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 |  | With Health Insurance: Copay + 10%-50% of Procedure Cost |  | Without Health Insurance: $750-$5,000+ |
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A virtual colonoscopy uses an MRI or CT scan and computer imaging to visualize the lower digestive tract in 3-D. Unlike a traditional colonoscopy, it allows the doctor to view various angles; however, it cannot spot very small polyps, and a doctor cannot remove a polyp or take a tissue sample for biopsy during the exam. So, a traditional colonoscopy might be required if problems are spotted. Risks include upset stomach and vomiting from the preparatory drugs, as well as minimal exposure to radiation.
Typical costs: |
- For patients not covered by health insurance, a virtual colonoscopy costs an average of about $2,400 including the facility fee and radiologist fee -- but can range from less than $750 to more than $5,000, depending on the location and provider, according to NewChoiceHealth.com[1] . For example, the University of Chicago Medical Center charges about $1,060. Windsong Radiology Group in New York charges $1,900 -- or a discounted rate of $775 if payment is made in full at the time of service.
- A virtual colonoscopy is covered by health insurance in some cases. For example, some insurers do not cover it for routine screening, but CIGNA[2] covers it for colorectal cancer screening every five years in average risk patients age 50 or older. Aetna[3] considers it medically necessary in a patient with symptoms and a known colonic obstruction or incomplete colonoscopy due to certain lesions but considers it experimental for screening or diagnosis of colorectal cancer. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically would include a doctor visit copay and coinsurance of 10% to 50% for the procedure.
Related articles: Colonoscopy, EGD
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What should be included: |
- The day before the exam, the patient typically must follow a clear-liquid diet and use laxatives to empty the bowels.
- The patient does not receive sedation or anesthesia. The provider uses a tube to inflate the colon with air, then uses either MRI or CT scan technology to capture images of the colon; computer software turns these into 3-D images that can be viewed on a monitor. The procedure takes about 20 minutes and the patient can resume normal activities right away.
- The National Institutes of Health has an overview of a virtual colonoscopy[4] .
Additional costs: |
- A laxative will be needed to prepare the bowels before the procedure. Depending on which brand and type the doctor orders, this can cost between $5 and $40 or more.
Discounts: |
- Some providers offer a discount of 10%or more for payment in full at the time of service. For example, Advanced Imaging[5] in Montana offers a 10% discount for payment in full and South Sound Radiology[6] in Nebraska offers a 15% discount.
Shopping for a virtual colonoscopy: |
- A general practitioner can provide a referral to a radiologist -- a specialist with extensive training in X-ray imaging -- who could perform a virtual colonoscopy. A radiologist should be certified by the American Board of Radiology.
- The University of Chicago Medical Center Department of Radiology has a detailed look at the benefits and drawbacks of virtual colonoscopy.
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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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External Resources: |
- www.newchoicehealth.com/Directory/Procedure/125/Virtual%20Colonoscopy
- /cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0083_coverag...
- www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/500_599/0535.html
- www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007253.htm
- www.advancedimagingofmt.com/index.php?page=faq
- southsoundradiology.com/billing-and-self-pay
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