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CostHelper.com > Health & Personal Care  > Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy Cost

How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost?

low cost With Insurance Coverage: co-pay, coinsurance and deductibles
low costHigh: Without Insurance Average $3,081

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A colonoscopy is a screening test for colon cancer. It is recommended that people of average risk get a colonoscopy or other type of screening every 10 years starting at age 50. People at high risk should begin screening earlier, and sometimes more often, according to the American Cancer Society.
 
Typical costs:
  • For those not covered by health insurance, the cost of colonoscopy varies by provider and geographic region, usually ranging from $2,010 to $3,764, with an average of $3,081, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.
  • A colonoscopy often is covered by health insurance if the patient has symptoms that warrant it or if the patient meets age and risk criteria. According to the 2007 Colorectal Cancer Legislation Report Card, 21 states have laws mandating colonoscopy coverage.
  • For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs can range from zero to more than $1,000, depending on deductibles, co-pay and coinsurance amounts. For example, a Medicare patient at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center would pay $1,477, including deductibles and coinsurance. However, some insurance plans, such as the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Community Blue PPO plan, cover "wellness" screenings 100 percent, with no deductible or co-pay, usually with some restrictions.
What should be included:
  • During the procedure, the patient is sedated, then the doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera and light on it -- a colonoscope -- to examine the rectum and inside the full length of the colon.
  • If anything suspicious is found, the doctor can take a sample for biopsy.
  • The American Gastroenterological Association has an overview of the procedure.
  • The American Academy of Family Physicians has a primer on colorectal cancer screening.
Additional costs:
  • If polyps need to be removed during the procedure, the cost increases.
  • A new procedure called "virtual colonoscopy," an X-ray test that checks for colon cancer, is available. However, it is more expensive and does not detect very small polyps as reliably as a conventional colonoscopy. It is not yet considered an equal alternative to the colonoscopy.
Discounts:
  • Some government programs, hospitals and organizations provide free or low-cost screening colonoscopy for uninsured or underinsured individuals. For example, these programs provide services in New York City.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy, which does not require sedation and can be performed in a doctor's office in 20 minutes or less, costs about $100 to $300, with an average of $200, according to The Kentucky Cancer Consortium and the Action Plan on Colorectal Cancer for the State of Texas. However, it can cost significantly more -- up to about $1,500 if performed in a hospital, which would charge a facility fee. The disadvantage of flexible sigmoidoscopy is that the doctor only is able to view half of the colon, and it is recommended every five years instead of every 10. Studies have shown that the colonoscopy can detect cancers and pre-cancerous lesions that sigmoidoscopy cannot; however, cost and invasiveness make colonoscopy impractical for some.
Shopping for a colonoscopy:
  • If you have a regular doctor, ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist. Otherwise, a gastroenterologist should be board certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and should have at least an additional two to three years of training on the GI tract.
  • Risk factors for colon cancer include being over 50, a family history of the disease and a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, according to the American Cancer Society.
  • The most common side effect of a colonoscopy is cramping and discomfort. Rarely, complications such as perforation of the bowel, requiring surgical repair, can occur.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
Article updated March 2008
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Recent Posts
Amount: $2,300.00 Colonoscopy
Posted by: a user in Torrance, CA.Purchased: December, 2007
Clinic or Doctor: HospitalInsurance Carrier: HealthNet
Type of Policy: PPO
Outpatient Colonoscopy and EGD procedures done in the hospital .
Doctor billed $1000 for the colonoscopy and $775 for the EGD(upper gi endoscopy).
and hospital billed $4300.00 for sedation,recovery room, and equipment use. Insurance knocked it
down to $2800.00 which I paid $2300 of my $2500 deductible.
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Amount: $1,200.00 Colonoscopy Cost
Posted by: P. S. Turnbull in platte, SD.Purchased: 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Avera Platte, SDInsurance Carrier: GEHA
Type of Policy: Health care
I just recieved the bill for my colonoscopy. The doctors charges seemed fair at 355.00, but the Hospital charged the insurance company 9000.00.
This to me seems to be gouging. I feel that becuase I have good health care that the hospital is tryin to get the maximum they can. Since it was a PPO I will only have to pay 10% but still if you are only expecting 3-400.00 the almost 900.00 comes as a shock. Why should preventative procedures be so expensive. It is no wonder people in this country die because they did not get the care or treatment necessary to prevent a major illness.
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Amount: $3,700.00 cost of colonoscopy
Posted by: TF in Oakhurst, NJ.Purchased: July, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Shore GastroInsurance Carrier: MVP Health Care
Type of Policy: family via employer
Here\'s a new one: My doctor sent a bill to insurance for 2 colonsocopies, $1500 each! According to him, he managed both in a marvelous 27 minute span! The insurer dutifully paid out all but $408! The biopsy charge for a snipped polyp is an additional $700. Has anyone heard of this? The same place charged $1000 6 years ago. Have costs increased or are they billing more shrewdly? How can I have had two complete procedures in the space of 1?
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Amount: $1,000.00 Cost of Colonoscopy
Posted by: a user in Plainsboro, NJ.Purchased: August, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: DrInsurance Carrier: BXBS
Type of Policy: PPO
Hospital billed 8900
Dr. Billed 950
Anesthesiologist 500
Pathology
Pathology Dr
This was over 10,000 for 1/2 hour its criminal
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Amount: $5,800.00 Cost of colonoscopy
Posted by: lampshade in Oconomowoc, WI.Purchased: September, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Doctor/HospitalInsurance Carrier: Anthem
Type of Policy: PPO
Crazy costs involved. Had two polyps removed and sent to pathologist. Cost over $5800. Insurance covered all except $2000 deductible - still a lot $$. It seems so unreasonable and I don't feel any different besides!
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Amount: $0.00 Colonoscopy
Posted by: Deborah in Newark, OH.Purchased: December, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Medical Center of NewarkInsurance Carrier: Medical Mutual Of Ohio
Type of Policy: PPO
I have a colonoscopy scheduled for January, 2009 and I'm trying to find out how much this procedure will cost me. I found out today that my insurance does not cover colonoscopy screening. And the doctor doing the procedure can't tell me how much it will cost. Not even for a simple screening. Since it appears I'm going to have to pay the whole thing, I'd like to have a ballpark figure of what it will cost.

