Endoscopy Cost

Endoscopy, which is a diagnostic procedure wherein an endoscope is inserted into the body through the mouth or rectum, helps the doctors view images of the internal organs. This HealthHearty write-up provides information about the average cost of an endoscopy.

An endoscopic ultrasound refers to a diagnostic procedure in which a small ultrasound transducer is installed on the tip of the endoscope. This procedure is employed to view detailed images of the internal organs of the gastrointestinal tract. These images can help in the detection of digestive disorders.
An endoscope is a thin instrument that has a light and camera attached at one end. During an upper GI endoscopy, this instrument is inserted through the mouth for the purpose of viewing the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The images of the internal organs can be viewed on a monitor, which in turn helps in the diagnosis of medical conditions associated with the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure might help ascertain the underlying cause of unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, etc. It can help detect ulcers, tumors, hernia, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc. At times, tissue samples might be collected during an endoscopy. These samples are examined under a microscope to diagnose or rule out certain medical conditions. In addition to biopsy, endoscopy might be performed to remove polyps or growths.

In general, an endoscopy is considered to be a safe procedure. However, one might experience a sore throat and a bloating sensation. The duration of the procedure usually ranges from twenty minutes to one hour, depending on the patient’s condition and the location of the body part to be examined.

Endoscopy Procedure Cost
The average cost of an endoscopy might depend on the location of the hospital or clinic where the procedure is performed. In the United States, the average cost of this procedure is about USD 2,000. However, this is the basic cost, and the overall cost could be higher. The overall cost could even go up to USD 15,000, depending on the type of procedure, location of the hospital, complications involved, etc. The cost depends on various factors such as:

➠ Physician’s charges
➠ Clinic/Hospital charges
➠ Cost of anesthesia
➠ Type of endoscopy
➠ Insurance
➠ Additional cost for other procedures

Given below are the average costs incurred on endoscopy in some of the major American cities:

* The aforementioned cost is the average cost, and the overall cost may vary depending on various factors such as kind of medical facility, type of insurance cover, condition of the patient, additional costs incurred, etc.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Endoscopy
Various factors affect the total amount of money that may be spent on an endoscopy. These include:

Insurance
Endoscopy is generally covered by insurance, when it is recommended to investigate the underlying cause of symptoms that are experienced by the patient. However, it’s advisable to consult your insurance company to understand your insurance plan coverage. Find out if the insurance company will pay the entire amount or not. It must be noted that the insurance company is not likely to pay, if the test is conducted as a screening test.

Physician’s Fee
The cost includes the physician’s charges. When a treatment is carried out during an endoscopy, it is referred to as therapeutic endoscopy. The charges will increase if a biopsy (collection of a tissue sample) is also performed. It must be noted that the physician’s fee would be higher, if other tasks are performed during an endoscopy. For instance, the charges would increase if a polyp or benign growth is removed during this procedure.

Hospital Charges
You will have to pay the hospital/clinic/endoscopy center, where the test has been conducted. The amount of money you need to shell out will vary from hospital to hospital. It includes the charges for using the equipment, drugs, nursing care, etc. The cost might be higher in urban or metropolitan areas.

Cost of Anesthesia
The overall cost of the test would also include the cost of anesthesia. In case of patients who are known to develop adverse effects due to the administration of anesthesia, the physician would have to identify a different anesthetic agent. The cost could also increase, if there’s a risk due to a preexisting medical condition. Under such circumstances, extra care needs to be taken during this procedure, which in turn would increase the overall cost.

Type of Endoscopy
Endoscopy is categorized into several types, depending on the part of the body or internal organs that are to be viewed. It includes upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, arthroscopy, ureteroscopy, etc. The part of the body on which endoscopy is to be performed could also affect the cost.
If you need to undergo an endoscopy, consult your healthcare provider and insurance company to discuss your concerns with respect to the money you would have to spend on the procedure. Ask the doctor as to how and in what situations, additional costs might be incurred. Also, some hospitals have financial assistance programs for uninsured patients. So, consult your doctor to learn about such programs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only. The costs are subject to change and might differ from region to region.