A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During which, a long, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and a tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.
This is usually done after the age of 50 and rechecked every 5 or 10 years. This is done as a diagnostic tool for ongoing problems. Or it is used as a screening for colon cancer and/or to remove polyps to reduce risk of cancer. The cost of this screening will range from $600 to over $5,400, so always ask before scheduling!
If you are on an Obama Care plan
The policy will cover the screening, but may not cover the anesthesia, the facility, or pathology (which can add up to a lot especially the pathology!). So, you always should ask about costs since they do vary a lot. Also note, on the Obama Care plan if they do find something wrong, it is no longer coded as preventative, and is no longer covered till you have met your deductible.
If you are Underinsured
If you are on a health care plan that does not cover a colonoscopy or does not cover it till a large deductible is met, or you are just underinsured for the colonoscopy procedure, you will have to pay out of pocket for the screening from $600 to over $5,400! But you still have a really good option that you may even pay less than what you could pay on some Obama Care plans that cover it!
So, if you are not insured or you’re underinsured, you need to take advantage of Colonoscopyassist.com. Essentially, they have contracted with facilities all over the country to get these at a much-reduced pricing. The price will vary slightly from state to state but will cost approximately $1,075. The $1075 flat rate is a true all-inclusive rate. It includes all the costs related to the procedure and there are no hidden charges (unlike the Obama Care plans). The price includes: Physician fees, Facility or Hospital fees, Sedation or Anesthesia costs, Removal of polyps and taking of biopsies, Pathology Cost, and Reference Pathology cost. THIS IS A GREAT DEAL!
Overview
If you are not insured or underinsured, you have a really good solution for getting a colonoscopy. And if you are on an Obama Care plan, you still may do better using Colonoscopyassist.com (especially if you end up having to meet your deductible first). See their link below.
https://www.colonoscopyassist.com/
Note: As a lower level alternative and you are not at-risk for colon cancer, you may opt for a non-evasive screening by doing a stool sample test (Cologuard) which could run $599. Recommended every 3 years.
The information I provided above is just a summery and you should always do your own research when making your medical decisions. And with all health care procedures today, you need to be proactive and do your due diligence to make sure that you are not getting procedures or testing that you do not need, or want to pay for, and always check on the costs first, because they can vary greatly from provider to provider. Don’t be shy, ask your provider the cost to you before they do it. I hope this information saves you from unnecessary bills in the future!