 | With Health Insurance: Copay + 10%-50% of Procedure Cost |
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 | Without Health Insurance: $100-$1,000+ |
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| A colposcopy allows a doctor to view the cervix with a special magnifying device to further assess abnormal changes revealed by a Pap test. The doctor can look at abnormal cells and take a tissue sample for biopsy. The exam also can be used to investigate inflammation, excessive bleeding or benign growths. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For patients covered by health insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs would include a doctor visit copay and coinsurance of 10 to 50 percent for the procedure -- and, if a biopsy is done, a laboratory copay. A colposcopy typically would be covered by health insurance.
- For patients not covered by health insurance, a colposcopy typically costs about $100 -$500 or more, with an additional $200 -$300 laboratory fee if a biopsy is done as part of the procedure -- for a total of $500 -$600 or more if the procedure is done in an office setting. But it could reach $1,000 or more, including facility fee, if done in a hospital. For example, ITriage estimates the cost at about $290. NOVA Women's Healthcare in Virginia charges $350 -- or $550 with IV sedation. And the National Association of County & City Health Officials estimates the average cost of a colposcopy in the private sector at $300.
- A biopsy would add $300 or more to the cost. However, if multiple biopsies are required, that will increase the cost, depending on how many are done. At Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, a colposcopy with biopsy in a hospital setting would include a provider fee of about $295 -$445 and a facility fee of about $475 -$715 for a total of about $770 -$1,160.
What should be included: | - For the exam, the patient will lie on the table as for a pelvic exam, and the doctor will insert a speculum to make it easier to view the vagina and cervix. Using a colposcope, a special magnifying device that is placed just outside the vagina, the doctor will look closely at abnormal areas. The doctor might remove some tissue for biopsy, in which case, lab results should be available within several days to a week.
- The patient typically must avoid sex, douching or using tampons for 24 hours before a colposcopy.
- The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers an overview of a colposcopy.
Additional costs: | - Depending on the results of the colposcopy and biopsy, a procedure to remove abnormal cervical cells, such as cryotherapy or LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), might be required. Planned Parenthood has an overview of procedures to prevent cervical cancer. Depending on the procedure and individual case, cost can range from hundreds to $1,000 or more. For example, NOVA Women's Healthcare in Virginia charges $350 for cryosurgery and $900 for LEEP, or $1,100 with IV sedation.
Discounts: | - Planned Parenthood offers pelvic exams and other reproductive health services on a sliding scale based on income.
- The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services also has a tool to find a federally funded health clinic. If a nearby clinic does not offer gynecological care, they can provide a referral.
- College students often can get steeply discounted services at the student health clinic. For example the University of California-San Diego charges students $20 for a colposcopy and about $20 per specimen for a laboratory fee if a biopsy is done.
Shopping for a colposcopy: | - A colposcopy can be performed by a board-certified gynecologist. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers a doctor finder by state; make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. However, whenever cancer is suspected, it is a good idea to consult a gynecologic oncologist. The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation offers a gynecologic oncologist finder. Gynecologic oncology is a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology; it requires board-certification plus three to four years of additional training and certification in the subspecialty after taking a rigorous exam.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated June 2011 |
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