Exact Sciences, maker of the Cologuard at-home colon cancer screening kit, is under scrutiny after thousands of Americans reported receiving tests they never requested.
Houston resident Nancy DeLapa discovered a Cologuard kit at her doorstep despite undergoing colonoscopies every five years and receiving no order from her doctor.
Her physician confirmed no test was requested under her name. DeLapa also recorded a phone conversation with an Exact Sciences representative, who said her insurance plan targeted 400,000 members for kit distribution.
The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin reports 376 complaints involving similar claims. Recipients say they never asked for the screening kit and never received orders from their physicians.
Several complainants also reported receiving bills ranging from $500 to $700 after assuming insurance would cover the test.
Exact Sciences points to health plans and outreach programs as the source of the shipments. According to the company, insurers and medical systems identify members overdue for colorectal screenings and authorize test orders through licensed clinicians.
Exact Sciences maintains that 94 percent of patients incur no out-of-pocket expenses and that participation is voluntary, with recipients free to decline or recycle the kits.
Medical experts warn against automatic distribution. Dr. Eric Haas, Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Houston Colon, stressed that cancer screening decisions should follow physician consultation and proper timing. While Cologuard has a role in preventive care, Dr. Haas called for appropriate use and medical oversight.
