Barium Enema Cost

Typical costs:

• Barium enemas are subject to a variety of fees including a physician's fee, an anesthesia fee and an analysis fee. Anesthesia is not used in all barium enema procedures.
• Patients with health insurance coverage will typically pay $50-$150 in copays for barium enema procedures. For example, members of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care[1] in Massachusetts pay $70-$120 for abdominal X-rays, which include both the actual procedure and an analysis of the data collected.
• Uninsured patients can expect to pay $200-$2,000 total for a barium enema. According to NewChoiceHealth.com[2] , the average cost of a gastrointestinal tract X-ray is $400 but can cost as much as $2,000. For example, Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[3] , in Lincoln, NE, charges $647-$978 for barium enema procedures.

• There are two types of barium enemas -- single contrast and double contrast. The procedures are usually completed in 30-60 minutes.
• During a lower GI barium enema procedure, a patient typically lies on his or her side while the colon is filled with a material containing barium. The doctor will watch the flow of barium through the colon on an X-ray monitor. The doctor may press on the patient's abdomen to move the barium through the intestines. If the patient is having a double contrast barium enema, the barium will be drained out and the colon is filled with air. The patient will then be given a bedpan or sent to a restroom to evacuate remaining barium. A few post-evacuation X-rays will then be taken.
• WebMD provides step-by-step information[4] on the process of receiving a barium enema. The site also includes information on how to prepare for the test.

• Barium enemas might be covered by a patient's medical insurance. It's a good idea to verify coverage specifics with an insurance provider prior to the procedure.
• Medicare covers the cost of barium enemas for patients who are at risk of developing colorectal cancer. Medicare provides state-by-state information[5] on barium enema coverage.

• RadiologyInfo.org explains what patients can expect[6] before, during and after the procedure. The site also outlines risks and benefits[7] of exposure to radiation.
• The American College of Gastroenterology has an online physician finder[8] .
• HealthGrades.com, an online independent health ratings organization, offers a searchable directory of gastroenterologists[9] .
• The American Society of Radiologic Technologists allows patients to verify a technician's registration status[10] .
• Colon Health Magazine[11] is a useful resource for a broad range of information relating to colon health.

1.  /www.harvardpilgrim.org/portal/page?_pageid=253,192924&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
2.  www.newchoicehealth.com/Directory/Procedure/82/GI%20Tract%20X-Ray
3.  tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
4.  www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/barium-enema
5.  www.medicare.gov/coverage/your-medicare-coverage.html
6.  www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=lowergi
7.  www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=lowergi#part_nine
8.  patients.gi.org/find-a-gastroenterologist/
9.  www.healthgrades.com/gastroenterology-directory
10.  /www.arrt.org/Registration/Verify-Credentials
11.  www.colonhealthmagazine.com/

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