And since it is not covered by my insurance, even if I pay the whole thing on my own, it doesn't get applied to my deductible or co-insurance. Isn't that wonderful?!!!
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Amount: $700.00 Colonoscopy
Posted by: Miachilany in Bangkok, Other.Purchased: January, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Bumrungrad InternationalInsurance Carrier: United Heathcare
Type of Policy: High Deductible
I turned 50 seven months ago, and although there is no history of colon cancer in my family, I did have cancer of the femur at age 15 and recently lost a close friend to throat cancer. Thus, I reluctantly decided to go ahead and get the dreaded colonoscopy.

I am self employed and my health insurance in the US is $5,000 deductible with 80% co-pay kicking in and maximum exposure up to $10,000. Thus, I decided to get my colonoscopy while on vacation in Thailand at the #1 hospital used by just about all expats working there. The hospital has an excellent reputation throughout Asia with many doctors educated and / or certified in the US or Japan.

The total cost including doctor and hospital was approximately $700. Moral of the story is that US healthcare costs are ridiculous and need significant reductions and the next time anyone is in the market for a colonscopy, why not basically get a free vacation to Thailand given all the money will you will save

BTW: I also got a full \"executive\" physical for $350 which would have cost over $1,500 in the the States
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Amount: $7,500.00 colonoscopy and endoscopy
Posted by: madewrongdecision in Milwaukee, WI.Purchased: December, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Mt SinaiInsurance Carrier: WPS
Type of Policy: Group
was billed by Hospital $6000 and $1500 by doctor..Haven't heard from "others" yet...
seems like $1000/hour is outrageous
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Amount: $393.09 Colonoscopy
Posted by: GHS billing is ridiculous in Greenville, SC.Purchased: January, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Greenville Hosp. Sys.Insurance Carrier: BC/BS
Type of Policy: PPO
Billed Ins. paid Patient paid Charges
------- --------- ------------ ---------
$6,161.60 $2,525.38 $280.58 Hospital
$3,061.00 $ 832.62 $ 92.51 Doctor
$ 61.00 $ 29.68 $ 20.00 Pathology

Over $9,000 billed with almost $5,755 written off by the providers. What does that tell you about the real cost of medical care? Thank God for decent insurance coverage!
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Amount: $757.55 Colonoscopy with 1 small Polyp removal
Posted by: WantsToHelpFixUShealthCare in Fayettevlle, GA.Purchased: January, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Digestive Health Care of GeorgiaInsurance Carrier: United Healthcare Definity
Type of Policy: PPO, low deductible
Billed Ins paid wroteoff Pat Paid
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 950.00 $ 950.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 Colonsocopy
$ 850.00 $ 832.62 $ 191.55 $ 658.45 Polyp removal
$ 160.00 $ 29.68 $ 60.90 $ 99.10 Pathology


While I am thankful for for not landing in the higher category that some of you have hit, I also have to agree with Greenville above - just what DOES this tell us about the real cost of medical care.

Having lived in Germany for 16 years, coming back home and being faced with this absolute stupidity is astounding.

