colonoscopy- how much without insurance??? - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

nikkatch · 12-17-2002, 07:08 PM

could anyone give me an idea how much colonoscopy would cost without insurance??? help!

nikka

vogue · 12-17-2002, 09:17 PM

Yikes... Unfortunately a lot, over a thousand if I remember correctly.

But, there are a couple things you can do. First, see if the hospital has an 'indigent' care program. Or a discount for people without insurance.

If there's no way to get a discount, perhaps a flexible sigmoidoscopy. They don't put you under for it, and the GI can do it in office, they may give you a break too.

You might also try to get referred to a free clinic, there are usually some near cities.

It sure does suck not having insurance, do you think you can get some in the near future?

ben

dennie · 12-18-2002, 11:31 AM

Ben's right. My colonoscopy was a few years ago, and I'm positive it was more than $1,500. (USD)

He's also correct in suggesting you ask about special programs to help those people that are underinsured or uninsured.

Almost every Clinic, Medical Center or Hospital has some type of program like this, but they certainly don't advertise it. Its up to you to ask them about it..and what the detail involved are. Some costs can be totally wiped out, and/or they may come up with a payment plan devised for your individual income level.

I would certainly follow this avenue as thoroughly as I could before I would accept a flex sig over a colonoscopy. It might be less expensive, but isn't as thorough...and when you're dealing with your health, you want the best testing done that you can get.

With all the boards that I visit frequently, I'm seeing more and more that there are way too many people left uninsured and not getting the proper medical attention and help that they deserve. Its a sad state of affairs, isn't?

I wish you all the luck in finding a way that you can have this procedure done. You may also ask if your clinic/hospital has a patient advocate that could possibly help you through some of the red tape involved in some of these special programs.

Good luck

vogue · 12-18-2002, 12:19 PM

Dennie,

Amen.

It is a sad state of affairs. What is a person like me supposed to do when they need a hernia surgery, and have no insurance because you work 35 hours a week, and your company doesn't have to call you full time. Or you are a temp worker and you work 40+ hours a week, but they don't have to provide it. Then you get sick.. and miss days.. and get fired. There's nothing there for you. Except for the grace of hospitals and some doctors, which I might add is very hard to find.

I think we need to head towards a publically controlled health system to at least compete with the privatized system. Maybe offer education grants for doctors willing to work in the public system for a period of time. It sucks, there's a serious problem with healthcare coverage in this country right now. I feel sorry for anyone who has to wait for a procedure they need, simply because the funds aren't there...

My sympathies to anyone in that position.
I'm waiting for insurance in jan just so I can see the doc again without having to pay 70$ to talk to him for a few min.

ben