Duderoy asked:
Ive been having blood in my bowels for two years now on and off and I think its time to see whats going on. Im 21 year old male, pretty active I work and try to eat healthy. How much would one of those be without medical insurance? WHat can I do?
I used to work for a GI doctor & scheduled colonoscopies all the time. Without insurance, it’s around $1,000. I’m sure you’ll be able to set up a payment plan. But the doctor can sometimes lower the amount you owe if he/she knows you’re having a hard time paying it back.
Talk to the doctor directly about it and tell him/her your situation and then he/she will probably let you talk to someone who does the billing and they can help you set up a payment plan. I say talk to the doctor directly because more will be done for you if it is at the doctor’s request.
Do an on-line check of local hospitals and tv stations for “free” colorectal screenings. Search for those who do discounted or pro-bono colonoscopies. If you refuse the sedation (which I have never needed) the cost will be significantly less as that’s one less doctor and no costs for the sedatives. The discomfort is manageable for most people as it is only temporary and once they reach the cecum (the beginning of the large intestine) there should not be pain discomfort on the way out even if they take biopsies.
As a 21 y/o male you should invest in health insurance before you are diagnosed with anything as you are currently in the lowest risk (price) group individuals. I would tell you to lie; however, until there is a diagnosed condition it can be considered preexisting.
Good Luck,