What Patients Need to Know About Endoscopy Costs

By HealthPriceCompare - Jul 17, 2023

An endoscopy procedure is a medical examination that involves the use of an endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a light and a camera attached to it. This instrument allows doctors to visualize and examine the interior of various organs and structures within the body.

Endoscopies are commonly performed medical procedures used for diagnostic purposes, as well as for monitoring and treating various conditions within the body. The specific details and techniques of each endoscopy procedure may vary depending on the purpose and area being examined. During an endoscopy, a physician can directly visualize the area of interest, take biopsies, remove polyps or tumors, and perform certain therapeutic interventions.

Common types of endoscopy procedures include:

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD): This procedure examines the esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine.

Colonoscopy: It involves the examination of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Bronchoscopy: This procedure examines the airways and lungs.

Cystoscopy: It is used to visualize the inside of the bladder and urethra.

Hysteroscopy: It examines the uterus and the cervix in women.

Arthroscopy: This endoscopic procedure is performed on joints such as the knee, shoulder, or hip to diagnose and treat joint-related conditions.

The cost of an endoscopy can vary depending on several factors, including the type of endoscopy, the facility or healthcare provider and the geographical location.

Insurance coverage can significantly affect the out-of-pocket cost of an endoscopy. If you have insurance, it may cover the entire cost of the procedure but more likely you will still have to pay a co-payment or co-insurance. For patients who participate in a high-deductible health plan, you will likely be responsible for the entire amount so it remains important for you to know your insurance plan's in-network contracted prices.

Here is a breakdown of the costs you can expect to pay for some of the most frequently performed endoscopy procedures:

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: Median national insurance contracted price of $1,660 and median national discounted price of $1,728.

Screening Colonoscopy: Median national insurance contracted price of $1,778 and median national discounted price of $1,766.

Diagnostic Colonoscopy: Median national insurance contracted price of $2,032 and median national discounted price of $2,250.

Cystoscopy: Median national insurance contracted price of $1,392 and median national discounted price of $1,456.

Finally, a word of caution colonoscopies, one of the most commonly performed diagnostic procedures used in medicine. The vast majority of health insurance plans provide enrollees with a preventive screening diagnostic colonoscopy benefit if certain requirements such as age are met. If, during the course of the procedure the physician identifies an abnormality that needs to be biopsied, the procedure is then considered diagnostic. This turns what was previously a fully covered screening colonoscopy into a diagnostic colonoscopy that is subject to regular patient cost sharing responsibilities.

In this situation, a patient can go from having to pay nothing for the screening to paying its full cost sharing responsibilities depending on what actions are taken by the attending physician. If you are concerned about the cost of endoscopy procedures, be sure to visit HealthPriceCompare to compare providers based on insurance contracted and discounted cash prices.