Budgeting for Colonoscopy- Crazy $$$

[Eureka]

Hmmm ... I thought that screening colonoscopies did not have any deductibles or co-pays. They must have coded it as "diagnostic" instead of "preventative screening". Is this a follow-up colonoscopy?

The test itself may not cost but you'll likely pay for the anesthesiologist and facility. I had two unrelated procedures in November, one was planned and one was an emergency surgery. Many different bills from each provider. Luckily it was the end of the year and I had hit my deductible. One bill alone was $10k before insurance was applied!

 

[manning]

Get with the billing departments and determine if the coding is right. I had the same problem.
It involved a drain. When that was finished there was a procedure to see if everything was OK. I make an appointment for two weeks away. On the way home I get a call to come back to have the test now, which I did.

So, here comes a bill stating Medicare denied the claim and this is what I have to pay. What the heck's going on?
It was a coding error And they will resubmit. A month later There is another bill cancelling out the charge....and another charge for the same procedure again denied. It took six months to get it resolved

I went round and around with the billing company. It was only when I asked why would I have the same procedure on the same day that the light bulb went on.

All this garbage because someone didn't know their job.

 

[MommaBerd]

It's one thing that my high deductible plan at work pays for 100%. Really and truly, I hate those so much, that there is almost no way I would ever do one if I had to pay for it. Unfortunately I had enough polyps that they want me to do it again in three years. I think I'll stretch it our another two at least, but my primary care physician will be on my case to do it when recommended for sure. Also, they have to give me something other than Movi Prep or there is not way I'm doing one again.

I feel your pain -- getting one is bad enough and having to pay for it out of pocket certainly adds insult to injury.

Coming from someone who lost her father to colon cancer a year ago, I strongly encourage you to follow the recommendations of your doctor for follow-up.

 

[manning]

Coming from someone who lost her father to colon cancer a year ago, I strongly encourage you to follow the recommendations of your doctor for follow-up.

This is a silent killer. Most of the time you do't know you have it until you bleed.

I had this happen to me over 20 years ago at age 50. By the grace of God I survived stage 3.

 

[MommaBerd]

This is a silent killer. Most of the time you do't know you have it until you bleed.

I had this happen to me over 20 years ago at age 50. By the grace of God I survived stage 3.

Truly a blessing for you and your family!

Yes, they said he had probably had it for 8 years and by the time he was diagnosed it had metastasized to his liver. He didn't take care of himself the way he should have...and he was a DOCTOR.

 

[manning]

Truly a blessing for you and your family!

Yes, they said he had probably had it for 8 years and by the time he was diagnosed it had metastasized to his liver. He didn't take care of himself the way he should have...and he was a DOCTOR.

How sad. I have heard stories of doctors not taking their own advice.

1. get one every 10 years if over 50 or every five years if you have a history.

2. It takes 5-10 years to develop.

3. At least....at least, get a stool test. If it comes back positive (blood) you will be advised to get a colonoscopy.

I just got one and the piece of mind is worth it.

Also the prep has changed. You take it 4 times every 15 minutes the day before and again very early morning of the procedure. No pill is taken. It does a better job of cleaning you out. I found it to more pleasant than the old way. The best part you sleep thru it and won't remember a thing.

There is a procedure where you take several pills only...DO NOT DO THAT ONE AS IT COULD DAMAGE YOUR KIDNEYS