What Is the Cost of Colonoscopy Without Insurance – Overview
A colonoscopy is a surgical treatment aimed at correcting irregularities in the colon. The cost of colonoscopy surgery without insurance in the United States can be around US$ 1,250 and US$ 4,800.
Several factors go into determining the exact cost of a colonoscopy procedure, with the location of the procedure being performed is one of the more influential factors. Inpatient healthcare facilities are usually more expensive than outpatient facilities for undergoing a colonoscopy if you do not have health insurance coverage for this surgery.
Complex medical surgeries are usually very expensive, especially if your insurance policy does not cover the procedure. The best way to avoid incurring this expense is by taking preventive care.
The Cost of Colonoscopy in the US
What Is the Cost of Colonoscopy Without Insurance – The Cost of Colonoscopy in the US
As mentioned, the overall cost of a colonoscopy surgery in the United States can be anywhere between US$ 1,250 to US$ 4,800, with the average cost ranging around US$ 2,750.
The specific cost of any colonoscopy procedure will be determined by various factors, such as the city or state you live in. For instance, the cost of a colonoscopy procedure in Los Angeles, CA, is significantly higher as compared to the cost of undergoing a colonoscopy surgery in Phoenix, AZ.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the major influencing factors of colonoscopy surgery:
Total Cost of Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy procedures can be performed at an in-patient or out-patient healthcare center with surgical facilities. Outpatient healthcare centers, such as clinics, are also known as ambulatory care facilities and do not require you to be hospitalized. On the other hand, in-patient facilities, such as hospitals, require you to get hospitalized for a brief or extended stay.
So, if you choose to undergo a colonoscopy at an outpatient healthcare facility, the average cost of this procedure would be around US$ 2,550.
In contrast, if you choose to undergo a colonoscopy procedure at an in-patient facility, the average surgery cost would be around US$ 4,350.
It’s clear that the cost of a colonoscopy at an in-patient healthcare facility is around 41% higher than the surgery done in an outpatient facility. Hence, it’s important to realize that the type of facility you undergo a colonoscopy will determine if the cost is bearable, especially without insurance cover.
Besides your location and choice of a healthcare facility, the cost of a colonoscopy without insurance is also influenced heavily if the surgeon prescribes any medications (sedatives, painkillers, etc.) and additional visits to the doctor’s office for post-surgery checkups.
Some of the most influential factors to affect the total cost of colonoscopy without insurance are:
1. Facility Charges
As mentioned earlier, the type of facility (inpatient or outpatient) you choose to undergo colonoscopy in will significantly affect the overall cost. Colonoscopy surgeries are more expensive at inpatient facilities than outpatient healthcare centers because hospitals are generally more expensive to operate.
In addition, if you need to stay for an extended period of time, it affects the overall cost of boarding and bed.
2. Location
Suppose you live in a large city, like Los Angeles, CA. In that case, you should obviously expect to pay higher for a colonoscopy, as in thanler cities, because the cost of living also determines the cost of healthcare.
To save a significant amount of money, it is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy procedure outside the city. You can talk with your doctor and ask them to suggest such a healthcare facility where you can undergo affordable colonoscopy treatment.
3. Prescriptions
Like every major surgery, colonoscopy also involves using some form of sedative or anesthesia. Patients are mostly asleep during a surgical procedure to minimize discomfort or pain. Due to this, the cost of a colonoscopy may increase if you need prescription medications, including sedatives and painkillers.
4. Office Costs
In addition, if you have received pre-surgical consultation, you may have to pay additional to the overall cost of the surgical procedure, as this is usually not included in the overall cost of a colonoscopy.
You may also be required to visit your healthcare provider several times for post-surgical checkups to ensure no surgical complications. Unfortunately, this will also increase the overall cost of a colonoscopy procedure.
Conclusion
To find the best and most affordable means of undergoing a colonoscopy, it is recommended to consult with your doctor. The doctor has a thorough knowledge of several inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities near you.
Before the surgery, make sure to check if your insurance plan covers colonoscopy. If your insurance coverage does not have a colonoscopy, you should seek to get the procedure done at an outpatient facility, such as a hospital.
References
https://health.costhelper.com/colonoscopy.html
https://www.stopcoloncancernow.com/costs-of-a-colonoscopy/uninsured
https://www.bankrate.com/finance/smart-spending/how-much-does-colonoscopy-cost.aspx
See Also
Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopy?
Does Medicare Cover Shingles Shots?
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