How much does a colonoscopy cost? Plus other colonoscopy basics

Maybe you’ve had a colonoscopy before—that wouldn’t be surprising, considering this procedure is performed more than 15 million times in the U.S. each year, according to one report.

But for those who have never had a colonoscopy, or those about to encounter this procedure but who are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of it, it’s important to understand why it’s performed and the benefits it provides.

Below, we’ll go into the basics everyone should know about colonoscopies, including who needs to get one and, of course, one very common question: How much does a colonoscopy cost?

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a common medical procedure where a practitioner examines the large intestine, which includes the colon, rectum, and anus.

Usually, this is done while the patient is under anesthesia or conscious sedation, where they may not fall asleep but still don’t recall much of the experience.

During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist or similar specialist inserts an endoscope—a thin, tube-like device with a camera attached to the end—into the body via the colon, inflates the colon with carbon dioxide gas for easier viewing, and takes pictures along the way. The patient won’t typically experience pain during a colonoscopy, but they might notice some pressure. Typically, the doctor provides pain medication during and after. The whole process shouldn’t take more than an hour in total, and the patient will likely receive their results immediately, if not within a few days.

Colonoscopies can be preventative—a regular screening for common cancers related to age, family history, or medical background—or diagnostic, in the case where the patient is experiencing symptoms in the colorectal area and a doctor may want to confirm any suspicions or rule out issues. They can also be therapeutic—in this scenario, a doctor might perform a minor procedure, such as removing polyps, injecting medicine, or sealing wounds, with tools they can pass through the endoscope.

Leading up to a colonoscopy, the doctor usually provides strict directions for how to prepare—they want to ensure your intestine is clean so that the images come out clearly and other procedures can be done without any interference. Prep the days or hours before the procedure might include adjusting one’s diet, sticking to a liquid diet, or taking a laxative formula. While uncomfortable (and requiring frequent bathroom visits), these requirements shouldn’t be painful or significantly debilitating.

Why does someone get a colonoscopy?

Individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria are recommended to get colonoscopies at least once every 10 years:

• They’re older than 45
• They had tissue removed during their last colonoscopy
• They have a family history of colorectal cancer
• They have an inherited disease that raises their risk of colorectal cancer, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome
• They have inflammatory bowel disease

A doctor might also suggest a colonoscopy if they have any of the following unexplained symptoms:

• Rectal bleeding or discharge
• Changes in their bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or incontinence
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Weight loss or lack of weight gain (mostly for children)

Their primary goal will be to rule out and possibly treat diseases such as Crohn’s, ulcers, or large bowel obstructions.

How much does a colonoscopy cost?

Colonoscopy costs will vary depending on where the patient schedules the procedure, the patient’s benefits provider, whether they do a biopsy or treatment, and other factors.

For example, a recent analysis by Johns Hopkins’ public health program found that facility fees for colonoscopies at hospitals are 55% higher than those at surgical centers—about $1,500 versus $990. Hence why it’s hard to pin down exactly how much it costs in total.

Health insurance provider Sidecar Health puts the average price of a colonoscopy in the U.S. at around $1,100 at a surgery center, or $1,600 at an outpatient hospital. Lifestyle publication Health puts this number slightly higher, at around $2,100 on average—and notes that out-of-pocket fees hover around $80. Telemedicine platform GoodRx, meanwhile, puts the range of costs between $1,200 and $4,800.

Even with this data on hand, there are extreme circumstances: One patient told KFF Health News late last year that he paid $1,000 out of pocket before the procedure, and the hospital charged him and his insurance company more than $19,000 afterward. (The insurer went on to negotiate the price down to around $5,800, leaving the patient to have to cover $4,000 of that total.)

What goes into the total cost of a colonoscopy varies by patient, but in general, you’ll likely see the following itemized breakdown on the bill:

• Facility or provider fees
• Anesthesia and anesthesiologist fees
• Lab fees

Note, too, that under federal law, private insurers and Medicare are required to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests in full, meaning the patient may not need to pay a cent if their colonoscopy is preventative.

Why are colonoscopies so important?

Colonoscopies can play a crucial role in catching cancer and other life-threatening diseases early—helping to avoid costly treatments and ultimately saving lives.

One study published in 2022 found that colonoscopies cut the risk of death by colorectal cancers in half, and also reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer through early detection and the removal of precancerous polyps.

This is especially important to consider given that colorectal cancer cases are rising in younger adults, and this population is also being diagnosed at later stages of this cancer type more often.

With proper and consistent screenings, we can lower colorectal cancer incidence and death rates for everyone. And colonoscopies are not only the most effective screening test for cancer—they’re also the most convenient option when compared to other screenings required every five or so years. Not to mention, colonoscopies are effective at catching other conditions like inflammatory diseases or diverticulosis (when pouches form on the inside lining of the colon and can become infected) that could lead to painful outcomes or increase the risk of cancer over time.

How Carrum can help

Partnering with a center of excellence program like Carrum Health, which works closely with high-quality gastroenterology centers nationwide that perform colonoscopies, can help employers spend less on colonoscopies than they would without Carrum, in addition to ensuring their employees are getting the most appropriate and effective care possible. In turn, patients often pay zero in out-of-pocket fees. With Carrum, both employers and employees will know exactly what they’ll pay on day one—there will be no surprise bills for anyone.

Carrum also incorporates comprehensive care coordination—all patients are paired with a dedicated care navigator from day one—which further optimizes outcomes and minimizes costs.

No one really looks forward to a colonoscopy, but this minor procedure is more painless—and more crucial to your health—than may meet the eye. Everyone benefits in the long run.

Learn more about how Carrum can help employers realize immediate cost savings.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. No material is intended to be a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.