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Screening Colonoscopy: Shopping Around Saved Me $6,820
Medically reviewed by Patricia Salber MD, MBA (@docweighsin)
After learning a screening colonoscopy would cost him $8500, the (uninsured) author of this story shopped around and ended up saving $6820!
With Medicare eligibility looming and my good genes and healthy lifestyle, I made a good argument (to myself) to avoid buying health insurance. My relationship with the medical establishment was mostly hands-off. In addition, I thought I had all that anyone really needs — a satellite geo tracker with its red rescue button and life flight insurance. However, the fateful words of my retired veterinary friend kept talking about the importance of having a screening colonoscopy.
It gnawed at my serenity when he said:
“No one has to die from colon cancer; if they do, it’s their own fault.”
That was two years ago.
I finally decided to get the freaking colonoscopy
On top of my growing anxiety over my friend’s wise words, my internist in San Francisco was relentless in sending me requests to have my labs done. Finally, I decided to answer the knock at the door.
