Cost of the Colonoscopy Procedure in Kissimmee, FL
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that uses a camera-equipped tube to examine the large intestine for signs of abnormalities like polyps or cancer. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or rectal bleeding, a colonoscopy may be recommended to assess your health. Dr. Vinay Katukuri, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology, offers colonoscopy procedures at an affordable cost. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 809 E Oak St STE 201, Kissimmee, FL 34744.
Table of Contents:
Why is a colonoscopy important?
How do I prep for my colonoscopy?
How is a colonoscopy done?
How much does a colonoscopy cost?
Does insurance cover colonoscopy costs?
At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we understand the significance of a colonoscopy in maintaining health and potentially saving lives. This procedure, which involves an examination of the inner lining of the colon and rectum, is a key offering in our comprehensive suite of gastrointestinal services.
Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida places a premium on the prevention of colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Our expert team of gastroenterologists and surgeons utilize colonoscopy as a crucial tool in the early detection and removal of precancerous polyps or early-stage colorectal cancer, significantly reducing our patients’ risk of developing this disease.
Our highly-trained specialists also employ colonoscopy to diagnose and manage a wide range of other gastrointestinal conditions. At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we have extensive experience in handling cases of diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and ulcers and bleeding in the colon or rectum. If you’re experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or weight loss, a colonoscopy may be considered to investigate the cause.
Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida prioritizes patient comfort and safety during colonoscopy procedures. We use sedatives to ensure painlessness, and despite potential dietary changes and bowel cleansing, we believe the benefits of early detection and disease prevention outweigh these minor inconveniences.
At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we’re committed to providing top-quality care for a range of gastrointestinal conditions. One of our key diagnostic tools is the colonoscopy, an essential procedure for detecting issues like colon polyps, colorectal cancer, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Preparing for your colonoscopy at Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida involves a few crucial steps to ensure our skilled physicians get the clearest possible view of your colon.
Firstly, it’s imperative to confirm your appointment date and time with our office and follow the instructions given by our healthcare professionals. We will need a comprehensive overview of your medical history, including chronic conditions, medication usage, allergies, and any recent surgical procedures.
Around a week before your colonoscopy, we may recommend you stop taking medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners due to their potential to increase your risk of bleeding. However, always consult with our physicians before altering your medication regimen.
Diet modifications are also essential for a successful colonoscopy. A few days before your appointment at Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, switch to a low-fiber diet. The day before your procedure, you’ll need to adhere to a clear liquid diet.
The evening before your colonoscopy, you’ll take a prescribed purgative solution to thoroughly clean out your colon. This will cause diarrhea, so plan to stay near a bathroom. Maintain your clear liquid diet and fasting regime on the day of your procedure.
When you arrive at Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, our staff will guide you through your colonoscopy, which typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. After your procedure, you’ll be monitored until the effects of the sedation wear off and our physicians will discuss your results with you.
As sedation is used during the procedure, you must arrange transportation to and from Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida since you won’t be able to drive yourself. By following our team’s instructions closely, we can ensure the most accurate results from your colonoscopy, helping us provide the best possible care for you.
At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we prioritize the health of our patients. One of the key procedures we conduct in our practice is a colonoscopy. This is a vital tool that lets our specialized team of gastroenterologists examine the inner lining of the rectum and colon.
The colonoscopy is a significant method in diagnosing and treating an array of conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, and inflammatory bowel disease. This procedure is usually carried out in our state-of-the-art outpatient center, with the duration ranging between 30 to 60 minutes.
Before scheduling your colonoscopy with Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, our team will guide you through the necessary bowel preparation, which involves a diet and laxative regimen. This is to ensure the colon is adequately cleaned, which will enable the gastroenterologists to visualize the bowel during the procedure.
During the colonoscopy, you will be comfortably sedated to alleviate any discomfort. Our skilled doctors will then use a long, flexible tube, known as a colonoscope, to view the inside of your colon on a video screen. This allows for a detailed examination of your colon lining for any abnormalities.
At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we prioritize patient comfort and safety. If any polyps are discovered during the colonoscopy, our team is equipped to remove them during the same procedure using specialized tools. This is a minor procedure that typically does not need anesthesia. This is a crucial step, as some polyps may develop into cancer if left unattended.
At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we understand that the cost of medical procedures can be a concern for many patients. This includes the cost of a colonoscopy, a critical procedure in diagnosing colorectal diseases such as colon cancer.
In the United States, the cost of a colonoscopy can range from $600 to over $3000, and even up to $4,500 according to the healthcare cost estimator Fair Health. The cost can depend on several factors:
Geographical location: The price can fluctuate based on the region. Our practice is located in Florida, where costs may vary.
Facility and Doctor’s Fees: At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, our pricing structures may differ from other clinics or hospitals, and it’s always wise to inquire about these costs.
Anesthesia: A colonoscopy at Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida can be performed with or without sedation, which can significantly impact the final cost.
Additional tests: If polyps are found and removed during the procedure, the cost can increase due to additional lab testing and pathology fees.
Many insurance providers cover the cost of a colonoscopy, especially when performed for preventive measures. However, the coverage varies among plans, and it’s essential to verify coverage with your insurance provider beforehand.
For those uninsured or underinsured, financial assistance programs may be available. At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we strive to provide affordable healthcare and will work with patients to establish payment plans or sliding scale fees based on income.
Before scheduling a colonoscopy at Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we recommend inquiring about the anticipated cost and determining your financial responsibility. Any concerns about affordability should be discussed with our financial team or your insurance provider.
Navigating the intricacies of insurance coverage can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding if your insurance plan covers colonoscopy costs. At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we understand these challenges and aim to provide clarity for our patients. Colonoscopy procedures, a crucial screening tool for colorectal cancer, are generally covered by most health insurance plans. However, the specifics of your insurance plan and the purpose of the procedure can influence coverage. For example, if a colonoscopy is performed for diagnostic purposes, such as investigating symptoms like abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits, you may be required to provide a copayment or coinsurance.
Even when a colonoscopy is covered under your plan, you may incur out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. If a polyp or abnormal tissue is discovered and removed during the procedure, this may be considered a therapeutic procedure rather than a screening, which may lead to additional costs.
Patients are advised to consult their insurance providers to understand the potential costs associated with their colonoscopy procedure, and to obtain detailed information about coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 809 E Oak St STE 201, Kissimmee, FL 34744. We serve patients from Kissimmee FL, Orlando FL, Celebration FL, Buenaventura Lakes FL, Williamsburg FL, St. Cloud FL, Meadow Woods FL, and Hunters Creek FL.
Additional Services You May Need
▸ Colonoscopy
▸ GERD/Acid Reflux
▸ Colon Cancer
▸ Digestive Problems
▸ Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
▸ PEG Tube Placement
▸ Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
▸ Small Bowel Endoscopy
▸ Esophageal/Mucosal Endoscopy
▸ Radiofrequency Ablation
▸ ERCP
▸ EUS and FNA
▸ Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
▸ Pseudocyst Drainage
▸ Stricture Dilation
▸ Fistula Management
▸ Weight Loss Program
▸ Hemorrhoid Banding