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North Carolina

Cost of a Colonoscopy Polyp Removal Visit
in North Carolina

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

North Carolina's growing ambulatory surgical center market and lack of Medicaid expansion have created a complex pricing landscape for colonoscopy procedures across the state's 100 counties. Colonoscopy Polyp Removal patients typically pay between $80 and $1,433, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $543 based on negotiated insurance rates from over 2,400 active providers statewide. From the Research Triangle to the Outer Banks, patients can browse all qualified Colonoscopy Polyp Removal specialists throughout North Carolina to find the most affordable option.

Average

$685

Median

$543

Lowest

$80

Highest

$1,433

Providers

2,407

National avg: $752North Carolina: $685

9% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does colonoscopy with polyp removal compare to related procedures in North Carolina?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Colonoscopy

Diagnostic colonoscopy

45378$90$378$1,0652,531
Colonoscopy with Biopsy

Colonoscopy with biopsy

45380$80$444$1,2682,531
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

Diagnostic upper GI endoscopy

43235$120$298$8532,213
Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy

Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy

43239$80$318$1,0882,729
ECG / EKG

12-lead electrocardiogram with interpretation

93000$14$26$852,727
Echocardiogram

Transthoracic echocardiogram with Doppler

93306$68$194$5012,737
OB Ultrasound

Obstetric ultrasound, complete

76805$44$107$2722,508

Important: These are cost estimates only — not a quote and not medical advice.

The prices on this page are self-pay rates, drawn from federal Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files (CPT 45385Colonoscopy with removal of polyps by snare). They represent what a patient might pay without insurance.

Your actual cost depends on: your specific insurance plan, your remaining deductible, your coinsurance percentage, whether you have met your out-of-pocket maximum, whether the facility and provider are both in-network, and any separate anesthesia or implant fees billed independently.

This page does not constitute medical advice. Whether you need this procedure, and which approach is right for you, is a decision to make with a licensed healthcare provider.

Where this data comes from & what CPT 45385 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 45385 (Colonoscopy with removal of polyps by snare), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 45385 covers: the provider's professional fee for colonoscopy with polyp removal. It does not include facility/hospital fees, anesthesia, pre-operative imaging, post-operative care, or any add-on codes billed separately.

How to read this data

Negotiated Rate

The discounted price an insurer has agreed to pay a specific provider. Most insured patients' bills are calculated from this number, not the higher list price hospitals publish separately.

P5, Median, P95

P5 is the rate at the 5th percentile (low end), Median is the middle value, and P95 is the 95th percentile (high end). This range shows how much the same visit can vary between providers.

What this does not tell you

These rates do not tell you what you personally will pay out of pocket. That depends on your specific plan, how much of your deductible you have already met, your coinsurance rate, and whether the provider is in your network. Call your insurer's member line to get your exact estimate.

Why Colonoscopy Polyp Removal Visit Costs Vary Across North Carolina

North Carolina's healthcare costs run approximately 2% below the national average, reflecting the state's lower cost of living compared to coastal states while maintaining quality medical infrastructure. The state's mix of major academic medical centers, growing ambulatory surgery center market, and rural healthcare challenges creates distinct regional cost variations for procedures like colonoscopy polyp removal.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

The Research Triangle, Charlotte metro, and Asheville regions have high concentrations of gastroenterology specialists, creating competitive pricing for Colonoscopy Polyp Removal procedures. Rural counties in eastern and western North Carolina often have limited specialist availability, requiring patients to travel to urban centers and potentially face higher facility costs. This geographic disparity can result in cost differences of several hundred dollars for the same procedure.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

North Carolina's major health systems like Atrium Health, Duke Health, and UNC Health have extensive networks of hospital-owned outpatient facilities that typically charge higher facility fees than independent ambulatory surgery centers. The state's growing ASC market has introduced more competitive pricing options, particularly in urban areas. Independent gastroenterology practices often have lower overhead costs that translate to more affordable patient pricing.

Insurance Market Competition in North Carolina

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC holds significant market share but faces meaningful competition from UnitedHealthcare and Aetna in most regions, creating negotiating pressure that benefits patients through competitive rates. The ACA marketplace has limited insurer participation in some counties, reducing competition and potentially affecting specialist reimbursement rates. This competitive landscape generally keeps negotiated rates for procedures like colonoscopy polyp removal within reasonable ranges compared to less competitive markets.

Physician Supply and Demand in North Carolina

With over 2,400 providers performing colonoscopy procedures statewide, North Carolina has adequate specialist availability in most regions, which helps moderate pricing pressure. The concentration of providers in urban areas creates competitive pricing, while rural areas may see premium pricing due to limited options. Medical schools at Duke, UNC, and Wake Forest help maintain a steady pipeline of gastroenterology specialists, supporting long-term market stability.

JP

Jayant Panwar

CEO, Momentary Labs · San Francisco, CA

Jayant has analyzed healthcare pricing data from CMS Transparency in Coverage files since 2022, covering more than 50 million negotiated rate records across all 50 states. His work focuses on making insurer machine-readable files accessible to patients and researchers.

The cost figures on this page reflect his ongoing work to make this data accessible to patients.

