’re above 40 (and even then, only once every ten years), leading many to hold off on regular screenings.

Up to 50% of colon cancers are caught in the late stages as a result, which limits our treatment options and potential outcomes.

Cologuard gives us a simple, noninvasive screening option for colorectal cancer that we can do easily within the comfort of our homes. Cologuard can detect colorectal cancer 94% of the time, and accurately detect those without colorectal cancer 91% of the time, including cancers in their early stages, giving us the best chances of detecting colorectal cancer early.

Catching colorectal cancer early is one of the most impactful ways of extending our lifespan. Cologuard gives us the power to detect colorectal cancer early and potentially extend our lifespan, making it an invaluable tool for our longevity regimen.

Important safety information

Cologuard is indicated for adults aged 45 or older who are at average risk of colorectal cancer. Cologuard is not a replacement for colonoscopy.

Cologuard is contraindicated for the following conditions:

• High risk for colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease
• Chronic diarrhea
• Blood in stool for any reason

Patients who are at high risk for colorectal cancer, including those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, should consult their primary care physician to determine the best screening methods.

There are no specific dietary or medication restrictions for Cologuard, and there is no special preparation recommended before you collect your sample.

Exact Sciences cannot properly analyze samples that are diarrhetic or excessively bloody. If you are sick, have diarrhea, or notice excessive blood or urine in your stool, you should seek urgent care or wait until your bowel movements stabilize.
As with any prescription product, the prescription is for you and you alone. Do not share or allow anyone else to use a Cologuard collection kit that has been prescribed to you.