 | With Health Insurance: $0-$30 Copays |
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 | Without Health Insurance: $15-$6,000+ |
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| Typical costs: | - For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs for a prostate cancer test typically consist of a doctor-visit copay and a laboratory copay of $0 -$30 or more, depending on the plan. For routine wellness screenings, some insurance plans consider the tests medically necessary only after a certain age. For example, Aetna covers screenings for men 40 and over, and men under 40 who are at a high risk, such as African-American men with a family history of prostate cancer.
- For patients not covered by health insurance, a prostate cancer test typically costs from less than $15 -$250 for a digital rectal exam to detect any physical abnormalities in the prostate, depending on the provider and whether the exam is done on its own or as part of an office visit. And it can cost up to $6,000 or more for a prostate biopsy. For example, several cancer centers in Michigan offer prostate exams for $15 -$20. Talbert Medical in California, charges about $60. And Robert Gluck, M.D, a urologist in New York, charges $250 for an office visit that includes a digital prostate exam.
- A prostate-specific antigen test, which can detect increased levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland, typically costs $20 -$50 for an at-home test or up to $120 or more if performed at a hospital. And a prostate biopsy should cost about $460 in a doctor's office or $1,500 in an ambulatory surgery center, according to health care pricing website HealthcareBlueBook.com. However, patients on a forum at HealingWell.com report costs ranging from $1,500 to more than $6,000.
What should be included: | - In a digital prostate exam, the doctor puts on gloves, applies a lubricant, and inserts a finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities. The test takes a few minutes and the patient can resume normal activities immediately.
- In a prostate-specific antigen test, blood is drawn from the patient and sent to a laboratory to be tested to see if PSA levels are abnormally high, which could indicate prostate cancer.
- In a prostate biopsy, local anesthesia with sedative or general anesthesia can be used. The doctor -- usually using ultrasound to guide the process -- inserts a needle through the rectum, urethra or perineum to obtain a sample of prostate tissue, which is sent to a laboratory for analysis. It usually takes a week to 10 days for the doctor to get the results.
- WebMD offers an overview of prostate cancer tests.
Additional costs: | - Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, might be required before or after a prostate biopsy, and typically cost less than $20.
Discounts: | - Many cancer centers, health fairs and other providers offer free or discounted prostate exams and screening. For example, ZeroCancer.org offers prostate cancer screening in communities across the United States.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a locator for clinics that provide discounts on an income-based sliding scale.
- Many doctors and hospitals give discounts of up to 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System in California offers a 35% discount.
Shopping for a prostate cancer test: | - A prostate exam and PSA test can be done by a primary care physician or urologist. WebMD offers a doctor locator by zip code. And the American Urological Association offers a urologist locator.
- For patients who want anonymity or do not wish to go through a doctor, companies such as LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics and Health Testing Centers offer PSA testing direct to patients. However, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor for any health concerns.
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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 August 2011 |
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