Question 1

i'm 47, health and with a low bmi.  does it make sense to get a colonoscopy before i am 50?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: Current recommendations are to get a colonoscopy at age 50 for screening, then if normal every 10 years.  If you have rectal bleeding, unexplained anemia or a family history of colon cancer or certain other diseases then it may be recommended that you get a colonoscopy before age 50.  If you have none of the risk factor then I would not recommend it before age 50.

Question 2

i was charged a copayment for a colonoscopy by the staff after taking my health insurance info.  i thought that preventive care requires no copayment?

Accepted Answer

Visits have both...: Many doctor visits have both preventive care and symptom care. A routine colonoscopy due to a patient's age can be preventive care. But if the patient has constipation, tummy aches, or even a sore throat related to that visit, then part of the visit becomes symptom care (copay is needed). The issues are caused by insurance company & government rules. Copay is credited back if not on insurance eob.

Question 3

previous question was to read, chance of success of end colonoscopy reversal? hubby 62 good health colostomy due to diverticular abscess.

Accepted Answer

Colostomy reversal: since the colostomy was probable a diverting colostomy vs a colostomy where a large amount of colon was removed the reversal should be successful

Question 4

good morning doctors. how appropriate or inappropriate is it to do the preparation that one does for a colonoscopy on a routine basis (weekly, monthly) either to help with weight loss and/or as a health "cleansing?" is this safe or too extreme?

Accepted Answer

Not recommended: There is no health benefit from such an overly vigorous cleansing of the intestinal tract on a weekly or monthly basis. It actually has detrimental effects on the natural makeup of intestinal flora and takes days to recover back to a normal stage. Also the weight loss from the colonoscopy prep usually comes right back after a few days. Consult a dietician at your hospital to help you with dieting

Question 5

i recently had a physical with bloodwork and ekg, endoscopy, mammogram and colonoscopy. all results were normal. does that mean i am in good health?

Accepted Answer

Probably: I sense by your question that you have been worrying about your health.  With all these tests you've taken, your health is probably good.  But if you are still worrying, please talk with your doctor about a referral to address emotional concerns.

Question 6

been dealing with gut issues on and off for a few years. got worse. saw a gi specialist telling me egd and colonoscopy is necessary. with my health anxiety, idk if i can sit with this calmly. procedure booked a month out. any tips on how to keep calm?

Accepted Answer

: I recommend having cognitive behavioral therapy. Also look into meditation, muscle relaxation therapy and breathing exercises. All these modalities are excellent for relieving various types of anxiety.  I'd ask your primary care physician to refer you or you could call the department of psychiatry at a university hospital near you and make some inquiries.

Question 7

have a friend who got diagnosed with ovarian cancer. i am worried about me now. i had a ct of pelvis/abdomen w/contrast. all good. routine bloodwork is good. colonoscopy all clear. should i be worried. i have health anxiety also?

Accepted Answer

: One CT will not raise your cancer risk above your baseline risk.
You can reduce your risk of cancer by adopting healthy habits: Eat a mostly vegetarian diet, avoid alcohol, tobacco and street drugs, avoid excessive exposure  to sun, exercise 30 minutes each day, drink enough water so your urine is mostly colorless.

Question 8

have mild ab discomfort in urq/ulq, gerd, and health anxiety.  gastro doc ordered ab/pelvic ct scan with contrast. results normal.  had clear colonoscopy 5 years ago.  worried about colon cancer - could ct w/ contrast detect colon cancer at all?

Accepted Answer

Untrusting: I am sorry that you don't feel you can trust the gastroenterologist  who is evaluating you. Yes, a CT scan with contrast can be used to detect colon cancer. Why do you seek evaluation by a specialist if you don't trust him/her to have adequate knowledge about appropriate testing/ evaluation?

Question 9

i accidentally ate 3 chocolate covered raisins and my colonoscopy is tomorrow, about 19 hours away. should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Npo for Colonoscopy: You should not be concerned you probably have to take the final half of the prep 4 hours prior to the colonoscopy.But in order for the GI doctor to have a good look the colon must be clean otherwise small polyps could be missed. If you are concerned you could drink a Magnesium Citrate and that would help clean it out.

Question 10

does insurance cover a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Insurance: Most insurances will cover a colonoscopy if the reasons for the colonoscopy are documented. Screening colonoscopies are suppose to be covered according to ACA.

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Doctor answers about:

Does united health care cover colonoscopy

A member asked:

I'm 47, health and with a low bmi. does it make sense to get a colonoscopy before i am 50?

A member asked:

I was charged a copayment for a colonoscopy by the staff after taking my health insurance info. i thought that preventive care requires no copayment?

A member asked:

Previous question was to read, chance of success of end colonoscopy reversal? hubby 62 good health colostomy due to diverticular abscess.

A member asked:

Good morning doctors. how appropriate or inappropriate is it to do the preparation that one does for a colonoscopy on a routine basis (weekly, monthly) either to help with weight loss and/or as a health "cleansing?" is this safe or too extreme?

A member asked:

I recently had a physical with bloodwork and ekg, endoscopy, mammogram and colonoscopy. all results were normal. does that mean i am in good health?

A member asked:

Been dealing with gut issues on and off for a few years. got worse. saw a gi specialist telling me egd and colonoscopy is necessary. with my health anxiety, idk if i can sit with this calmly. procedure booked a month out. any tips on how to keep calm?

A member asked:

Have a friend who got diagnosed with ovarian cancer. i am worried about me now. i had a ct of pelvis/abdomen w/contrast. all good. routine bloodwork is good. colonoscopy all clear. should i be worried. i have health anxiety also?

A member asked:

Have mild ab discomfort in urq/ulq, gerd, and health anxiety. gastro doc ordered ab/pelvic ct scan with contrast. results normal. had clear colonoscopy 5 years ago. worried about colon cancer - could ct w/ contrast detect colon cancer at all?

A member asked:

I accidentally ate 3 chocolate covered raisins and my colonoscopy is tomorrow, about 19 hours away. should i be concerned?

A member asked:

Does insurance cover a colonoscopy?

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