There is a two-step cure to the health care problems in the US: 1) Base health insurance premiums on patients income, not on their risk, and 2) make it MANDATORY.
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Amount: $9,509.79 Colonoscopy-Twice Violated
Posted by: SoonToBeExPat in Lawton, OK.Purchased: November, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Dr. Richard Campbell @ Southwestern M.C.Insurance Carrier: Harrington Health
Type of Policy: PPO
So I'm not alone after all. We all, except for the Thailand tourist, are getting probed twice. The bill the hospital sent my insurance company was for $6417.29. Out of that there was a charge for "2 units" of "Gastr-Ints SVS" for a total of $5,078.86. $917.52 for "Med-Surg Supplies" and of course, $183.24 for the "Pharmacy".
I paid $165.49.
Then my doctor sends me a bill for for $3092.50, $673.11 of which is the remainder of my $1,000.00 deductible, and with an "adjustment" from my insurance for $536.89 I'm stuck with $2550.61.
His charges are as follows:
Colonoscopy with Polypectomy- $1210.00
Colonocopy with removal of polyps - $975.00
Colonoscopy with biopsy - $907.50.
This doesn't include the $400+ bill from the lab.

My doc told me he removed 4 or 5 polyps and would like to do another one this year "just to make sure he got them all" but then I'd be good for 5 years. My insurance company allows 1 Colonoscopy every 5 years. What the hell?
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Amount: $3,280.00 Bay Area - Good Service but Painful Cost
Posted by: a user in Palo Alto, CA.Purchased: March, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: PAMFInsurance Carrier: HealthNet
Type of Policy: Group PPO
Routine screening on turning 50.
No family history, no symptoms.
Two polyps removed during easy procedure.
Walked out two hours after arrival.

Doctor billed $5,385 for: (a) colonoscopy with polypectomy; and (b) colonoscopy with tumor ablation;
Pathologist: $170 and $170 for "gross & micro" study on two benign polyps;
Clinic billed: $1,317 for OR, Meds, recovery, sedation, equipment rental.
After insurance payment, amounts not allowed, and an adjustment, I am out of pocket $3,280.

They want me to do this again in five years so I need to save $60 per month for sixty months to pay my share - provided costs do not escalate over the next five years.
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Amount: $1,953.00 Colonoscopy
Posted by: Randy in Dallas, TX.Purchased: December, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Dallas EndoscopyInsurance Carrier: UnitedHealthcare
Type of Policy: PPO
I had a colonoscopy at age 51 and have history of colon cancer in my family. UHC covered the colonoscopy but not the cost of the anestheologist which is $769. I have filed an appeal with UHC and am waiting to hear back. Had anyone else had this same experience?
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Amount: $0.00 impending colonoscopy
Posted by: Ann Robbins-Udel in Miami, FL.Purchased: 2009
Clinic or Doctor: unsure at this timeInsurance Carrier: BC/BS HMO
Type of Policy: HMO
I feel very resistant to undergoing a colonoscopy because of the possibility of infection from improperly sterilized equipment. Although unusual in private hospital facilities, it occurs more often than is commonly known. Also, the prospect of a rarely occurring perforation of the colon has me on alert. And now, having read the postings above, regarding the financial issues involved, I am having second thoughts about the wisdom of having this "gold standard" proceedure. I do have BC/BS HMO insurance.
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Amount: $9,044.00 Outrageous Hospital Charges - Routine Colonoscopy
Posted by: Laura Borders in Terre Haute, IN.Purchased: March, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Terre Haute Regional HospitalInsurance Carrier: Sagamore
Type of Policy: Group ppo
I am absoulutely outraged by excessive hospital charges... I haven't even seen the doctor(s) bill, but I'm sure it will bring my experience close to the $10,000 mark. The versed alone cost 240.25. I could really use it when I look at the charges. ha ha

I have good insurance which will cover most of the bill, but that is not the point! Healthcare costs are out of control and I am sick of people saying "oh, well. The insurance company will pay it."

