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Cost of scope exam of upper GI by state

The following estimated costs are based on cash prices that providers have historically charged on average for scope exam of upper GI 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 scope exam of upper GI.

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StateName Average Cash Price
Alabama $1,068
Alaska $1,445
Arizona $1,208
Arkansas $1,058
California $1,326
Colorado $1,167
Connecticut $1,277
Delaware $1,241
District of Columbia $1,230
Florida $1,172
Georgia $1,099
Hawaii $1,111
Idaho $1,080
Illinois $1,226
Indiana $1,118
Iowa $1,016
Kansas $1,052
Kentucky $1,077
Louisiana $1,195
Maine $1,079
Maryland $1,271
Massachusetts $1,310
Michigan $1,206
Minnesota $1,358
Mississippi $1,086
Missouri $1,073
Montana $1,117
Nebraska $1,091
Nevada $1,153
New Hampshire $1,156
New Jersey $1,401
New Mexico $1,064
New York $1,318
North Carolina $1,058
North Dakota $1,176
Ohio $1,100
Oklahoma $1,177
Oregon $1,201
Pennsylvania $1,239
Rhode Island $1,321
South Carolina $1,127
South Dakota $1,050
Tennessee $1,059
Texas $1,145
Utah $1,193
Vermont $1,171
Virginia $1,139
Washington $1,271
West Virginia $1,140
Wisconsin $1,204
Wyoming $1,172

What is a GI scope procedure?

A GI scope procedure might also be called an endoscopy, upper endoscopy, EGD, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. In this procedure, a small tube with a camera is passed through your mouth and throat into the upper GI tract to diagnose and treat conditions of the esophagus, upper intestine, stomach, or duodenum. 

You might need a GI scope if you are having:

  • Persistent heartburn
  • Blood in vomit or stools
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Problems swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss

Procedures can be done during a GI scope. Your doctor might recommend a scope if you need:

  • Treatment of a bleeding ulcer or esophageal varices
  • Dilation of a narrowed esophagus
  • Removal of anything stuck in the esophagus
  • Removal of polyps or growths
  • Placement of a feeding tube or drain

How long does a GI scope take?

A GI scope will take between 15 to 30 minutes. However, the total time you’ll be at the hospital or outpatient center will be about two to three hours. The extra time is for you to be monitored as you recover from the procedure.

Is a scope exam of the upper GI painful?

Upper GI scopes are not painful. A sedative is given most of the time to help you relax before a scope. You might also receive numbing spray to the back of your throat to help keep you from gagging. 

After the procedure, you might notice a slight sore throat for a few days, and you should let your doctor know if you have any trouble swallowing or the pain is getting worse rather than better. You might have a little bloating or nausea after the procedure, but it will go away quickly.

What can a stomach scope detect?

Stomach scopes are used to detect and treat many different conditions. Some of these include:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Ulcers
  • Cancer
  • Inflammation or swelling 
  • Precancerous problems like Barrett’s esophagus
  • Celiac disease
  • Narrowing (strictures) of the esophagus
  • Blockages
  • Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)

Are you put to sleep during an upper GI endoscopy?

Usually, a sedative is given intravenously to keep you relaxed during an upper GI endoscopy. You might not fall completely asleep, but you’ll feel drowsy and relaxed. You won’t remember the procedure. 

If you receive sedation, you’ll need a little extra time to wake up after your procedure, and you won’t be able to drive. You’ll need someone to give you a ride home.

How long after an upper GI endoscopy can I eat?

You’ll be able to eat about an hour after your upper GI endoscopy. Wait until you can easily swallow and any numbing medicine for your throat has worn off. Eat soft, easily digestible foods at first and gradually add to your diet as time goes on.

* 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.