What is the cost of a colonoscopy with insurance?

In the United States, the average cost of a colonoscopy is $2,750, with prices ranging from $1,250 to $4,800. Whether you have a colonoscopy performed in an inpatient facility, such as a hospital, or in an outpatient surgery center can have a significant impact on the price.

How much does a colonoscopy cost?

Colonoscopy Cost – The cost of a colonoscopy ranges from $1,250 to $4,800, with an average cost of $2,750. Below are the national average costs and the target fair price. Target Fair Price: $2,450 National Average: $2,750 National Range: $1,250 – $4,800+ The cost of a colonoscopy varies depending on the city and state where the procedure is performed.

A common colonoscopy at a California outpatient hospital facility includes the following:

	Units	Avg Cash price
Anesthesia
Anesthesiologist fee to be ‘put under’ for procedure Level 2 Standard	1	$156
Anesthesiologist time to be ‘put under’ for procedure Per minute Standard	62	$144
Total average cash price		$1,865.90

Does insurance cover the cost of anesthesia for colonoscopy?

Deconstructing the Colonoscopy Bill – Involved in a colonoscopy procedure are several components, including the test itself. In addition to the following, the final price will also include the following:

• Free anesthesia is provided for preventative colonoscopies. Those undergoing a colonoscopy for medical and diagnostic purposes will be required to pay a portion of the cost out of pocket.
• Physician and Facility Fees: Depending on the location of the exam, additional fees may be assessed for physician and facility services. A physician’s fee may be added to the cost of the test itself.
• Colonoscopy Preparation: Medical insurance does not completely cover bowel preparation kits. You must pay a percentage of the cost if you have health insurance, or the full amount if you do not.

Important reminder: this general information is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is essential that you consult your physician regarding your specific condition. Are there videos that explain what to expect during a colonoscopy? Observe and learn: The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’s website provides access to a number of patient education videos about colonoscopy and other tests (ASGE).

Or view a video demonstrating how a colonoscopy is performed, as demonstrated by Dr.D. Kim Turgeon and Dr. Reena Salgia of the University of Michigan. What are colonoscopies? A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your physician to examine the lining of your colon (large intestine). The physician will insert a finger-sized flexible tube into the rectum and colon to search for cancer or precancerous lesions.

What symptoms are associated with colon cancer? Early stages of colon cancer are frequently asymptomatic. This is why preventative screening is so crucial. Every year, millions of adults undergo routine colonoscopies to prevent the development of colon cancer.

• When doctors discover precancerous growths called “polyps” during a colonoscopy, they can easily remove the polyps, drastically reducing your risk of developing colon cancer.
• Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, anemia, a change in bowel habit, abdominal pain, and weight loss; however, these symptoms are also typical of other diseases.

When cancer causes the symptoms, the disease may be in a late stage. Are there various types of polyps? There are two distinct polyp shapes and five distinct polyp types. Visit our Colon and Rectal Polyps page for additional information. What is a complicated polyp? In general, a polyp of the rectal or colon is complex (also known as “defiant”) if it meets any of the following criteria: Size exceeding 2 centimeters Located in a challenging area or being too flat (sessile) to be removed during a standard colonoscopy.

• When the physician performing your colonoscopy cannot remove the polyp(s) safely and decides to refer you to a specialist.
• Is surgery the only option for the removal of complex polyps? If the complex polyp is benign and there are no signs of cancer, the patient may choose non-surgical removal over surgery; however, this requires the expertise of a highly skilled physician who has performed a significant number of these procedures.

Who is susceptible to colon cancer? Age is the leading risk factor, with more than 90 percent of colon cancer cases occurring in individuals (males and females) aged 50 and older. There are additional risk elements: A history of colorectal cancer or adenomas in the family (polyps) Cigarette smoking – which can increase colon cancer mortality risk by 30% to 40% – may account for up to 12% of colon cancer deaths.

Obesity sedentary way of life High-fat diet, particularly one dominated by animal sources Heavy alcohol intake Colitis ulcerative or Crohn’s colitis uterine or ovarian cancer before age 50 Previously removed gall bladder past abdominal radiation treatment 30% to 40% greater risk of developing colorectal cancer is associated with diabetes.

Who and when should be screened? The American Cancer Society recommends screening for colon cancer in adults beginning at age 50, or earlier if a family history of the disease exists. Will I be sedated for the examination? For the examination, you will receive “conscious sedation,” which involves the placement of an intravenous line and intravenous administration of medications.

This is not general anesthesia, but the vast majority of patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. Due to the sedation, you will require transportation home. Do I require a referral? If you have HMO-type health insurance, a referral from your primary care physician is required. Consult your health insurance company.

My insurance does not cover this procedure. Check with your health insurance provider to determine your coverage for colorectal cancer screening. The majority of insurers cover colonoscopy for colon cancer screening, but coverage varies.Q. What do I need to do to prepare for a colonoscopy? Preparation is an essential component of the examination.

• If your bowel is not sufficiently cleansed before the exam, the doctor will be unable to detect polyps, which are precancerous growths.
• Before the procedure, you will be required to take an oral laxative (called a “bowel prep” or “preparation”) to empty your bowel.
• Specific preparation instructions may vary, but preparation typically begins one to two days before a procedure.

Please read your preparation instructions (provided separately) to determine what you should do one or two days prior to your colonoscopy. Q: I am menstruating. Can I still have a colonoscopy? Yes, the procedure can still be performed during menstruation.