It is a very sad state of affairs to just turn the other cheek... no pun intended.
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Amount: $3,000.00 ripped off
Posted by: Ripped off in herdon, VA.Purchased: September, 2007
Clinic or Doctor: Insurance Carrier: united healthcare
Although I should have been covered on a group insurance plan through my employer, United denied coverage of many of the costs for my colonoscopy, and I ended up paying many of the bills. I called and harassed them for months, reminding them that THEIR pay was coming out of my paychecks, and so I expected their cooperation in return. While I still got alot of the bills paid..eventually..I still loathe united healthcare,and believe they are a bunch of ripoff scum bags.
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Amount: $700.00 $700 total. Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok
Posted by: UniversalHealthCareNow in Bankok, Other.Purchased: May, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Bumrungrad, ThailandInsurance Carrier: Humana
Type of Policy: out of pocket
Like the poster above, I elected to get my colonoscopy done in Thailand's state of the art international hospital, Bumrungrad. $700 USD for everything, unless you need a biopsy/etc, which adds a reasonable fee. I've used this hospital before and quality of staff/equipment is top notch (it looks like a 4 star hotel, complete with Starbucks and food court on the second floor). My doctor there was Chinese, US board certified and a graduate of University of Michigan. I would have paid more out of pocket using my insurance in the US, so it's cheaper to just pay cash here and enjoy the beautiful country. It really demonstrates how completely screwed the US health care system is. We NEED mandantory universal health care ASAP. The French, Norwegian and Finnish systems are good role models to base a program on. We (the US taxpayer) are getting ripped off terribly right now compared to our friends and allies abroad.
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Amount: $0.00 Considering a colonoscopy
Posted by: Kathi Ember in Allentown, PA.Purchased: 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Dr. Rakhmanie Sacred Heart HospitalInsurance Carrier: American Medical Security
Type of Policy: PPO $5000 deductible
In looking over everything on this page, it seems that the "average" cost posted at the top does not match what people are actually saying it cost them. I was thinking this would cost me about $2000 out of pocket with my ppo plan but after reading all the posts, Im thinking it might be A LOT more. I"m 54 and have been having gastrointestinal "issues" so I thought maybe I'd shell out and have one done...now I am reconsidering.
I've been trying for the past two days to get an estimate from someone and have been sent around in one big crazy loop. My insurance company says that if I contact everyone ( doctor, hospital, anestegiologist) and get their name and address, tax i.d.#,cpt codes, hcpcs codes and rfu codes and give them all that info they will check in with the ppo group they deal with in my area and get back to me. HOW CRAZY IS THAT?? Surely someone knows a ballpark figure they can tell me. At this point, I'm ready to forget about it...or go to Thailand. We need a single-payer plan in the US. HR676 . Call your representatives in congress..demand it !!
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Amount: $6,000.00 Colonoscopy - yes, twice violated
Posted by: Twice Violated - really fits! in Franklin, TN.Purchased: May, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Cool Springs MedicalInsurance Carrier: United Healthcare
Type of Policy: PPO - family
I see a trend here.. my ins co has been billed $6000 and counting for my 5/22 colonoscopy. Two diff anestesiologist for $619 a piece (what did they do while i was sleeping?). Medical Center $2800.. dr another $1200.. I had a polyp removed and haven't seen that charge yet.. I was in and out in under 2 hrs. Amazing that none of the cost is reviewed up front - learned a lesson - time to treat medical professionals like used car salesmen and dicker.
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Amount: $1,600.00 Colonoscopy & Upper G.I.
Posted by: wolfmason in Pittsburgh, PA.Purchased: May, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: UPMC ShadysideInsurance Carrier: Highmark
Type of Policy: PPO
The Doc suspected an Ulcer and said I had better get both procedures done. The hospital billed $4k, the doctors billed $1400, all for two procedures that took about 40 minutes total, and a diagnosis of "I dunno". Probably the last time I attempt (or can afford for the remainder of the year) preventative treatment. Don't tell me the private system ain't broken...
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Amount: $15,462.10 A ridiculous situation
Posted by: brodelicious in Dayton, OH.Purchased: April, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Dr. Reed Grandview HospitalInsurance Carrier: United Healthcare
Type of Policy: PPO
I am really at a loss now for what to do. The situation boils down to this. On my itemized bill from the hospital I am being charged twice in the amount of $6,800+ for two procedures done on the same day. One is for Colonoscopy and the other is for a colonoscopy with polypectomy. The hospital says that people who have no polyps removed are only charged for te one procedure. But once one polyp is removed you are then charged the second fee of $6800+. This is outrageoud to me. My out of pocket cost is $3200 after $1000 deductible and 80-20 co insurance up to an out of pocket maximum of $2500.
I'm really considering getting an attorney.
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Amount: $642.00 Colonoscopy with 6 polyps removed
Posted by: puzzled in Lynnwood, WA.Purchased: May, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Virginia MasonInsurance Carrier: Group Health
Type of Policy: Group Health Options
Provider Virginia Mason billed $3114. HMO Plan allowed $1350, Plan paid $707. My bill is $642. Strange item on explanation of benefits: two services are listed, both charged at $1557. Plan allowed 900 for one, and 450 for the other. No differentiation was made for these services. I wonder if other bills will be coming in the following months.
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Amount: $3,234.00 colonoscopy with 2 polyps
Posted by: something is seriously wrong here in Los Angeles, CA.Purchased: November, 2008
Clinic or Doctor: Cedars-Sinai Med CntInsurance Carrier: Anthem
Type of Policy: PPO
As soon as I turned 50, I was pressed by my doctor and the insurance company for preventive measure, to have this procedure. So I finally did. Had to provide all the insurance info prior to schedulling. No estimates for services were given, didn't give me choice of local anesthesia, fully sedaded me which my insurance refused to pay.
doctor charged $1300 adjusted to $588
hospital $11,465.50 / $5388.00
anesthesia $816.00 / $00
pathology $292.25 / $54

