Routine check-ups can keep many health problems at bay. They can help you seek early treatment and prevent severe circumstances. Procedures like colonoscopy can help you identify colon cancer and other bowel diseases. But before seeking this procedure, you have to identify how much does a colonoscopy costs, how to prepare for it, when to seek medical consultation and more.
This is an invasive procedure and includes inserting a colonoscope in your large intestine. It can help your doctor see possible abnormal growths (polyps), inflamed tissues, ulcers, and bleeding.
In this blog, you’ll explore various aspects of colonoscopy, such as procedure preparation, its cost, what to eat after, alternative options, and more. You will also learn how much is a colonoscopy without insurance and what are your payment options.
Colonoscopy Explained
As shared already, colonoscopy examines your large intestine, and it is a diagnostic procedure. Let’s see the different aspects of colonoscopy.
What Happens During the Procedure
The entire procedure is performed with sedatives, and you won’t feel any discomfort. Your doctor begins the procedure by inserting a colonoscope into your rectum. This instrument allows your doctor to see the insides of your colon with a small camera and light attached to its tip.
The inner walls of your large intestine and rectum are closely inspected in this procedure. If your doctor finds any abnormal tissues or growth then they can remove and test them for further analysis.
How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost?
Colonoscopy cost depends on various factors such as insurance coverage, region, and expertise of the doctor. In most cases, insurance covers a part or the entire cost of the procedure. You might have to pay $1000 to $3000 from your pocket if the insurance covers only part of the colonoscopy.
How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost Without Insurance?
If you don’t have insurance then the colonoscopy cost can be higher. You might have to pay $2000 to $5000 for the procedure. The expertise of doctors and medical facilities contributes to this cost. You can seek consultation from different facilities to see which one works best for you.
Find the Right Options Near You
You can begin your search for “colonoscopy near me” exploring local medical facilities and inquire about uninsured prices. Your location impacts the overall cost of the procedure as urban areas and some states are more expensive. You can also seek authentic referrals from your primary healthcare provider to reasonably priced and reputable medical facilities.
Find out how payment plans can make medical expenses easier on your budget.
Colonoscopy Preparation: Things You Need to Do Before Procedure
The success of colonoscopy depends on the pre-procedure preparation. Your doctor will share a list of instructions that you have to follow till your appointment day. This preparation ensures that your large intestine is as clean as possible for the procedure.
Usually, you have to start eating low-fiber foods for at least two days before colonoscopy. On the last preparation day, you will drink clear liquids and in the afternoon or evening before your appointment, you have to consume laxatives. This entire process can help you flush out everything from your large intestine.
After taking laxatives, ensure you stay at home as you have to use the restroom multiple times. Also, try to sleep well the night before. In most cases, the procedure is scheduled for the next morning.
| Note: If you don’t follow these instructions and cleanse your intestine, then the doctor might not be able to perform the procedure. In this case, you may have to reschedule the procedure and do the preparation again. |
Types of Colonoscopy Prep Kits
A colonoscopy preparation kit can help you flush out your bowel. Usually, the kit contains a laxative formula of osmotic laxatives and electrolytes.
There are two types of colonoscopy prep kits: Polymer-based formulas and saline-based formulas. Your doctor can recommend the right kit for you. Try not to select a kit without proper consultation as it might impact your health negatively.
1. Polymer-based Formulas
This formula uses polyethylene glycol 3350, a polymer-based laxative. This formula causes a hyperosmotic effect as its large molecules can’t be absorbed through your colon. These formulas usually come in power forms and you have to mix them with water. Some of them might include electrolytes or directions to consume it with a sports drink.
2. Saline-based Formulas
Sodium phosphate is the primary osmotic agent in saline-based laxatives. It may also include other salts like potassium and magnesium. If you don’t like drinking fluids in large volume then this option might be ideal for you as it comes in tablet form. However, these formulas can cause electrolyte imbalance. In some cases, it can increase the risk of mineral overdose
What to Eat After Colonoscopy?
Controlling your food intake before and after colonoscopy is a vital part of the process. Your doctor most probably will tell you not to eat anything immediately after the procedure. They can suggest that after a few hours, you start taking an electrolyte-rich diet. It can help you rehydrate your body. Make sure you consume drinks that are soft on your digestive system.
