A common colonoscopy with biopsy at surgery center facility in Maine includes
| |
Units |
Avg Cash price |
Provider |
Gastroenterologist visit provider fee
First time visit
Standard
|
1 |
$123 |
Provider fee to biopsy colon
Complex
Standard
|
1 |
$247 |
Facility |
Surgery center fee to biopsy colon
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$600 |
Anesthesia |
Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure
Level 2
Standard
|
1 |
$127 |
Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure
Per minute
Standard
|
65 |
$123 |
Total average cash price |
|
A common colonoscopy with biopsy at outpatient hospital facility in Maine includes
| |
Units |
Avg Cash price |
Provider |
Gastroenterologist visit provider fee
First time visit
Standard
|
1 |
$123 |
Provider fee to biopsy colon
Complex
Standard
|
1 |
$247 |
Facility |
Outpatient Hospital fee to biopsy colon (large intestine), using endoscope
level 2
Standard
|
1 |
$1,186 |
Anesthesia |
Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure
Level 2
Standard
|
1 |
$127 |
Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure
Per minute
Standard
|
65 |
$123 |
Total average cash price |
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About the colonoscopy with biopsy Average Cash Prices
This procedure is most commonly performed at either a surgery center or an outpatient hospital.
Surgery centers, also known as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), are independent, licensed medical
facilities that are governed by distinct regulatory requirements compared with a hospital. Procedures
performed at an ASCs are often less expensive than when they are performed at an outpatient hospital,
but they typically offer fewer complimentary services, and may not have the full-range of support
services that a hospital provides.
Outpatient facilities are outpatient departments or clinics that may be within or next to a hospital,
but is owned and run by the affiliated hospital. These facilities can perform surgical treatments and
procedures that do not require an overnight stay. Procedures performed at an outpatient hospital are
often more expensive than when they are performed in an ambulatory surgery center, but outpatient
hospitals may offer more complimentary and support services for patients because they are connected to
the hospital system.