I can't afford to repeat this procedure every 3 years!!! One person called it gouging, I totally agree... no wonder our health system sucks.
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Amount: $14,826.50 Outrageous colonoscopy cost
Posted by: EMMANUEL TETTEGAH in Rockville, MD.Purchased: April, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Digestive Disease Clinic, LLCInsurance Carrier: AETNA
Type of Policy: PPO
MY WIFE AND I WERE REFERED TO DIGESTIVE DISEASE CLINIC FOR COLONOSCOPY TEST IN APRIL THIS YEAR.TO OUR UTMOST SUPRISE THE CLINIC CAME UP WITH A BILL OF $14,676.50 OF WHICH WE WERE EXPECTED TO PAY AN AMONT OF $5,230.66.I CALLED THE CLINIC TO FIND OUT HOW THEY CAME UP WITH SUCH AN OURAGEOUS BILL.ALL WE WERE TOLD IS TO CALL AETNA TO PAY THE BILL ELSE WILL BE HANDED OVER TO CREDIT AGENCES.I HAVE CALLED AETNA AND TALKED TO ONE VALERIE WHO INDICATED THEIR PART OF THE BILL HAS BEEN SETTLED.ON OUR PART WE HAD TO PAY $5,252.00.WE ARE WAITING TO HEAR FROM THEM. AS OF NOW I HAVE PAID OVER $200.00 FOR THE SERVISES PROVIDED.
FOR PERUSAL PLEASE.
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Amount: $0.00 colonoscopy plus likely polyps
Posted by: BillsTheName in San Francisco, CA.Purchased: 2009
Clinic or Doctor: tbdInsurance Carrier: none
Type of Policy: none
Due to my wife's "pre-existing" condition (the result of a misdiagnosis not her actual condition), we haven't had insurance since about 2007 when the economy tanked in our area and our over 50 rates went through the roof. I'm self-employed, my wife is unemployed.

I have indications of polyps, and acknowledge a colonoscopy can no longer be delayed.

If I can get quality care in Thailand for about $700, that's about a $650 plane ticket from SFO. Add in hotel, meals and local museums and I'm probably at $2,000 - or about a third the published cost of the Palo Alto patient, and still less than the out of pocket.

If I "invest" $2,000 on "insurance" we get less than 2 months of coverage that won't pay for my US colonoscopy.

Note, I'm in excellent health per my life insurer, rated top 10%. It literally doesn't matter to the "health insurers" as they'll find a way to invoke rescission or denial before making payment. Decades ago my wife worked for a doctor as his insurance liaison and their inconsistency and duplicity drove her batty.
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Amount: $680.00 Colonoscopy & Pre/Post visits
Posted by: Many can't afford "preventative" care! in Long Beach, CA.Purchased: February, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: St Mary's HospitalInsurance Carrier: Blue Shield
Type of Policy: PPO
For 55 yr old male in gd health (1 polyp removed)

HOSPbill:3500 BlShd:2500 Me:500 Writeoff:500
DRpre+opn+post:1350 BlShld:620 Me:180 W/Off:550

We are lucky to have a group plan with a reasonable deductible and 20% copay. We had already met some of our deductibles, so our out- of-pocket total was $680 and Blue Shield PPO thankfully paid $3120, after they discounted everything by $1050. Given that we can expect a 700 cost outlay, the other family member is planning to wait a year...
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Amount: $5,894.86 Colonoscopy
Posted by: KimB in Naperville, IL.Purchased: 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Center for SurgeryInsurance Carrier: BCBS
Type of Policy: PPO
Out of pocket costs were approx. 1200. Colonoscopy alone was 4920.00 Doctors fee was approx 1000. If out of pocket typically is approx 1000. This is great assuming you haven't met deductibles--but I think almost 5000 is too expensive considering the doctors fee is 1000.
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Amount: $9,800.00 Colonoscopy
Posted by: Eric S in Palo Alto, CA.Purchased: April, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Palo Alto Medical FoundationInsurance Carrier: Anthem
Type of Policy: Lumenos
Way more than I expected. Anthem says this is their contract price with PAMF. I will shop around next time. I think this is a total ripoff.
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Amount: $28,000.00 This is outrageous!
Posted by: J. H. in Tracy, CA.Purchased: July, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Tracy Surgery CenterInsurance Carrier: Anthem Blue Cross
Type of Policy: PPO
Just got a bill for $28000. Was told I had 100% coverage, but Anthem is only paying $400. They expect me to pay the rest. This was a 1 hour procedure under light sedation, not several days in intensive care!
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Amount: $0.00 Colonoscopy
Posted by: jas in Santa Ana, CA.Purchased: August, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Stanton MD GroupInsurance Carrier: CIGNA
Type of Policy: HMO
My insurance covered the procedure. I didn\'t even have to pay the normal co-payment of $15. I was there at 2:00pm and out at 4:00pm.
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Amount: $7,999.00 Colonoscopy Cost....Unbelievable
Posted by: ENT in Jacksonville, FL.Purchased: June, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Mayo of Jacksonville, FLInsurance Carrier: Beech Street
Type of Policy: Limited PPO
I get this procedure every year due to Ulcerative Colitis. The cost was 3 times as much as the customary charge. Mayo would not provide their customary charge and expects me to pay what is not covered by my insurance. My insurance covered $2000 of their charge.
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Amount: $0.00 Colonoscopy Cost
Posted by: Rocco in Bethesda, MD.Purchased: March, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: National Institutes of HealthInsurance Carrier: N/A
Type of Policy: N/A
Often times the National Institutes of Health is looking for normal volunteers to further research in various areas of medicine. Most recently I participated in a research protocol in which they did the routine colonoscopy while taking samples of my colon wall. Sometimes they actually pay you for these procedures. They have a website.
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Amount: $0.00 Insurance for Colonoscopy
Posted by: sheryl in Los Angeles, CA.Purchased: September, 2009
Type of Policy: Anthem Blue Cross
Blue Cross is the only insurance carrier that will cover the cost of a Preventive Colonscopy
via their Lumenos HSA Plan. The premium is about $251 a month.
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Amount: $200.00 Virtual Colonoscopy
Posted by: T Lee in Princeton, NJ.Purchased: September, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Princeton Longevity CenterInsurance Carrier: Blue Cross
Type of Policy: PPO
Virtual Colonoscopy ( CT ) cost $1,200 at Princeton Longevity Center in NJ. Insurance covered about $200, and $1,000 was out of pocket cost for me. No polyp found ( about 1/2 of the cases ) and No Anaesthesia was required. Just a 20 minutes of procedure with very little discomfort. I recommend this highly.
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Amount: $2,682.00 Colonoscopy
Posted by: Reamed then reamed again. in San Francisco, CA.Purchased: April, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: California Pacific Medical CenterInsurance Carrier: Aetna
Type of Policy: PPO
I'm under 50 (38) and had this procedure performed due to a family history of cancer. I've lost two siblings and my father has had a colectomy. With a PPO from Aetna and a $1000 deductible