If preferred by the patient, tampons may be worn. If a patient has a fever, can a colonoscopy be performed? In general no. If a patient’s temperature exceeds 101 degrees, a colonoscopy will not be performed. Please contact your physician as soon as possible and inform them. Are there any risks or complications associated with undergoing a colonoscopy? In general, colonoscopy is a safe procedure.

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with the sedation and the procedure itself. After the colonoscopy, you should contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, vertigo, fever, chills, or rectal bleeding. Perforation and bleeding are two of the most significant complications of colonoscopy.

1. A perforation is a tear in the intestinal wall that may allow intestinal fluids to escape.
2. Generally, perforations are treated with hospitalization, antibiotics, and surgery.
3. Blood loss may occur at the site of a biopsy or polyp removal.
4. The majority of cases of bleeding stop spontaneously or can be controlled during the procedure.

Rarely, blood transfusions or additional treatments may be necessary to stop the bleeding. There is also the possibility of a reaction to the sedative administered during the exam. In the majority of instances, medications exist to counteract this reaction.

1. Although complications following a colonoscopy are uncommon, they can be life-threatening.
2. It is essential that you recognize early warning signs that something may be wrong.
3. If I take medication, are there any potential side effects? The majority of medications typically do not interfere with this procedure.

However, if you are on insulin, your dosage may need to be altered during the exam preparation period and on exam day. Also, if you take anti-coagulant or blood-thinning medications, they will need to be discontinued (and possibly replaced with a bridge medication) prior to the procedure in order to perform a biopsy and/or polyp removal.

• Inquire with your doctor about adjusting your medication.
• How long does the procedure take to complete? How much time will it take me to recover? The procedure itself typically lasts between 15 and 60 minutes, but you should allocate 2 to 3 hours for preparation, waiting, and recovery.
• How many work days am I required to take off? You will need to take the day of the procedure off work.

Some patients who work evenings also take the day prior to the procedure off to undergo bowel preparation. Where at U-M can I receive a colonoscopy? We have state-of-the-art facilities for colonoscopy at: East Ann Arbor Ambulatory Surgery and Medical Procedures Center University Hospital’s Medical Procedures Unit Northville Health Center Are there various screening options for colon cancer? Currently, screening guidelines offer a selection of four tests: Colonoscopy,

Colonoscopy is the “gold standard test,” which means that we consider it to be the most reliable method for detecting cancer and precancerous lesions. A device is inserted through the rectum into the colon. Using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope, the rectum and entire colon are examined. During colonoscopy, precancerous and cancerous growths can be located and removed or biopsied.

A colonoscopy has the ability to detect or find growths in the upper portion of the colon, whereas sigmoidoscopy would miss them. Blood test for occult blood in the feces (FOBT). This test checks for concealed blood in feces (stool). There are currently two types of FOBTs available.

One type, known as the guaiac FOBT, detects heme in stool using the chemical guaiac. Heme is the component of the blood protein hemoglobin that contains iron. The other type of FOBT, immunochemical FOBT, detects human hemoglobin protein in stool using antibodies. FOBT, when performed every 1 to 2 years in people ages 50 to 80, can reduce the number of colorectal cancer deaths by 15 to 33 percent, according to studies.

This test is flawed because it misses many polyps and cancers. It has the benefit of being inexpensive and secure. If the test is positive, a colonoscopy will be scheduled as a follow-up. Stool DNA analysis (Cologuard) This test detects DNA mutations in stool samples derived from colon cells.

A fecal immunochemical test is also routinely performed as part of stool DNA testing. Stool DNA testing will detect colorectal cancer approximately 92% of the time and advanced polyps approximately 42% of the time. If the test results are positive, a follow-up colonoscopy will be scheduled. Every three years, stool DNA testing should be repeated.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy, The physician examines the rectum and lower colon using a sigmoidoscope, a light-emitting instrument. Precancerous and cancerous growths in the rectum and lower colon can be detected and biopsied during sigmoidoscopy. If the doctor detects a polyp, the patient will require a colonoscopy at a later date.

Does a colonoscopy examine the complete colon?

What occurs throughout a colonoscopy? You may undergo a colonoscopy as an outpatient or as part of your hospital stay. The manner in which the test is conducted may vary based on your condition and your healthcare provider’s standard procedures. Generally, the colonoscopy consists of the following steps:

1. You will be required to remove any jewelry or other items that could obstruct the procedure.
2. You may be required to disrobe and put on a hospital gown.
3. You will have an intravenous (IV) line inserted into your arm or hand. A sedative or pain medication will be administered intravenously.
4. You will be supplied with oxygen.
5. During the procedure, your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen level will be measured.
6. You will be instructed to lie on your left side with your knees drawn toward your chest.
7. A lubricated tube will be inserted into the anus and passed through the rectum and colon. You might experience mild discomfort, pressure, or cramping during the procedure. A sedative is used to alleviate your pain.
8. Depending on the anesthesia administered, you may be completely unconscious during the procedure. If conscious, you may be instructed to take slow, deep breaths as the tube is inserted. This aids in the relaxation of abdominal muscles and reduces discomfort. You may also be asked to adjust your position to facilitate the tube’s passage.
9. Air may be injected into the digestive tract. This may make the interior surfaces more visible. Additionally, a water jet can be used to clean the lining of the colon. One may use a suction device to remove any liquid stool.
10. The physician will examine your colon and may take photographs. If a polyp is observed, it may be removed. Or it may be left in the colon until a subsequent procedure.
11. Following completion of the procedure, the tube will be removed.