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A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that examines the large bowel. It's the most accurate test for cancer of the colon and rectum. Growths can develop on the lining of the colon and sometimes become cancerous.
Colon or bowel cancer screening usually begins at the age of 50 for most people. If a colonoscopy doesn't find anything abnormal, you shouldn't need a test for another ten years.
It is not just a requirement when you reach a certain age. You may also need a colonoscopy if you have any of the following symptoms:
| Response | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Somewhat | 38.89% | 37.71% |
| Yes | 34.67% | 34.79% |
| No | 26.44% | 27.5% |
If you are unregistered or uninsured, a colonoscopy could cost over $2,000. It's a procedure you will have at some point in your life, so it's worth considering whether you'd like to have it done privately or through the public system.
As a public patient in a public hospital or clinic, you'll generally have little to no out of pocket expenses for treatment, as the procedure is covered by Medicare. Unlike the private system, you will be assigned a specialist for the procedure; you won't be able to choose your own doctor.
You will also go on a waiting list for a colonoscopy. Demand for colonoscopies is very high. The average public waiting time is just under 7 months, far longer than the recommended 30 days for those who need it. Indeed, Bowel Cancer Australia says that less than 20% of us who require a colonoscopy aren't getting it within the recommended 30 days. If you need a colonoscopy urgently, or you want to receive treatment quicker, you could opt to go private for shorter waiting times.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Private health insurance use in Australian hospitals 2006–07 to 2016–17
One of the perks of being a private patient is greater freedom of choice. You'll be able to select your own doctor, when you want the colonoscopy and book in for any prior consultations to discuss the procedure.
While this isn't necessary for everyone, if you have certain health issues like Crohn's disease or bowel cancer, it's likely to give you greater peace of mind knowing you can choose someone you trust.
Similarly, if you've been living with your condition for some time, or simply want a shorter waiting time, you can choose your own specialist.
With a colonoscopy, your private health insurance policy generally covers most of the cost of your procedure, though you are likely to face a small out of pocket expense, depending on your excess, overnight fee, doctor and hospital price. Most basic policies cover colonoscopies for around $70 a month.
Here are some of the ways you can work out a price estimate:
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