Colonoscopy Cost, How to Prepare and What to Expect During the Procedure

In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women.¹ Colonoscopies may help prevent and combat colorectal cancer, but the thought of getting a colonoscopy can evoke a mix of emotions, from apprehension to anxiety — completely normal and valid feelings. But don't let those feelings hold you back from a procedure that can be invaluable to your health.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of your colon and rectum using a colonoscope. This instrument is a long, thin and flexible tube with a built-in camera and light. During the procedure, your doctor will guide the scope through your colon. This allows them to view the entire colon and rectum on a monitor so they can identify any abnormalities, such as polyps, inflamed tissue or ulcers.²

Routine colonoscopy vs. virtual colonoscopy

During a virtual colonoscopy, instead of inserting a scope, a CT scan is used to take hundreds of images of your abdominal organs, including your colon and rectum.³

The preparation for a virtual colonoscopy is the same, and you'll still have air or carbon dioxide inserted into your colon to make it easier to see your organs. However, this option is much less invasive and can also detect abnormalities in other organs.³

Virtual colonoscopies may be a good option for those who have an average likelihood of colon cancer, can't or don't want to be sedated, are predisposed to colonoscopy complications or have a bowel obstruction.³

Why a colonoscopy is important

Your doctor will discuss the results with you and recommend any necessary follow-up actions. Make sure you attend any follow-up appointments and adhere to the recommended screening schedule for your health.

The primary purpose of a colonoscopy is to detect early signs of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. Potential findings may include:

• Colon polyps. These are growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are benign (not cancerous), some can develop into cancer over time.⁴
  • Adenomas are precancerous polyps.
  • Hyperplastic polyps are benign and not usually considered precancerous.
• Diverticulitis. These are small pouches that can form in the colon wall.⁵
• Inflammation. Swollen tissue can indicate conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).⁵
• Tumors. These growths may or may not be cancer. If a tumor is found, a biopsy may be performed to determine if it is cancerous.
• Ulcers. These are open sores in the colon's lining that may be from IBD or infections. Identifying ulcers helps in diagnosing the underlying cause and guiding treatment.⁵

How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost?

The national average cost* of a colonoscopy is $2,412, but the cost can range from $1,856 to $4,616 depending on a variety of factors, including whether the procedure is performed in a hospital or clinic, the sedation method used, pre- and post-procedure appointments and any polyp or biopsy costs.⁶

Average cost of a colonoscopy by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of a colonoscopy by all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁶

Are Colonoscopies Covered by Insurance?

Most screening colonoscopies are covered by insurance as a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act.⁷ Between the ages of 50 and 75, you are entitled to one screening colonoscopy every 10 years.² However, most insurers may not cover colon screenings before age 50.

Cost for a colonoscopy without insurance

If you don't have health insurance, you may still be able to find a colonoscopy screening option you can afford:

• Low-cost colonoscopy. ColonoscopyAssist is a program that offers discounted colonoscopies in most metropolitan cities in the United States. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance also offers low-cost or free colonoscopies to those in need nationwide.
• Free colonoscopy. Free cancer screenings may be available through your state health department or community health center. In New York City, for example, the NYC Community Cares Project offers free colonoscopy screenings (including anesthesia and pathology services) to uninsured patients.

How Does a Colonoscopy Work?

The colonoscopy procedure itself generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes. However, this doesn't include the additional time needed for preparation and recovery at the hospital or outpatient center. From your arrival to your departure, you can expect the entire process to take about two to three hours.⁸

Each procedure is different but typically comprises the following steps:

1. Arrival. When you arrive at the medical facility, check in at the reception. They will request identification and insurance information, and you may need to complete some paperwork about your medical history and current medications.
2. Sedation. An intravenous (IV) line will be started to administer sedatives and any necessary medications. You may be given a mild sedative to keep you awake but relaxed, or you might be put into a deeper sleep, depending on your doctor's recommendation.⁸
3. Procedure. Due to the nature of the sedative, you may not remember many details. However, during the procedure, you will lie on your side on an examination table. The doctor will insert a colonoscope through your anus and gently guide it through your rectum and colon. The camera on the colonoscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the colon lining for any abnormalities.⁸
4. Polyp removal or biopsy. If the doctor finds polyps or suspicious areas, they can remove them or take tissue samples (biopsies) during the procedure.² This is a routine part of the process and is generally painless.
5. Recovery. After the colonoscopy, you'll be taken to a recovery area where you'll be monitored as the sedatives wear off. You might feel groggy or experience mild cramping or bloating due to the air introduced into your colon during the procedure.⁸
6. Discharge. Once you're fully awake and your vital signs are stable, a nurse will review discharge instructions with you. This includes dietary recommendations, activity restrictions and any symptoms to watch for that might require medical attention. Because of the sedation, you won't be able to drive yourself home. Make sure you have arranged for someone to pick you up and accompany you home.⁸

