COLONOSCOPY COST
Colonoscopy Cost 2011-2012
Colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon or what is commonly known as the large intestine and the rectum, with the help of an instrument called a colonoscope. This instrument has a tiny camera attached to a flexible tube and can examine the entire length of the colon. This is a test recommended for people over 50 who may be at a risk for contracting colon cancer.
For those who are not covered by health insurance, colonoscopy can prove to be a very expensive affair with costs ranging from $2,000 to over $3,500. The cost differs by provider and geographic region. For those with insurance, it can cut costs up to 75%.
A colonoscopy is often covered by health insurance if the patient has symptoms which show he is susceptible to colon cancer or if he is above 50 and meets the risk criteria. 21 states in the US have laws which make it mandatory for colonoscopy coverage. For people with insurance, out of pocket costs can vary from zero to more than $1,000 depending on the copay amounts. If, during the examination, polyps are found and need to be removed, then the cost increases.
Over the last 5 years, the cost of colonoscopy has gone up from $1,000 to $3,000. Going by the normal pattern of prices going up for practically everything, does this mean that the colonoscopy cost will increase in 2011-2012? The answer is that the US is undergoing a major health care reform and many details of these reforms are still being formulated. But there are a lot of positive and reliable indications that the law changes will make it less costly for one to get a colonoscopy.
The current health care reform is recognizing the importance of preventive care. The Affordable Care Act has ensured that screening colonoscopies for patients will be fully covered by Medicare. Private insurers that make changes in their plans will also be entailed to offer full coverage for screening colonoscopies. This may still leave the patient to pay for other services associated with the procedure, such as anesthesia.
It is being expected that health care reforms will leave a lot of scope for insurers to experiment with different benefit designs and ways to keep people healthy. Already, the reforms have ensured that colonoscopy as a preventive measure, in other words as a screening tool, is free for those who have insurance.
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