Here’s a list of gentle foods and drinks, along with things you should avoid after a colonoscopy:
| Gentle Foods and Drinks | Foods and Drinks to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Water | Alcohol |
| Electrolyte-rich drinks | Red or tough meat |
| Vegetable and fruit juices | Spices and brown rice |
| Green or herbal teas | Whole fruits |
| Soups | Legumes |
| Boiled or baked vegetables | Raw vegetables |
| Yogurt and puddings | Coconut and popcorn |
| White bread | Whole grain bread |
| Nut butter | Dried fruits and nuts |
| Low-fat fish | Fried and highly seasoned food |
Your doctor might also tell you what to eat after the procedure. If you have any food allergies, then let your doctor know. Your doctor can also recommend limiting your intake and eating slowly. Make sure you follow the advice properly to avoid any gut complications.
Cologuard vs Colonoscopy: What’s Your Best Option?
Cologuard and colonoscopy can help your doctor detect abnormalities in your colon. Let’s see what’s your best option:
| Cologuard | Colonoscopy |
|---|---|
| Cologuard is a noninvasive test that analyzes your stool for blood and altered DNA. | Colonoscopy is a thorough procedure that helps identify polyps, and swollen tissues in your large intestine. |
| This test doesn’t require any preparation work. | The preparation process involves fasting and drinking laxatives to flush out laxatives. |
| Cologuard can only be used to detect possible issues in your large intestine. | Doctors can take care of certain issues during the procedure. |
| If an issue is detected through the test then you have to opt for colonoscopy. | If colonoscopy is your first choice then it can end the hassle of going through multiple tests. |
Upper Endoscopy vs Colonoscopy: Are They Different?
The apparatus used in upper endoscopy and colonoscopy can resemble but they are two different procedures. Here are the key differences:
| Upper Endoscopy | Colonoscopy |
|---|---|
| Doctors can use this procedure to check your esophagus, stomach, and small intestines. | Colonoscopy helps doctors to check your large intestine, rectum, and colon. |
| You can not eat anything six hours before the procedure. | Before the procedure, you have to take clear liquids for at least 24 hours. You also have to take laxatives to cleanse your intestines. |
| Your doctor might recommend blood tests and medication. | Colonoscopy may also include blood tests and medication as per your doctor’s recommendations. |
Credee’s Colonoscopy Payment Plan
Without insurance, colonoscopy costs can leave a dent in your finances. The situation might be the same if you are underinsured. That’s why seeking medical facilities that provide flexible payment options with platforms like Credee is important.
You can ask your doctor how much is a colonoscopy and what are possible payment options during consultation. It can help you find the right facility that aligns with your unique financial needs. You might not get a flexible payment plan in every medical facility but it is best to inquire about your possible options.
Colonoscopy Pictures & Diagrams
Here are a few colonoscopy pictures and diagrams for your visual understanding:
Endoscope/Colonoscope
This instrument helps your doctor check the insides of your large intestine.
Use of Colonoscope/Endoscope
A doctor inserts the endoscope inside your colon during the procedure.
Abnormal Growth in Colon
A colonoscope or endoscope helps doctors find abnormal growth in your large intestine.
The End Note
A colonoscopy can help you detect possible chances of colon cancer and other bowel conditions in the early stages. Before choosing the procedure, ensure you know the colonoscopy costs, preparation routine, and dietary needs to make it less hectic.
Do explore possibilities of flexible payment plans while choosing a medical facility. It can help you simplify your budget without making full payment upfront. Remember, following the advice of your medical professional is the key to a smooth colonoscopy experience.
FAQs
1. How Much Does a Private Colonoscopy Cost in Australia?
Private colonoscopy cost in Australia is more than public options. You may have to pay $1300 to $3000 for the procedure depending on provider fees, facilities charges, and more.
2. How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost in Australia?
The cost of a colonoscopy in Australia depends on your insurance and public or private facilities. Insured and public procedures can be low-cost.
3. What’s the Cost of Colonoscopy Without Insurance in Australia?
You might have to pay $1500 to $3000 if you don’t have insurance. The total cost depends on the medical facility and expertise of your healthcare provider.
4. What’s the Cost of Colonoscopy and Endoscopy in Australia?
The combined cost of colonoscopy and endoscopy can be less compared to separate procedures. You might have to pay $2000 to $3500.
5. How Much Does Private Colonoscopy Cost in Australia?
Depending on healthcare specialist fees, medical facility charges, and location you might be paying $1300 to $3000 for a private colonoscopy.
6. How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost in the UK?
Insurance can cover the cost of a colonoscopy in the UK. However, if polyps are removed in the procedure then you may have to copay.
7. What’s Private Colonoscopy UK Cost?
The cost of private colonoscopy in the UK varies according to region and might range from £1800 to £3000.
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