Colonoscopy Cost Without Insurance in Georgia (2026)
The average cost of a colonoscopy in Georgia without insurance is approximately $1,750. Prices typically range from $980 at independent surgery centers to over $3,300 at hospital outpatient departments.
Cost Breakdown: What You Are Paying For
When you receive a bill for a colonoscopy, it is rarely a single line item. If you are paying cash, you should ask for a "global fee" that includes as many of these as possible. Otherwise, you may receive separate bills for:
1. Professional Fee
The fee for the gastroenterologist who performs the procedure.
2. Facility Fee
The fee for the room, equipment, and nursing staff. This is usually the most expensive part.
3. Anesthesia Fee
If you have "monitored anesthesia care" (MAC) with an anesthesiologist, this is billed separately. Conscious sedation (twilight) is often cheaper.
4. Pathology Fee
If a polyp is found and removed, it is sent to a lab. The lab will bill you separately for analyzing the tissue.
Screening vs. Diagnostic
If you have insurance, a "screening" colonoscopy is usually free. However, if you have symptoms (pain, bleeding) or if a polyp is found during a screening, it may be coded as "diagnostic," which means you will have to pay your deductible and coinsurance.
How to Save Money in Georgia
- Choose an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC): Independent centers in Georgia are almost always cheaper than hospital outpatient departments.
- Ask for a Cash/Self-Pay Rate: Providers often have a "chargemaster" price (very high) and a "cash" price (lower). You must ask for the cash package upfront.
- Cologuard / FIT Tests: If you are at average risk, ask your doctor if a stool-based DNA test (like Cologuard) is sufficient. These cost $500-$600 cash, significantly less than a colonoscopy.
How much does a colonoscopy cost out-of-pocket in Georgia?
In Georgia, a colonoscopy typically costs between $980 - $3,300 without insurance. The average cash price is around $1,750. This usually includes the facility fee and physician fee, but anesthesia and pathology (biopsy) may be extra.
Is a screening colonoscopy free?
Under the ACA, screening colonoscopies are generally covered 100% by insurance for eligible adults (usually age 45+). However, if you do not have insurance, you must pay the full price. If a polyp is found and removed during a "free" screening, some older plans might convert it to a "diagnostic" procedure, triggering a copay or deductible.
Why are hospital colonoscopies more expensive?
Hospitals often charge higher "facility fees" than Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). In ${stateData.state}, an ASC might charge $1,200-$1,800, while a hospital outpatient department might charge $2,500-$4,000 for the same procedure.
What extra costs should I watch out for?
The quoted price often covers the gastroenterologist and the facility. Watch out for separate bills for: 1) Anesthesia (monitored sedation), 2) Pathology (if a polyp is sent to a lab), and 3) Preparation kit (laxatives from the pharmacy).
Can I get a discount for paying cash?
Yes. Most gastroenterology practices and surgery centers in ${stateData.state} offer "self-pay" or "cash-pay" packages that bundle the fees. You must ask for this rate upfront before the procedure.