CPMC billed me $5,265.67, of which Aetna covered $1,683.04 leaving me with $2,266.21 out of pocket.

CPMC charged me $111 for a 500ml saline drip, $109 for a pulse/o2 sensor and ~$110 each for the two sedatives, which Aetna classified as "hospital incidentals". I think anyone who's had a colonoscopy wouldn't consider these "incidental". I've filed a complaint with Aetna and California Dept of Managed Health Care.
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Amount: $11,000.00 gouged checkbook
Posted by: astounded in WI in kenosha, WI.Purchased: August, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: auroraInsurance Carrier: united
went in for colonoscopy & endoscopy figuring only 1 visit and will only have to pay once to be knocked out. so far i do not think it was worth it. no polyps, just a twisted intestine. opened the bill last week and almost had to go back in for a heart attack. lol! total bill was just shy of $11,000 ! insurance covered most of it leaving me about $1,200 out of pocket. i was expecting about $600 for my share. still waiting on a detailed bill to arrive because aurora just gives a grand total minus what insurance covers
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Amount: $23,000.00 Colonoscopy Cost - Pending Heart Attack
Posted by: Outraged in Leesburg, VA.Purchased: 2001
Clinic or Doctor: GillInsurance Carrier: BC/BS
Type of Policy: PPO
I just received the EOB from BC/BS showing the doctor's billed charges: $23,000. This is NOT a typo. BC/BS wants additional info from me so my share is not known yet. How can a routine colonoscopy cost so much? It's the first one I've had and the billed amount has me almost in cardiac arrest.
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Amount: $0.00 Procedure Based Medicine
Posted by: JRS23 in st louis, MO.Purchased: 2009
Clinic or Doctor: NAInsurance Carrier: NA
Type of Policy: NA
This is why physicians enter \"procedure based\" specialities -- they can get more reimbursement for doing something physically (using a camera, operating a piece of equipment, performing a surgery, etc) rather than simply problem-solving a symptom and prescribing a medication for a problem. This is why a Gastroenterologist typically gets paid several times (probably 2-4times) what a Family Practice specialist gets paid / year.
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Amount: $475.00 Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles
Posted by: Suzanne in Santa Monica, California in Los Angeles, CA.Purchased: October, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Kaiser PermanenteInsurance Carrier: Kaiser Permanente
I paid $475 for a colonoscopy (with anesthesia) and removal of polyps. Hurray for Kaiser Permanente, which provides excellent care at non-profit prices for its members. My husband and I are delighted with Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles.
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Amount: $1,500.00 colonoscopy- how know if really had polyps removed
Posted by: Confused in FL in Clearwater, FL.Purchased: December, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Insurance Carrier: BCBS
Type of Policy: not selected yet
I was wondering if anyone knows how do you know your doctor removed polyps?
If I choose a traditional plan its routine and just have the procedure you just have a $250 copay, but if they remove any polyps it becomes diagnostic and deductable must be met.
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Amount: $116.74 Routine Colonoscopy
Posted by: sheryl in Los Angeles, CA.Purchased: October, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Insurance Carrier: Anthem Blue Cross
Type of Policy: Lumenos
Well, I had my Colonoscopy on October 20. Everything normal. no problems. I just received the paperwork this week. The insurance company was billed $6,000. BC paid $500. I'm out of pocket $116.74 for the doctor's office visit
only.

