I’d gladly pay the copay if they could do away with the prep instead.
Back in the summer of 2010, I had to have a temporary Colostomy due to diverticulitis. Three months later, I had the reversal surgery. Before I had the reversal, I had to have a Colonoscopy to make sure that they could proceed with that surgery. My Gastroenterologist told me at that time, that he wanted to do another Colonoscopy a year after the reversal, to make sure everything was okay.
I had the 2nd Colonoscopy in January of this year. I actually had a Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy completed at the same time. As explained by my Gastroenterologist, most doctors won't do them together because they'll only be paid for one procedure by Medicare, etc. My doctor told me it was easier for him to do them together, and didn't really care about the money. Anyway, after the 2nd Colonoscopy this year, I received a bill for the cost of the Colonoscopy. When I called the hospital where I'd had the procedure done, they initially told me that Medicare will only pay for a Colonoscopy once every five years, unless it was a medical necessity. After I explained to her what had transpired, and why I had to have the second procedure earlier than necessary, the charges were reversed, but I still had a co-pay for them.