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Cost of scope exam of upper GI with biopsy by state

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

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StateName Average Cash Price
Alabama $1,086
Alaska $1,470
Arizona $1,229
Arkansas $1,077
California $1,349
Colorado $1,188
Connecticut $1,299
Delaware $1,263
District of Columbia $1,252
Florida $1,193
Georgia $1,118
Hawaii $1,131
Idaho $1,099
Illinois $1,247
Indiana $1,138
Iowa $1,034
Kansas $1,071
Kentucky $1,096
Louisiana $1,216
Maine $1,098
Maryland $1,293
Massachusetts $1,333
Michigan $1,227
Minnesota $1,382
Mississippi $1,105
Missouri $1,092
Montana $1,136
Nebraska $1,110
Nevada $1,173
New Hampshire $1,177
New Jersey $1,425
New Mexico $1,083
New York $1,341
North Carolina $1,076
North Dakota $1,196
Ohio $1,119
Oklahoma $1,198
Oregon $1,222
Pennsylvania $1,261
Rhode Island $1,344
South Carolina $1,147
South Dakota $1,069
Tennessee $1,078
Texas $1,165
Utah $1,214
Vermont $1,192
Virginia $1,159
Washington $1,293
West Virginia $1,160
Wisconsin $1,225
Wyoming $1,192

What is an upper GI endoscopy with biopsy?

An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a procedure that is used to look at the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the intensities, known as the duodenum. The medical term for this procedure is “Esophagogastroduodenoscopy,'' which is a combination of the medial names for these three parts of the body and “-scopy,” which refers to using a long, flexible camera to examine the structures. 

A biopsy is a sample of a part of the body that is taken to look for any abnormalities for the purpose of diagnosing or monitoring a disease. These tissue samples can be taken using the same flexible camera that is used to look at these structures.

Why is a biopsy done on an upper GI endoscopy?

A biopsy is done when a sample of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines is needed to diagnose a disease. Some of the symptoms that indicate a biopsy may be required are:

  • Poor absorption of food that leads to chronic diarrhea
  • Severe acid reflux that does not improve with medication
  • Significant stomach, throat, or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty eating without nausea and vomiting
  • A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat

Is it normal to do a biopsy during an endoscopy?

Yes, it is very common to take biopsies during endoscopy. If there are any abnormalities seen in the tissues, the doctor will often take a sample. These samples are used to help them diagnose serious conditions such as infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

What can be found in an upper GI endoscopy?

There are many possible findings on endoscopy; one of the most common is normal tissue. The amount of tissue taken for a biopsy is very small and the area affected heals very quickly. This means that biopsies are usually taken of any areas that look abnormal. Many of these biopsies simply show normal tissue. Biopsies can catch extremely dangerous conditions while they can still be treated. Some of the conditions an endoscopy with biopsy can diagnose are:

  • Gastric, esophageal, and intestinal cancer
  • Barrett's esophagus
  • H. Pylori infection
  • Gastric ulcers
  • Duodenal ulcers
  • Many autoimmune diseases
  • Esophageal varices
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Esophageal motility disorders

How long does it take to get biopsy results from an endoscopy?

Some results from endoscopy are available instantly. As soon as the doctor inserts the scope, they can see the digestive tract and make a diagnosis based on what they see. If there is an abnormality that requires a biopsy, this will have to be collected, frozen, and prepared to be viewed under a microscope. This can take between 2 - 14 days, based on where the endoscopy is being done and any special tests that need to be done on the sample.

Is a biopsy necessary if the endoscopy is normal?

A biopsy may be necessary even with a normal endoscopy. Sometimes there are conditions that do not cause a change in the appearance of the intestinal lining but can result in changes to the cells and tissues. This is why a biopsy may be useful if certain autoimmune, infectious, or cancer-related conditions are suspected. Your doctor will be able to give you more information about your specific case and the potential need for biopsy.

* 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.