Healthcare Data AnalyticsCMS TiC DataInsurance Price Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions — Colonoscopy Polyp Removal Costs in North Carolina

What is the average cost of a Colonoscopy Polyp Removal visit in North Carolina without insurance?

Uninsured patients in North Carolina typically pay between $80 and $1,433 for colonoscopy with polyp removal, with a median cost of $543 based on negotiated insurance rates. Self-pay patients often receive discounts of 20-50% off standard rates, and many facilities offer payment plans. The final cost depends on the complexity of polyp removal, facility type, and geographic location within the state.

Does North Carolina Medicaid cover Colonoscopy Polyp Removal visits?

North Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, limiting coverage to traditional Medicaid recipients including children, pregnant women, and disabled individuals who qualify for these procedures. For eligible patients, North Carolina Medicaid does cover medically necessary colonoscopy with polyp removal when performed by participating providers. Many low-income adults fall into a coverage gap and must seek care through community health centers or negotiate self-pay arrangements.

How do I find an affordable Colonoscopy Polyp Removal near me in North Carolina?

Compare costs between hospital-owned facilities and independent ambulatory surgery centers, as ASCs often offer lower rates. Ask about cash-pay discounts, which can reduce costs by 20-50% for uninsured patients or those with high deductibles. Community health centers throughout North Carolina may offer sliding-scale fees based on income, and some gastroenterology practices participate in healthcare financing programs with interest-free payment options.

What is the difference in cost between an initial consultation and a follow-up visit?

Initial gastroenterology consultations typically cost more than follow-up visits due to the comprehensive evaluation required during the first appointment. The actual colonoscopy procedure with polyp removal represents the largest cost component, usually ranging from $80 to $1,433 in North Carolina based on facility type and complexity. Follow-up visits for pathology results and surveillance planning are generally less expensive than the initial consultation and procedure.

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a Colonoscopy Polyp Removal visit in North Carolina?

Yes, colonoscopy with polyp removal qualifies as a medical expense eligible for HSA and FSA reimbursement. These tax-advantaged accounts can cover the procedure cost, facility fees, anesthesia, and related pathology expenses. Keep all receipts and documentation from your North Carolina provider for reimbursement purposes, as you may need to provide detailed records to your HSA or FSA administrator.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Colonoscopy Polyp Removal in North Carolina?

While the actual polyp removal procedure requires in-person care, many North Carolina gastroenterologists offer telehealth consultations for initial evaluations, follow-up appointments, and results discussions at reduced rates. Telehealth visits typically cost $100-200 less than in-person consultations and can help patients save on travel costs, particularly beneficial for rural residents. However, the procedural component must always be performed at a qualified facility with appropriate equipment and anesthesia support.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$272
$2,018

Office visit (CPT 45385)

Compare With Other States

RankStateAverage
1Wisconsin
Range: $81$5,357
$2,018
2Washington
Range: $80$3,638
$1,402
3Oregon
Range: $80$3,638
$1,391
4Idaho
Range: $80$3,638
$1,373
5Alaska
Range: $80$3,638
$1,266
6Montana
Range: $80$3,638
$1,266
7Massachusetts
Range: $80$2,338
$1,051
8New York
Range: $276$2,338
$1,041
9Rhode Island
Range: $80$2,338
$1,031
10Connecticut
Range: $213$2,338
$1,026
11North Dakota
Range: $80$2,334
$976
12Pennsylvania
Range: $80$2,338
$962
13Delaware
Range: $80$2,338
$958
14Minnesota
Range: $80$1,954
$879
15New Hampshire
Range: $457$1,285
$866
16Wyoming
Range: $332$1,540
$808
17Nebraska
Range: $360$1,090
$799
18Hawaii
Range: $80$1,785
$773
19Maine
Range: $494$926
$763
20California
Range: $30$1,785
$756
21Iowa
Range: $95$1,197
$726
22District of Columbia
Range: $212$1,372
$726
23Georgia
Range: $225$1,310
$723
24New Mexico
Range: $265$1,278
$696
25North Carolina
Range: $80$1,433
$685
26New Jersey
Range: $151$1,496
$684
27West Virginia
Range: $98$1,538
$682
28Vermont
Range: $333$1,096
$661
29Utah
Range: $80$1,090
$630
30Colorado
Range: $85$1,282
$611
31Indiana
Range: $80$1,197
$596
32Kentucky
Range: $202$1,136
$586
33Missouri
Range: $239$853
$564
34South Dakota
Range: $80$1,090
$553
35Maryland
Range: $226$1,002
$550
36Michigan
Range: $80$1,088
$545
37Illinois
Range: $220$944
$542
38Louisiana
Range: $197$918
$514
39Mississippi
Range: $209$963
$514
40Nevada
Range: $320$740
$504
41South Carolina
Range: $80$936
$477
42Virginia
Range: $98$916
$471
43Arkansas
Range: $85$853
$464
44Alabama
Range: $80$870
$454
45Texas
Range: $90$866
$453
46Kansas
Range: $239$713
$451
47Ohio
Range: $191$751
$450
48Arizona
Range: $213$715
$432
49Tennessee
Range: $90$796
$428
50Florida
Range: $35$815
$302
51Oklahoma
Range: $85$646
$272
Colonoscopy with Polyp Removal in Other States