People often dismiss the occasional stomach discomfort, such as bloating, flatulence, or cramps. However, if these symptoms persist for longer than usual, or is significantly affecting your daily life, it is definitely worth it to get it checked out by a doctor. Yet, some people may avoid going to a specialist in gastroenterology for their symptoms, due to the hassle and costs involved.
Doing due research to find the best doctors and reasonable rates is thus of utmost importance. Let us help you make a more informed decision with some benchmarks and breakdowns of the costs typically involved in getting a colonoscopy and gastroscopy – two common methods for diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the lower GI tract, namely, the large intestine. Thus, it is performed to investigate the cause of digestive issues like chronic diarrhoea, chronic constipation, or blood in stools. Colonoscopy is also a highly effective examination technique for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up to patients with colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and more.
Many factors can influence the cost of colonoscopy. Colonoscopy for general screening purposes is usually kept more affordable. Diagnostic colonoscopy for the purposes of identifying specific conditions is slightly costlier. With the addition of procedures like removing growths, taking biopsies, or other treatments performed using colonoscopy, the fees will increase.
Another consideration to make is the choice of hospital you choose, and whether you decide to undergo the procedure on an out-patient or in-patient basis. Out-patient colonoscopy at a public hospital is the most cost-effective option, especially with government subsidies. However, if you prefer a more private, personalised, and premium experience, you can also opt for a private hospital, for a higher price.
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy used to examine the upper GI tract, which includes the oesophagus, stomach, and the upper portion of the small intestine. It is commonly employed to assess the cause of GI symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, and bloatedness. Gastroscopy is also involved in the diagnosis and examination of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcer, stomach cancer, gastritis, and more.
Like with colonoscopy, the cost of receiving a gastroscopy is also influenced by factors such as additional procedures required, the type of medical facility, and whether the procedure is done on an in-patient or out-patient basis.
At the end of the day, how much you spend on your colonoscopy or endoscopy is dependent on your budget, level of service expected, and whether additional procedures are needed. To find out more about Singapore’s cost for various medical procedures, you can also explore the Ministry of Health’s portal for more fee benchmarks based on past transacted bills.