How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost? (2024)

Oftentimes, we want to enjoy life to the fullest that we take enjoyment to a whole new level and not worry about anything, especially our health.

Because of the continuous advancement in technology, foods are being manufactured in different ways that we no longer keep track of whether they are still healthy as long as they are readily available anytime and anywhere we need them.

Little did we know that carcinogenic substances linger in our colon, quietly destroying it without any clue. The problem is that, before we know it, we might be too late.

That is why colonoscopy is so important. In fact, it is the only known procedure that is both intended to diagnose and to cure diseases at the same time.

A colonoscopy is the examination of the colon which is done to detect abnormalities or changes within the large intestine and the rectum. It is the most widely used procedure in detecting the presence of colon cancer. This is done through the insertion of a colonoscope which is a long flexible tube with a video camera on its tip into the rectum and can be inserted further into the entire colon through the movement of the tube. As it travels further into the colon, it can remove any present polyp along the way at the same time.

And since it does not require any illness or even symptoms to be present to be able to undergo this procedure as this can be performed as a preventive procedure, you may wonder how much does a colonoscopy cost. We will give you samples of the prevailing prices of the service on this article.

Average Cost of Colonoscopy

MDSave.com has listed the national average colonoscopy price at $4,488 which includes screening or diagnostic colonoscopy with or without specimen or polyp removal either by biopsy or brushing.

According to Healthcare Bluebook, the fair price for colonoscopy with biopsy is $2,288 with price ranging from $1,830 to $5,720.

Some of the medical facilities offering the procedure and their prices are as follows:

Abington Surgical Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – $1,910
North Texas Endoscopy Centers Dallas, TX – $2,000
Los Angeles Endoscopy Center Los Angeles, CA – $750
Stateline Surgery Center Joplin, MO – $2,000
Surgery Center of Allentown Allentown, PA – $2,403
Surgery Center of Allentown Allentown, PA –
- $2,576 (with biopsy)
- $2,527 (with biopsy, submucosal injection)
- $2,581 (with lesion removal forceps)
- $2,686 (with lesion removal via snare)
Texas GI Endoscopy Center Dallas, TX – $2,000
George Surgical Center St. George, UT – $950

The various colonoscopy cost ranges in some areas around the country are provided below:

Price Range

Baltimore, MD Colonoscopy Cost Average $470 – $1,550
Boston, MA Colonoscopy Cost Average $625 – $2,025
Denver, CO Colonoscopy Cost Average $500 – $1,650
Detroit, MI Colonoscopy Cost Average $480 – $1,600
Minneapolis, MN Colonoscopy Cost Average $490 – $1,650
San Diego, CA Colonoscopy Cost Average $625 – $2,100
San Francisco, CA Colonoscopy Cost Average $625 – $2,100
Seattle, WA Colonoscopy Cost Average $550 – $1,750
Louis, MO Colonoscopy Cost Average $430 – $1,450
Tampa, FL Colonoscopy Cost Average $440 – $1,500

What are Included

The inclusions in any medical procedure package depend on the facility and the doctor or what you both agreed. But the average colonoscopy price in a typical setting would normally include the following:

Doctor’s fee– this includes the professional fee of the doctor performing the procedure and all the post-procedure care while the patient is still in the facility
Anesthesiology– this includes the cost of anesthesia used to sedate the patient and the professional fee of the anesthesiologist if the doctor and the anesthesiologist are different persons
Lab tests / Pathology – this is the procedure done in any specimen extracted from the procedure such a biopsy in case of the colonoscopy package that includes this test.
Facility fee – this is the cost of the venue of the procedure which includes the cost of the machine, tools, and other supplies needed in the performance of the colonoscopy.
Pre-procedure consultation – this is usually not necessary for a routine and preventive test. But for cases where a diagnosis of any illness is expected, this should be included in the cost.
Prep stuff / Colon prep kits– this procedure requires you to clean out your colon by drinking some laxatives prescribed by the doctor. This is supposed to be included in the cost.

Additional Costs

In cases where the consultation prior to the procedure is not included in the colonoscopy package, expect to pay around $250 for the check up.

Regarding the drink you need to take to clean out your colon, the facility or the doctor may ask you to buy either Polyethylene glycol (PEG) or Oral sodium phosphate (OSP) on your own and take them as directed when it is not covered by the package price.

As most would say, prevention is better than cure. This is the only sure way of keeping a healthy body. And the gateway to a healthy body is a healthy colon. In this area, some probiotics can help you have a clean and healthy digestive system. You may also add fruits and vegetables in your diet and some fiber supplements for regular bowel movement.

Shopping for Colonoscopy

When colonoscopy is recommended by your doctor to rule out the presence of some illness and diseases, it is important to choose the doctor specializing in gastroenterology and is board certified to ensure you are getting the proper diagnosis and care. As much as possible and if you have any choice, always choose a doctor and facility that is within the network of your insurance to save more on the cost of colonoscopy.

It would also help if you could ask for an estimated cost from different providers especially if you are uninsured so you could choose the best priced and the best service if possible.

If you want to have a free estimate online, you can use Amino.com’s tool in locating a gastroenterologist and by selecting a doctor, the tool can calculate the cost estimate of what you would likely pay with the insurance coverage you have.

Factors Affecting Colonoscopy Cost

Facility – the choice of the facility where the procedure is to be made would affect the cost of colonoscopy due to different levels of technological advancement. You may also find the outpatient facilities charge cheaper compared to hospitals. Also, when choosing among different facilities, it is always wise to opt for the one which is within the network of your insurance.

Doctor – the expertise and experience of the doctor performing any medical procedure always factor in the cost.

Location – the area where the colonoscopy is to be performed would be directly affected by the cost of living and cost of doing business in that particular part of the US.

Purpose – the purpose of the colonoscopy would hugely affect the determination of how much does a colonoscopy cost as those intended for a routine and preventive procedure are supposedly free of charge as it should be 100% covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Also, the intended diagnosis also has an effect on the price such if the colonoscopy is intended for diagnosing a tumor, the source of bleeding, etc. because of the further tests needed.

Patient’s condition – if the patient is sick, chances are, the procedure would be performed in a hospital which would entail higher price of colonoscopy as compared to when the patient is otherwise healthy and a cheaper outpatient facility would be the venue of the procedure.

Insurance – colonoscopy prices are typically covered by insurance either partially or fully so call your provider first to know if you need to pay out-of-pocket expenses at all.

Cash payment – most facilities and hospitals offer discounts to uninsured patients paying by cash or credit card.

Additional Information

Although undergoing a colonoscopy as an elective procedure may often be taken for granted because of lack of symptoms of any kinds of colon disease, there are some reasons you might need to get it for more compelling reasons such as the following:

If you have a family history of colon cancer
If you have history of cancerous growths
If you have inflammatory bowel disease
If you have history of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer

If you have hereditary non-polyposis or genetic syndromes familial adenomatous polyposis