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Cost of colon polypectomy by state

The following estimated costs are based on cash prices that providers have historically charged on average for colon polypectomy and will vary depending on where the service is done. The prices do not include the anesthesia, imaging, and other doctor visit fees that normally accompany colon polypectomy.

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StateName Average Cash Price
Alabama $1,467
Alaska $1,986
Arizona $1,661
Arkansas $1,455
California $1,823
Colorado $1,604
Connecticut $1,755
Delaware $1,706
District of Columbia $1,691
Florida $1,611
Georgia $1,510
Hawaii $1,528
Idaho $1,484
Illinois $1,685
Indiana $1,537
Iowa $1,397
Kansas $1,446
Kentucky $1,480
Louisiana $1,642
Maine $1,484
Maryland $1,747
Massachusetts $1,800
Michigan $1,658
Minnesota $1,866
Mississippi $1,493
Missouri $1,475
Montana $1,535
Nebraska $1,500
Nevada $1,585
New Hampshire $1,589
New Jersey $1,925
New Mexico $1,463
New York $1,812
North Carolina $1,454
North Dakota $1,616
Ohio $1,512
Oklahoma $1,618
Oregon $1,650
Pennsylvania $1,703
Rhode Island $1,815
South Carolina $1,549
South Dakota $1,444
Tennessee $1,456
Texas $1,574
Utah $1,640
Vermont $1,610
Virginia $1,566
Washington $1,747
West Virginia $1,567
Wisconsin $1,654
Wyoming $1,610

What is a polypectomy in the colon?

A polypectomy is a procedure where abnormal growths within the colon (the large intestine) are removed. These abnormal growths may be benign or they may be early signs of cancer. For this reason, a polypectomy is performed to analyze these polyps under a microscope and look for signs of cancer.

A polypectomy is a part of a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy a flexible tube with a camera on its end is inserted in the anus and advanced through the colon to search for any abnormal growths (polyps). If polyps are found they can be removed with cutting tools that can be inserted through the scope and controlled under guidance of the camera.

Is a polypectomy considered surgery?

No, a polypectomy is commonly called a “procedure” as opposed to a “surgery.” This is because they are done by gastroenterologists, a doctor that specializes in treatment of the intestines, as opposed to a surgeon. They also do not require cutting the skin, altering, or moving any normal structures within the body, and do not require general anesthesia (putting you to sleep). Those three features are common in nearly all surgeries.

What happens after polyps are removed?

After the polyps are removed they are sent to a lab. There they are cut into small slices and checked for signs of cancer. There may be a small amount of bleeding after these polyps are removed but the colon heals very quickly and these small areas of bleeding do not cause any significant pain or discomfort. 

Some patients report a sensation of bloating or cramping before and/or after a colonoscopy. This is thought to be due to the laxatives that you must drink for 24 hours before the colonoscopy. Most patients report that these symptoms resolve within a day of the colonoscopy.

How long does it take for the colon to heal after polyp removal?

The colon heals very quickly, there may be some abdominal cramping and rectal bleeding after the procedure but this should not last more than 24 hours. If you are still uncomfortable more than 24 hours after the procedure your doctor will likely request you come for a followup visit.

Can colon polyps grow back after removal?

Yes, polyps generally form over time and it is possible for more polyps to form after a colonoscopy. The ones that are removed do not grow back but others may form near them. This is why every few years a repeat colonoscopy is required. The exact amount of time that passes between colonoscopies depends on how many polyps are removed and your risk for colon cancer.

What happens if colon polyps are not removed?

Two things can happen if a colon polyp is not removed--it may remain a polyp or may develop into colon cancer. This development is slow, which is why not all polyps that are seen on a colonoscopy are removed; only those that are at higher risk of progressing to cancer are removed. 

Your gastroenterologist can tell which polyps are at the highest risk of progressing to cancer based on their appearance. Ones that are high risk are always removed while those that are low risk are often watched. A repeat colonoscopy will be done 1-5 years later to look for any changes that suggest these polyps may become cancerous.

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

The site is not a substitute for medical or healthcare advice and does not serve as a recommendation for a particular provider or type of medical or healthcare.