What is better a virtual colonoscopy or a regular colonoscopy?
Virtual colonoscopy is less invasive and faster to perform than traditional colonoscopy and does not require conscious sedation. Even though virtual colonoscopy is less invasive than traditional colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy still involves injecting air into the colon, which can be uncomfortable for some patients.
Is a virtual colonoscopy as good as a regular one?
Colon polyps that are found by virtual colonoscopy can be removed with regular colonoscopy before they turn into cancer. Virtual colonoscopy has some benefits over regular colonoscopy: It is less uncomfortable and invasive. It usually does not need to include any pain medicine or anesthesia.
What is the cost for a virtual colonoscopy?
The average out-of-pocket cost for a virtual colonoscopy is $2,400, but can range from less than $750 to more than $5,000, depending on the facility and its geographic location. While the procedure itself costs less than a conventional colonoscopy, it may be costlier due to co-insurance requirements and copays.
Is virtual colonoscopy covered by insurance?
Virtual colonoscopy is not covered by all health insurance plans. Check with your insurance plan before having the test. If a polyp is found, regular colonoscopy will be needed to confirm the diagnosis and remove the polyp so it can be looked at under a microscope.
How much does a virtual colonoscopy cost?
But virtual colonoscopy is suggested once per 5 years. Cost and range of screening tests differ. Cost estimations demonstrated that an average traditional colonoscopy screening cost $1036, and an average virtual colonoscopy screening cost $439.
Where to get virtual colonoscopy?
Virtual colonoscopy is usually done in the radiology department at a hospital or medical center. The test is most often done by a doctor who specializes in performing and interpreting diagnostic imaging tests (radiologist).
What is the price of a colonoscopy?
For those not covered by health insurance, the cost of colonoscopy varies by provider and geographic region, usually ranging from $2,010 to $3,764, with an average of $3,081, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.
What is an invasive colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an invasive procedure and comes with risks, including bowel perforation. So, it’s important to have the test only if you’re likely to benefit from it.