| StateName |
Average Cash Price |
| Alabama |
$1,418
|
| Alaska |
$1,919
|
| Arizona |
$1,605
|
| Arkansas |
$1,406
|
| California |
$1,761
|
| Colorado |
$1,550
|
| Connecticut |
$1,696
|
| Delaware |
$1,648
|
| District of Columbia |
$1,634
|
| Florida |
$1,557
|
| Georgia |
$1,459
|
| Hawaii |
$1,476
|
| Idaho |
$1,434
|
| Illinois |
$1,628
|
| Indiana |
$1,485
|
| Iowa |
$1,350
|
| Kansas |
$1,398
|
| Kentucky |
$1,430
|
| Louisiana |
$1,587
|
| Maine |
$1,434
|
| Maryland |
$1,688
|
| Massachusetts |
$1,739
|
| Michigan |
$1,602
|
| Minnesota |
$1,803
|
| Mississippi |
$1,442
|
| Missouri |
$1,425
|
| Montana |
$1,483
|
| Nebraska |
$1,449
|
| Nevada |
$1,531
|
| New Hampshire |
$1,536
|
| New Jersey |
$1,860
|
| New Mexico |
$1,414
|
| New York |
$1,751
|
| North Carolina |
$1,405
|
| North Dakota |
$1,561
|
| Ohio |
$1,461
|
| Oklahoma |
$1,563
|
| Oregon |
$1,595
|
| Pennsylvania |
$1,646
|
| Rhode Island |
$1,754
|
| South Carolina |
$1,497
|
| South Dakota |
$1,395
|
| Tennessee |
$1,407
|
| Texas |
$1,521
|
| Utah |
$1,585
|
| Vermont |
$1,556
|
| Virginia |
$1,513
|
| Washington |
$1,688
|
| West Virginia |
$1,514
|
| Wisconsin |
$1,598
|
| Wyoming |
$1,556
|
What happens during a colonoscopy?
During a colonoscopy, your doctor inserts a small, flexible tube into your digestive tract through the rectum. A small camera on the end of the tube allows the doctor to see the inside of your colon. The entire procedure takes about 30-60 minutes. If your doctor notices any polyps, the procedure may take longer so they can remove the polyps.
A colonoscopy can be done for several reasons. Starting at age 50, everyone should get a colonoscopy every 10 years. This is a screening procedure used to identify or even prevent colon cancer and typically covered by medical insurance.
Your doctor might recommend a colonoscopy if you are having gastrointestinal concerns such as bleeding, chronic diarrhea, or chronic constipation. This can help your doctor identify the cause of your problems and offer treatment solutions.
Are colonoscopies painful?
Although few people look forward to the procedure, the process is done under mild sedation and pain medication to keep patients comfortable. You may be aware of pressure or a mild urge to go to the bathroom but should not experience pain.
During the procedure, air is pumped into the colon to expand it and increase visibility. Because of this, you may experience some bloating and gas for a few hours after the procedure. Walking can help relieve this type of discomfort.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
The procedure itself usually only takes 30 to 60 minutes. You will likely spend time before the procedure talking to your doctor and receiving the anesthetic. After the procedure is over, you will need to recover for at least an hour or so before being discharged. Because of the lingering effects of the procedural medications, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for 12 to 24 hours.
What care Is needed after the colonoscopy?
When you have had a polyp removed during a colonoscopy, a little extra caution is needed the first few days. You may notice a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement afterward. Small amounts are normal, but if there is a lot of blood or blood clots, you will need to notify your doctor immediately. Also seek medical attention if you have persistent abdominal pain or begin to run a fever.
It would also be prudent to stay away from hard-to-digest or very fibrous foods, foods with husks or seeds, or foods that are spicy for a few days.
When will I get my results?
Your doctor will schedule a post-procedure appointment with you to discuss your results. This typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure but will vary from location to location.
Immediately after your procedure, your doctor will let you know if a biopsy occurred or if he found any serious abnormalities. If a biopsy was performed, that does not necessarily mean you have cancer. A large percentage (the majority) of polyps are benign!
If your polyp comes back from pathology as “neoplastic,” that means that it has either pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. Your doctor will advise you about the next steps and involve an oncologist. Because of this possibility, it is a good idea to have a trusted friend or family member with you at the appointment. If you receive a lot of new information, it is helpful to have someone else listening and asking questions.