Conclusion: I would recommend to anyone who needs a routine colonsocopy to sign up for Anthem
Blue Cross Lumenos Plan. Deductible is waived and they cover 100% of the procedure.
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Amount: $897.75 Not just a crappy job!
Posted by: Teresa in Middletown, OH.Purchased: 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Gaeke/GI EndoscopyInsurance Carrier: CIGNA
Type of Policy: PPO
Out of pocket = $400 deductible and 20% rest. The facility charged $1000 each time the machine was used to remove polyp for a total of $3,000. The dr. charged almost $1,000 for each polyp removed. Laboratory fees were $1,024, anesthetician was $625. Haven't see the pathologist bill yet, so my out of pocket will be more than $897.75
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Amount: $0.00 Cost of Recovery
Posted by: Hank in Morgan Hill, CA.Purchased: November, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: AnyInsurance Carrier: Any
Type of Policy: Any
This is really helpful information. I am a Healthcare Economist conducting independent research on the itemized costs associated with colonoscopy. Would it be possible for a few individuals to provide me with the cost of recovery, post colonoscopy? This should be listed in the explanation of benefits from your insurance carrier. Thanks so much.
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Amount: $50.00 Routine Colonoscopy
Posted by: Happy Veteran in Sturgis, SD.Purchased: August, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Sturgis, SD VA CenterInsurance Carrier: VA
Type of Policy: Veteran's Medical
Quick proceedure and only had to pay $50.00
Any vets out there can get medical coverage, even non-war veterans.
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Amount: $1,500.00 Cost of Colonoscopy
Posted by: Steven J. Morris MD in Atlanta, GA.Purchased: November, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Atlanta GastroenterologyInsurance Carrier:
Type of Policy: Cash
I run a large GI Group and am researching the cost of Colonoscopy in the United States. In an outpatient setting we provide the facility, professional fee, and anesthesia for patients without insurance or high deductible for a total of $1400. I am shocked by the numbers quoted. I would like to know why patients ever have this done in a hospital; weren't they offered an outpatient setting. Have any patients used Academic centers; what were those costs?
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Amount: $0.00 worried to death instead.
Posted by: tiredofit in oconomowoc, WI.Purchased: November, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: steven lipscombInsurance Carrier: humana
Type of Policy: high deductable of course
GI ASSOCIATES
my father has colon cancer so i felt i needed to do it. i will probably never have another one. not sure how i am going to pay this. it will probably tak me a year or more. unfortunately i am not good at calling to try and work something out. i guess if you do get one do not go there. i should have known to price around but it looks like it would not have helped. there is no reason to have an office full of nurses. when the medical personal is 2 or 3 times more than the patients you know there is going to be problems when it comes time to pay. would i rather wait for medical service or pay more? in this case i would rather wait. i guess this means i am for rationing.
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Amount: $0.00 Cancelled Screening
Posted by: MMB in Fort Wayne, IN.Purchased: December, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: NE Indiana Endoscopy CenterInsurance Carrier: United Healthcare
Type of Policy: HIgh Deductible--\"Choice Plus\"
My husband received a \"robo-call\" reminder from UHC to \"take advantage\" of his covered colonoscopy screening. After visit to the doctor for a regular checkup,she recommended the screening since he is 54 years old. Not wanting any financial surprises, he called UHC to check on coverage. The screening was covered so he scheduled the colonoscopy, bought the jug of prep stuff and did the preadmission over the phone at the hospital. The preadmission rep told him that IF a polyp was found and removed, that at that time, the activity would be coded \"diagnostic\" and applied to our deductible (which is $5800 for family) He asked how much we\'d be charged IF this was done. He was told, depending on the doctor, between $690-812 for the removal and between $1000-2000 for the outpatient services at the hospital. !!! Since we are already making payments on our share of the cost on the deductible from last year, he decided to forego any screening until a later date. He has average risk factors. His mom at age 78 had a polyp removed when she had her first colonoscopy at age 75. We\'re out the $20 buck for the prep he bought, but that beats having to make payments on $2800. We thought about \"playing the odds\" as chances are he won\'t have any polyps. But, I think it\'s unfair--kind of like a \"bait and switch\" scheme to have the colonoscopy covered by insurance but once the scope is up there and they see something and remove it, the definition changes and you\'re left with a big bill. Yes. We are self rationing care at this point based on general and personal statistics for the chances of developing colon cancer.
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Amount: $1,000.00 Colonoscopy
Posted by: Jim Lueken Jr. in Louisville, KY.Purchased: December, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Jewish Hosp.LouisvilleInsurance Carrier: Humana
