Under current health law, most health plans have to provide care that is recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force—-without, you the patient, having any out of pocket costs! Apparently this includes SCREENING COLONOSCOPIES. This has usually meant GI fees, but now the government has also included ANESTHESIA fees. Unfortunately, patients are still on the hook for FACILITY FEES and  PATHOLOGY costs. (By the way, facility fees, anesthesia fees and path fees are usually 3-4 times higher than GI fees. Whenever possible always get tests and procedures done at a non-hospital owned facility) Of course this isn’t fair, but the hospitals have a stronger lobby than you do!

So, if you are getting a screening colonoscopy, check your bill and call your insurance company. You might just save your life and some $$$$$.