How Much Does a Colonoscopy Cost? (2026 Guide)
March 10, 2026 · Procedure Costs · 9 min read
Colonoscopies save lives — they're the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. But the cost can be a barrier, especially if you're uninsured or facing a diagnostic (rather than screening) procedure.
Based on negotiated rate data from 988 facilities, the national median cost of a diagnostic colonoscopy (CPT 45378) is $1,475. Most facilities charge between $883 and $2,373, with prices ranging from $413 to over $3,632.
Important: If you're getting a screening colonoscopy (no symptoms, age-appropriate), it should be covered at no cost to you under most insurance plans. More on that below.
National Colonoscopy Cost Data (2026)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| National Median | $1,475 |
| National Average | $1,943 |
| Typical Range (25th–75th percentile) | $883 – $2,373 |
| Low End (10th percentile) | $413 |
| High End (90th percentile) | $3,632 |
| Facilities Analyzed | 988 |
Data source: Negotiated rates from hospital price transparency files, analyzed by Taven Health. Prices reflect facility fees for CPT 45378 (diagnostic colonoscopy). Physician fees, anesthesia, and pathology are typically billed separately.
Compare colonoscopy costs at facilities near you →
Total Cost Breakdown
The facility fee is just one component. A complete colonoscopy bill typically includes:
| Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Facility fee | $883 – $2,373 |
| Gastroenterologist fee | $300 – $1,000 |
| Anesthesia (sedation) | $300 – $1,000 |
| Pathology (if polyps removed) | $100 – $500 |
| Total Estimated Range | $1,500 – $4,500 |
Screening vs. Diagnostic Colonoscopy: The Cost Difference
This distinction is critical for understanding what you'll owe:
Screening Colonoscopy (Free with Insurance)
Under the Affordable Care Act, screening colonoscopies are classified as preventive care and must be covered at 100% — no copay, no deductible, no coinsurance — for adults starting at age 45. This applies to:
- All ACA-compliant marketplace plans
- Employer-sponsored plans
- Medicare (since 2023, with no cost-sharing even if polyps are found)
Diagnostic Colonoscopy (Subject to Cost-Sharing)
A colonoscopy is classified as "diagnostic" if you have:
- Symptoms (blood in stool, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits)
- An abnormal screening test (positive FIT/Cologuard)
- A personal history of polyps or colon cancer
- A follow-up colonoscopy sooner than the standard interval
Diagnostic colonoscopies are subject to your plan's normal cost-sharing — deductible, coinsurance, and copays apply.
The "Screening-to-Diagnostic" Trap
Here's something many patients don't know: if you go in for a screening colonoscopy and the doctor finds and removes polyps, some insurance plans used to reclassify it as a diagnostic procedure and charge you. As of 2023, Medicare eliminated this practice, and many commercial plans have followed suit. But check with your insurer to be sure.
Factors That Affect Colonoscopy Cost
1. Hospital vs. Ambulatory Surgery Center
Colonoscopies at ASCs typically cost 40–60% less than at hospitals. For a routine screening or diagnostic colonoscopy, an ASC provides the same quality at a fraction of the cost.
2. Polyp Removal
If polyps are found and removed during the procedure (CPT 45385 instead of 45378), the cost increases. Polyp removal adds $200–$1,000 to the procedure, plus pathology fees.
3. Anesthesia Type
Most colonoscopies use "moderate sedation" (conscious sedation) or propofol. Propofol requires an anesthesia provider and costs more ($500–$1,000) but provides a better patient experience.
4. Geographic Location
Prices vary by region. Colonoscopies in high-cost markets can be 2–3x more expensive than in lower-cost areas.
5. Screening vs. Diagnostic Classification
As discussed above, this determines whether your insurance covers the full cost or whether you're subject to deductibles and cost-sharing.
How to Save on a Colonoscopy
1. Make Sure It's Coded as Screening
If you're getting a routine screening colonoscopy, confirm with your doctor that it will be billed with screening diagnosis codes. This is the difference between free and potentially thousands of dollars.
2. Choose an ASC Over a Hospital
For routine colonoscopies, ambulatory surgery centers offer the same procedure at significantly lower cost. Ask your gastroenterologist if they perform procedures at an ASC.
3. Compare Facility Prices
Compare colonoscopy costs at facilities near you. The price variation is enormous.
4. Ask About Sedation Options
If propofol (with a separate anesthesia provider) isn't medically necessary, moderate sedation administered by the gastroenterologist costs less.
5. Get a Good Faith Estimate
Request a Good Faith Estimate that includes all expected charges — facility, physician, anesthesia, and potential pathology.
6. Consider Alternatives for Screening
If cost is a barrier and you're at average risk, at-home screening tests (FIT, Cologuard) are covered as preventive care and cost nothing out of pocket. They're not as thorough as a colonoscopy, but they're better than skipping screening entirely. Discuss with your doctor.
Colonoscopy Cost With Medicare
Medicare covers screening colonoscopies with no cost-sharing — no deductible, no coinsurance, no copay. This includes polyp removal. Screening schedule:
- Average risk: Every 10 years starting at age 45
- High risk: Every 2 years
For diagnostic colonoscopies, Medicare Part B covers 80% after the annual Part B deductible.
Frequently Asked Questions
A diagnostic colonoscopy (CPT 45378) has a median facility cost of $1,475. Total cost including physician and anesthesia typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,500.
Yes, with ACA-compliant insurance or Medicare, screening colonoscopies are covered at no cost starting at age 45.
Yes, typically 40–60% less than at a hospital for the same procedure.
The USPSTF recommends starting at age 45 for average-risk adults. Earlier if you have family history or other risk factors.
The Bottom Line
A diagnostic colonoscopy costs a median of $1,475 (facility fee), with total costs typically $1,500–$4,500. But if you're getting a screening colonoscopy with insurance, it should be free.
Don't let cost prevent you from getting screened — colon cancer is highly preventable when caught early. Compare prices, choose an ASC, and make sure your screening is coded correctly.