Type of Policy: standard
Just yesterday (12/18/09) went in for a routine colonscopy. I should have shopped around. Very lavish, over-staffed facilites catering to those with means ($) and fools like me. My cost for facilty use only nearly $1000. I am afraid on additional gauging yet to come, doctors bill, sedation costs, lab, etc, etc. Procedure lasts 20 minutes. Our healthcae system id DISCOURAING preventive measures. Or maybe the local Jewish Medical East of Louisville, KY is alone in it price gouging.
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Amount: $4,500.00 Where did we go wrong ???
Posted by: Jim Lueken in LOUISVILLE, KY.Purchased: December, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Jewish Med. EastInsurance Carrier: Humana
Type of Policy: basic
A rountine colonoscopy can be done in a doctors offce by ANY trained MD without sedation in 20 to 25 minutes. SHOULD COST $175. But thats not enough for the healthcare industry. So they have created a entire industry, specialized clinics, sedation requirements, large overpaid staffs. Now the cost is $2000 to $7000. EXACTLY what the doctors, clinics and hospitals want...BIG $.
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Amount: $1,306.04 colonoscopy & upper endoscopy
Posted by: Romy in LA, CA.Purchased: November, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Ronald Reagan UCLAInsurance Carrier: Pacificare
Type of Policy: HMO 30% co-pay, self empl.
I am a survivor of 4 primary cancers. I had colon cancer, surgery & chemo. in 2008. I have to have a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy done each year. The total cost in 2009 was $14,524.00. No polyps. The bill makes no sense to me. I am going to start calling UCLA & my insurance to try to lower my bill, but I am not holding my breath. If I am successful by any chance I will post it.
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Amount: $6,000.00 colonostopy
Posted by: cjcqd in chicago, IL.Purchased: January, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Insurance Carrier: hummana
Type of Policy: high deductable
Now I understand why my mom died at 65. GREED by the insurance companies. She was not being cheap or scared of the procedure. She just skipped one because the cost was high way robbery. I hope God has a special place in hell for these crooks. My cost for colonostopy out of pocket $3400. I will soon have no health care. Premium and out of pocket now 28% fo my income. sad to say your next!
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Amount: $850.00 Colonoscopy with Polyp Removal
Posted by: Stephen Mann in Brooklyn, NY.Purchased: December, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: GuptaGastro.com in Brooklyn, NYInsurance Carrier: None
Based on my age I was told I should get a colonoscopy done to check for colon cancer. I went to Gupta Gastro in Brooklyn, NY and received EXCELLENT care. They took care of me like I was part of their own families. INCLUDING the initial consultation and follow up exam I was only billed $850 in total. Definatly the cheapest costing clinic around, which you would never expect for the great care you receive and how well the facilities are maintained. I would highly recommend Gupta Gastro to everyone!
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Amount: $3,054.00 colonoscopy
Posted by: Jim M in Van Buren, AR.Purchased: January, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Insurance Carrier: aetna
Type of Policy: ppo
based on my age (52), as part of my semiannual physical i was scheduled for a colonoscopy. I was told I had a $300 deductable, then %20. Now Aetna will only pay $500, says it is \"Prevetitive\" as opposed to a \"Diagnostic\" procedure. Same exact procedure. Lot of good it does to have insurance. GREED! This is why we need health reform.
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Amount: $0.00 no longer able to afford preventitive colonoscopy
Posted by: joanie in vermilion, OH.Purchased: 2010
Clinic or Doctor: noneInsurance Carrier: none
Type of Policy: none
At 63years old with history of polys (2-3) after last 3 colonoscopies and family hx. of cancer I can no longer afford insurance and even if I had some insurance, cost would be out of reach. Husband is 80, retired and thankfully has VA medical. Private pay cost would be 2500 and up......our social security checks and my part time job just isn\'t going to allow it. Get my affairs in order and pray I\'ll be around to see 10 year old grandson graduate from high school.
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Amount: $34.00 Colonoscopy
Posted by: Bill in Canada's North in Cold Lake, Alberta, Other.Purchased: March, 2010
Clinic or Doctor: ClinicInsurance Carrier: Universal Care
Type of Policy: Canadian
I just had a colonscopy this morning.(10 year interval) My total cost was $34 for the PEGLYTE. The care was superb and equipment was state of the art.I live in a remote area of Canada in Cold Lake, Alberta about 7 hours drive north of the US Border.My wait time was 2.5 months from my doctor visit.
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Amount: $1,350.00 Colonoscopy & Endoscopy
Posted by: Odile in Hollywood in Century City/Beverly Hills, CA.Purchased: November, 2009
Clinic or Doctor: Private Practice GastroenterologistInsurance Carrier: None
Type of Policy: n/a
I had a colonoscopy & endoscopy for $1,000 (the anesthesiologist fee was $350, I was completely sedated) I am surprised by the amount others have paid, especially since they have insurance and I don't.
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