Colonoscopy (diagnostic): cost and price ranges
Colonoscopy (diagnostic). A diagnostic colonoscopy (commonly CPT 45378) is a scheduled outpatient procedure, so its price can often be compared in advance. Charges combine a facility fee, the gastroenterologist’s fee and anesthesia, and whether it is coded as screening or diagnostic can change what you owe.
Source: FAIR Health (Cost of Giving Birth tracker & FH Consumer), Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, Sidecar Health cost guides, CMS/Medicare Procedure Price Lookup, and published hospital cash-price analyses. Data as of 2026-06-13.
What it is
A gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the lining of the large intestine, often removing polyps if found. Most patients receive sedation, which is billed by an anesthesia provider.
Why it is shoppable
It is planned ahead of time and can be performed at a hospital outpatient department or a lower-cost ambulatory surgery center, giving patients room to compare.
Estimated price ranges by metro
Price type: Typical published price estimate (facility/procedure cash price for imaging & outpatient; all-in total cost for inpatient), USD. Figures are estimates compiled from published price-transparency sources (see the notice above), not per-hospital quotes.
| Metro | Lower-cost est. | Typical est. | Higher-cost est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $1,000 | $1,380 | $4,800 |
| Houston, TX | $850 | $1,200 | $4,000 |
| Denver, CO | $900 | $1,220 | $4,200 |
Source: FAIR Health (Cost of Giving Birth tracker & FH Consumer), Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, Sidecar Health cost guides, CMS/Medicare Procedure Price Lookup, and published hospital cash-price analyses. Data as of 2026-06-13. See full per-metro detail:
- Colonoscopy prices in New York, NY
- Colonoscopy prices in Houston, TX
- Colonoscopy prices in Denver, CO
What drives the cost
- Facility setting — ambulatory surgery centers are often cheaper than hospital outpatient departments.
- Anesthesia/sedation, billed separately by an anesthesiologist or CRNA.
- Whether a polyp is removed or a biopsy taken (can change the procedure code and price).
- Screening vs. diagnostic coding, which affects insurance cost-sharing.
Questions to ask before you book
- Will this be coded as screening or diagnostic, and how does that change my cost?
- Is anesthesia included or billed separately, and by whom?
- Can it be done at an ambulatory surgery center to lower the facility fee?
Frequently asked questions
What is a colonoscopy and why do prices vary so much?
A gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the lining of the large intestine, often removing polyps if found. Most patients receive sedation, which is billed by an anesthesia provider. It is planned ahead of time and can be performed at a hospital outpatient department or a lower-cost ambulatory surgery center, giving patients room to compare. Prices vary because each hospital sets its own charges and negotiates different rates with each insurer.
Is a colonoscopy a shoppable procedure?
It is planned ahead of time and can be performed at a hospital outpatient department or a lower-cost ambulatory surgery center, giving patients room to compare.
How can I lower the cost of a colonoscopy?
Compare several facilities, ask for the all-in self-pay (cash) price, and confirm which professional fees (such as anesthesia or the physician read) are billed separately. Will this be coded as screening or diagnostic, and how does that change my cost?
Medical and billing disclaimer
This explainer is general information, not medical, billing or financial advice. Procedure
coding (such as the CPT/DRG hints shown, e.g. 45378) is simplified;
your actual bill depends on your clinician, insurer and clinical circumstances. See our full
disclaimer.
Related procedures
Browse prices by city · All procedure-by-metro pages
Last updated: 2026-06-13