What is the Difference Between Screening and Diagnostic Colonoscopy?
Before you have your colonoscopy, it is important to call your insurance company about your benefits. There are two types of colonoscopies: screening and diagnostic. Most insurance companies will cover screening colonoscopies, but most diagnostic colonoscopies will be subject to deductibles and co-insurance.
Insurance providers have very specific criteria for both types of colonoscopies, so it is advantageous for you to call Member Services to inquire about your benefits and out-of-pocket estimates for your screening or diagnostic colonoscopy. Here are some factors that influence whether your procedure will be billed to your insurance company as a screening colonoscopy or a diagnostic colonoscopy:
Screening Colonoscopy Criteria:
- No family history of colon cancer or colon polyps (some insurance providers consider this high risk for colon cancer)
- No personal history of colon cancer or polyps
- No symptoms before the procedure (abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, anemia, vomiting)
Diagnostic Colonoscopy Criteria
- Family history of colon cancer or polyps (some insurance providers consider this high risk for colon cancer)
- Personal history of colon cancer or polyps
- Symptoms are present before the procedure (abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, anemia, vomiting)
- Previous colonoscopy(ies) had findings of polyps, colon cancer, diverticulitis, etc)
Get the facts before you go in for your colonoscopy. Asking the right questions will help you be prepared and confident on the day of your procedure.
Schedule your AFFORDABLE Colonoscopy today thru ColonoscopyAssist!