Colonoscopy Preparation and Aftercare Tips

Knowing what to expect from your colonoscopy is key to keeping anxiety at bay. Getting ready for a colonoscopy and taking care of yourself afterward is also important for a good experience. Here are some helpful tips:

Preparing for a colonoscopy

Leading up to your colonoscopy, your doctor will put you on a clear liquid diet to ensure your colon is clean for the procedure. This means drinking only transparent fluids like water, clear broths and certain types of juices or sports drinks. In addition, you'll need to follow instructions regarding laxatives and whether to take your medications as normal.

• Nutrition. Some people choose chicken broth to maintain a savory option that avoids excessive sugar intake. This can help keep you nourished without spiking your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic.
• Hydration. Staying well-hydrated is vital. Many people opt for drinks that help maintain electrolyte balance. If you're concerned about sugar intake, look for low-sugar or sugar-free options. You should also avoid drinks with red or purple dyes, as these can interfere with visual clarity during the procedure.
• Laxatives. You will be prescribed a laxative preparation to cleanse your colon. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results. Although this part of the preparation can be uncomfortable, it's necessary for an effective procedure.⁸
• Medication adjustments. Discuss any medications you take with your doctor, as you may need to stop or adjust them before the procedure. This includes blood thinners and medications for diabetes.⁹

Colonoscopy prep diet

Your doctor will give you full instructions ahead of your procedure, but the important thing is that your colon needs to be completely clear and clean.

Your doctor may suggest that you change your diet leading up to the procedure. Generally, it is recommended to eat less fiber in the days before your colonoscopy, which means you should not eat the following types of food:⁹

• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Raw fruits
• Seeds
• Vegetables
• Whole grains

The day before a colonoscopy, you won't be allowed to eat solid foods, so stock up on clear liquids, such as:⁹

• Black coffee or tea
• Clear broth or bouillon
• Clear juice (apple or white grape)
• Jell-O or ice pops

Colonoscopy prep kits

The day or afternoon before, you'll start the colonoscopy prep kit. You may have heard about the liquids involved and how they don't taste very good, but flavors have improved over the years, and your doctor may have some tips for how to make it go down easier (e.g., drink it cold, through a straw).

There are two types of colonoscopy or bowel prep kits — both contain oral laxatives but with different ingredients. The most important thing is to complete the entire prep kit even if your stool is clear or light yellow; your colon needs to be clear so that the doctor can easily see everything and take an accurate biopsy if needed.

Aftercare tips

It may take as long as 24 hours to recover from the sedative you may receive for your colonoscopy, and the rest of the day to rest and replenish fluids and nutrition. These tips can help you get back on your feet faster:

• Rest. After your colonoscopy, you'll likely feel drowsy from sedation. Arrange for someone to drive you home and plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Rest is crucial for recovery.
• Eating. Once you're home, you can slowly reintroduce normal foods. Start with light, easy-to-digest meals and gradually return to your usual diet. Avoid heavy, greasy or spicy foods initially to prevent irritation.
• Side effects. It's normal to feel some bloating and discomfort after the procedure. However, if you experience severe pain or fever or notice blood in your stool, contact your healthcare provider immediately.⁸

When to Book Your First Colonoscopy

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 have regular screenings for colorectal cancer.⁸ You should discuss with your doctor how often to get screened and whether you need a colonoscopy or other type of screening.

There is not an upper limit for having a colonoscopy, but your doctor might recommend beginning before you turn 45 or getting more frequent screenings if you have the following:¹⁰

• Family or personal history. A history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Genetic syndromes. Conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease. Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

Frequently Asked Questions About Colonoscopy Procedures

Do you still have questions about colonoscopies? Here are answers to commonly asked questions about this procedure.

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Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.