Colonoscopy estimate - reasonable?

[Meanies]

I've been referred for a colonoscopy in Bangkok but I feel the price is a bit high, based on previous threads and what I can see for packages from other hospitals.

 

Essentially they've given an estimate of 54,000 baht.  Day surgery only.  Insurance will pay max of 40,000.

 

Surgeon - 10,000 baht

Anesthesiologist - 8,000 baht

Random biopsy 4 pieces - 12,000 baht

Operating room price - 20,000 baht

Covid test - 3,900 baht

 

Is it worth negotiating?  Or just walk and find somewhere else?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

[Thailand]

Last one I had in Chiang Mai ,overnight stay because of underlying condition, was 21,000 which was paid by insurance. 4 years ago.

[JohnCR10]

I had one done also in Chiangmai 2 years ago and it cost about 30,000 baht.  But that was with 6 polyps being removed.  It was all over and done with in 30 minutes.  The price you have been quoted seems excessive especially if it is just to have a look.  At least try another hospital.

[Brierley]

Chiang Mai RAM hospital offers a package, colonoscopy and gastroscopy, 36,000 Baht, I bought the package a month ago.

[sanuk711]

Last one I had done at BKK/Pat 17,000 Baht.... 2 years ago. I think you can see its over the top by the Covid test price- 3,900 baht---People on TV were complaining because it was 500 Baht  in Phuket

 

 

[scubascuba3]

15k at RSU Healthcare + 1k-2k for Biopsy

[Meanies]

Thanks everyone.  It's starting to look excessive!

 

Just a pain to start the process over again with another doctor, hospital and insurance.  But think I will...

[Sheryl]

 

 

The quote you have is actually only 38k for the colonoscopy. So likely your insurance would pay. The COVID test is not part of the colonoscopy though it is required and your insurance should reimburse that separately.   The 12k for biopsy is just an illustrative quote, biopsy will be taken only if masses are found, otherwise not, and if found there could be 1, 2, 3 4 or more etc and cost will vary accordingly. Insurance would treat that as a separate charge.  Rates for colonoscopy that you may see on hospital websites are not inclusive of biopsies since there is no way to knowin advance  if one will be needed or, if so, how many specimens.

 

 if your insurance pays the hospital directly the best approach is to leave the negotiation between the hospital and the insurer, asking the hospital to contact the insurer for pre-approval and let the 2 sort it out. Do not make any payment yourself and do not sign anything saying you will pay out of pocket, and do nto have the procedure until the insurer has given the go ahead to the hospital. The way this works is the hospital provides an estimate to the insurer and receives a  written Guarantee of Payment, sometimes after some negotiation if the insurer feels the costs are excessive.

 

If your insurance does not pay the hospital directly then you might like to go elsewhere as cost of colonoscopy does vary greatly by hospital.  If you were referred because of a suspected colon problem then I suggest yo ugo to Bangkok Christian Hospital seeing Prof. Chucheep who is top colorectal specialist.  As of about 2 years ago colonoscopy there was about 22-24K though COVID test and biopsy, if needed, would be extra.  You'll need to see the doctor first, he is there on Mondays only.

 

 

[Meanies]

13 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

 

 

The quote you have is actually only 38k for the colonoscopy. 

 

 

Really appreciate the detailed response!

 

I did leave it up to the hospital and insurer to sort out, which is where those numbers came from.  Perhaps I'll go back to the insurer and ask about costs around biopsies.  It's an ongoing issue, so wouldn't be surprised to find some.

 

They did specifically say the insurer won't cover the cost of the Covid test, even though I have Covid coverage.

 

Thank you for the recommendation.  I'll look up that hospital.

[Sheryl]

1 minute ago, Meanies said:

 

Really appreciate the detailed response!

 

I did leave it up to the hospital and insurer to sort out, which is where those numbers came from.  Perhaps I'll go back to the insurer and ask about costs around biopsies.  It's an ongoing issue, so wouldn't be surprised to find some.

 

They did specifically say the insurer won't cover the cost of the Covid test, even though I have Covid coverage.

 

Thank you for the recommendation.  I'll look up that hospital.

not only less costly but by far the best colorectal specialist in the country. It is important to have the colonoscopy done by specialist who will then treat you if anything is found.

[The Fugitive]

31 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

 

 

The quote you have is actually only 38k for the colonoscopy. So likely your insurance would pay. The COVID test is not part of the colonoscopy though it is required and your insurance should reimburse that separately.   The 12k for biopsy is just an illustrative quote, biopsy will be taken only if masses are found, otherwise not, and if found there could be 1, 2, 3 4 or more etc and cost will vary accordingly. Insurance would treat that as a separate charge.  Rates for colonoscopy that you may see on hospital websites are not inclusive of biopsies since there is no way to knowin advance  if one will be needed or, if so, how many specimens.

 

 if your insurance pays the hospital directly the best approach is to leave the negotiation between the hospital and the insurer, asking the hospital to contact the insurer for pre-approval and let the 2 sort it out. Do not make any payment yourself and do not sign anything saying you will pay out of pocket, and do nto have the procedure until the insurer has given the go ahead to the hospital. The way this works is the hospital provides an estimate to the insurer and receives a  written Guarantee of Payment, sometimes after some negotiation if the insurer feels the costs are excessive.

 

If your insurance does not pay the hospital directly then you might like to go elsewhere as cost of colonoscopy does vary greatly by hospital.  If you were referred because of a suspected colon problem then I suggest yo ugo to Bangkok Christian Hospital seeing Prof. Chucheep who is top colorectal specialist.  As of about 2 years ago colonoscopy there was about 22-24K though COVID test and biopsy, if needed, would be extra.  You'll need to see the doctor first, he is there on Mondays only.

 

 

Most helpful information for all readers, thanks Sheryl!