Colonoscopy Cost With and Without Insurance in 2024

A colonoscopy is a procedure done by a doctor to determine irregularities in the colon. The out-of-pocket costs of a colonoscopy can range between $1,250 to $4,800. Several factors influence the cost of the procedure, one major factor being where the procedure is done. Outpatient facilities are a lot less expensive compared to inpatient facilities.

The Cost of a Colonoscopy Without Insurance

The cost of a colonoscopy ranges between $1,250 to $4,800 and the average cost is $2,750. Below you can find the average costs nationally and the target fair price.

• National Average: $2,750
• National Range: $1,250 – $4,800+
• Target Fair Price: $2,450

The price of a colonoscopy will vary depending on what city and state you get the procedure in. As you can see in the table below, the cost in Los Angeles, CA is the highest of the markets we have data on, while the lowest is Atlanta, GA. 

Cost of Colonoscopy by City

Based on the Facility

Colonoscopies can be performed in an outpatient or inpatient facility. Outpatient facilities, such as a clinic, don’t require hospitalization and are also known as ambulatory care. Inpatient facilities, such as hospitals, require admission and usually a brief or extended stay. 

• Outpatient Facility Average: $2,550
• Inpatient Facility Average: $4,350

As you can see, the inpatient facility's average cost is 41% higher than the outpatient facility. Therefore, it’s important to understand where you will receive the procedure and whether or not you can afford the cost.

Colonoscopy Cost With Insurance

Preventive vs. Diagnostic Colonoscopy: Most private health insurance plans in the United States cover preventive screenings, including colonoscopies, under the Affordable Care Act. This usually means that a colonoscopy that is performed as a routine screening for colon cancer for people over the age of 50 or those with certain risk factors is often covered without cost-sharing. However, if the colonoscopy is diagnostic (for example, if you are having symptoms or if a previous test showed abnormalities), it may be subject to deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.

Colonoscopy Cost With Medicare

Preventive Screening: Medicare Part B covers a screening colonoscopy once every 10 years for those who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. This coverage applies to individuals who are 50 years of age and older. If you're at high risk for colorectal cancer, Medicare may cover the test more frequently.

Cost for Preventive Screening: If the colonoscopy is performed for screening purposes and you have no symptoms, you generally pay nothing for the test. The Medicare Part B deductible doesn’t apply. However, if the doctor finds and removes polyps or performs other procedures during the screening, you might have to pay some costs.

Diagnostic Colonoscopy: If the procedure is performed because you have symptoms or signs of colorectal disease, it's considered diagnostic, and you may have to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor's services. The Part B deductible also applies in this case.