With the lifestyle of people today along with the food we eat and other factors, there are instances where we may be suffering from problems in our digestive tract. To help doctors have proper diagnosis of the problem, they use a non-surgical procedure known as endoscopy. If you are about to undergo this procedure, it helps that you know how this procedure is conducted as well as the cost included like the egd price or the average upper endoscopy cost. In undergoing this procedure, how much does endoscopy cost?
What is Endoscopy?
Aside from concerning yourself with the egd price, the average upper endoscopy cost and other additional costs associated in performing the procedure, you also need to know more about this procedure. Endoscopy is a procedure that examines the digestive tract. It is a non-surgical procedure that uses an endoscope by using tube along with camera and light. When the endoscope is inserted, your doctor can see the images of the digestive tract on a TV monitor.
When an upper endoscopy procedure is conducted, it passes through the throat, mouth and esophagus. It allows the doctor to see the images of the upper part of your intestine, stomach and esophagus. It can also pass into the colon/large intestine. But this procedure is known as colonoscopy.
Why Do You Need an Endoscopy?
Based on the average upper endoscopy cost, it is quite expensive. So, how would you know if you need an endoscopy? Doctors will recommend this procedure to evaluate certain conditions. For instance, if you are constantly suffering from stomach pain which is beyond normal, you will have to undergo this procedure to know what is really the problem.
There are also cases if the person has gastritis, ulcer and difficulty in swallowing food, they may have to undergo endoscopy. Other conditions that need to be evaluated include drastic changes in your bowel habits and polyps.
This procedure is used to treat a digestive tract related problem. For instance, if you are suffering from severe ulcer with active bleeding, devices that are used to treat the problem pass through the endoscope. Polyps can also be removed through the device.
Who performs this procedure? Your doctor may perform this procedure in their clinic. But the other procedures involved in endoscopy are mostly done by gastroenterologists.
There are also other specialists like for instance gastrointestinal surgeons as they can perform these procedures.
Is endoscopy safe? This procedure is safe, but there are complications that might arise. Some of the potential complications that may arise include infection, bleeding, reaction to sedation to perforation.
Before and After the Procedure
Before you undergo endoscopy, you will have to prepare. Patients usually have to fast for about 6 hours before the procedure is conducted to have an empty stomach. Before endoscopy starts, the doctor will have to put you under sedation and local anesthetic. The camera is then inserted to start the procedure.
This procedure takes about half an hour. The endoscope is inserted as it goes through the mouth then to the throat. It will then examine the esophagus. It passes into your stomach to examine if there is any abnormality. If your doctor notices any abnormalities, you may have to take biopsy. Once the examination is done, your doctor will remove the endoscope.
After the procedure, you have to go to the recovery area. After you have finally recovered, your doctor will explain the results. Based on the findings, your doctor will recommend or provide instructions on diet and proper care.
Endoscopy Cost
How much does endoscopy cost? The average upper endoscopy cost would vary as there are different factors that affect the price. The egd price widely varies. The cost would depend as to whether you have health insurance coverage. If you have health insurance, you will have to pay for the office visit copay as well as coinsurance (10% to 50%). The cost can reach up to $1000 or even more. For patients who do not have health insurance, the cost is much higher. You may end up having to pay for about $1500 to $10,000. Although the average national cost is at $2,700, it can go as high as $10,000. There are also additional costs that you need to factor in. You may be required to have biopsy where you have to shoulder procedure and lab cost added to the final bill. The biopsy alone adds about $1,100 to $4,800.
Where to Have an Endoscopy
Hospitals offer endoscopy procedures. If your doctor recommends that you undergo endoscopy, your doctor will perform the said procedure. You can also ask your friends and family if they know someone who is experiencing the same problem and if they can refer you to a medical expert specializing in such procedures.
You can schedule an appointment with your doctor. Make sure that you prepare the necessary details. For instance, you should be able to tell the doctor the complete signs and symptoms that you have been currently experiencing. This is essential to help your doctor in order to provide you a complete diagnosis.
Tips to Have a Healthy Digestive Tract
Whether you are undergoing endoscopy or not, it is important to take care of your digestive health. At the end of the day, it always boils down to having healthy habits and major lifestyle changes. As much as possible, go for healthier foods like fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating too much fats and sweets. If you can eat organic foods instead of fastfood, it is definitely way much better. Apart from the foods that you eat, you should also have a healthy lifestyle. Take the time to exercise regularly. Drink plenty of water.