List of Endoscopy Types And Prices: Which One Do You Need?

We all thought that endoscopy is only for the stomach. But this is not technically true because there are various types of it depending on what the doctor prescribed. Learn more about the common versions of endoscopy together with their prices.

What Really Is Endoscopy?

You will notice the “endo” part in the test name. Endo means within or inside, which then signifies “to look inside”. Now, most people associate the test with the stomach but there are various methods and therefore reasons to see the insides of the body. This is why different endoscopy procedures are available.

You don’t have to worry since it is a non-surgical medical procedure. However, patients may feel some discomfort when the thin camera tube is inserted. Your doctor will guide and orient you about the procedure’s preparation or whether anesthesia will be needed.

Do You Have These Symptoms?

A doctor may prescribe an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy if you have any of the following: abdominal pain, vomiting after eating (with or without blood), blood in stool or pain in the lower abdomen.

For first timers, an endoscopic test may detect the following:

• Polyps or tumor in the stomach, intestines
• Ulcers and bleeding in the digestive tract
• The presence of infections

1. Endoscopy (Gastroscopy)

This is the type that we are most familiar with. Endoscopy of the stomach may be needed to see any abnormalities or concerns from the esophagus to the upper GI tract. It can detect ulcers in the stomach as well as inflammation.

How Much is Upper GI Endoscopy?

The price of endoscopy in the Philippines starts from Php 6,000 to Php 15,000 or more together with device features. See the price list of hospitals that we created for reference.

• Asian Hospital (Gastroscopy) – Php 11,800
• Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital – Php 9,000
• Davao Doctors Hospital – Php 6,200
• UCMED (Cebu) – Php 4,500
• Makati Medical Center – ERC Endoscopy – Php 24,360

Government hospitals are quite popular among patients when it comes to medical tests. Based on our research, an affordable upper endoscopy rate starts from Php 3,000 in one of the public hospitals in Quezon City.

Remember that in most cases, HMO cards will not cover special diagnostic tests like endoscopy. However, it may be useful for consultation fees and other medical services. If the doctor if accredited by your company, the procedure may be included for coverage up to the MBL.

2. Colonoscopy

Another popular diagnostic procedure is colonoscopy. This procedure is done at the other end of the body starting from the anus. A colonoscopy uses a flexible camera tube to look for polyps, tumor or bleeding in the entire colon.

How Much is Colonoscopy?

The total cost of colonoscopy will be based on the instrument (if with polypectomy), doctor’s fee and anesthesia. You may see the price list of colonoscopy in different hospitals.

3. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

This version of endoscopy only looks for abnormalities in the rectum and lower colon. The procedure involves a narrow tube with light and camera. Sometimes, a doctor may use anesthesia depending on the patient’s preference.

How much is Flexible sigmoidoscopy?

To help you with budget planning, we have listed here the prices among hospitals for your reference.

• UCMED (Cebu) – Php 3,500
• Asian Hospital (Package) – Php 7,900
• Makati Medical Center – Php 3,670

4. Nasal Endoscopy

While this type is not very common, it is important in finding abnormalities in the nose, nasal and sinus areas. For example, an ENT doctor may want to look inside if there are sensations of clogging, difficulty breathing or even look for sources of bleeding.

How Much is Nasal Endoscopy?

One of our team has undergone the procedure due to an injury in the nose. The price of nasal endoscopy starts from Php 6,500 to Php 7,800 in one of the private hospitals in Quezon City. The cost is still deductible with HMO coverage, senior citizen card or PWD.

Cheaper Prices

You can use your senior citizen ID to get discounts for your procedure. Seniors can avail of a cheaper price when they present their IDs. On the other hand, the price may be less if you could get a package rate, say for example in an executive check up package.

Philhealth Deduction

Endoscopy may be covered by the Philhealth in various ways. In most cases, it is covered as a part of a surgical procedure for the patient. You can file a discount claim when you are about to proceed with billing and payment.

Why Doctors Recommend It

Patients with symptoms will need to undergo the test to find out any medical problems based on doctor’s assessment. In most cases, a patient may initially have a consultation until a referral is made depending on the organ involved.

Sometimes, the doctor may request that you avoid eating or drinking before the test. Moreover, you may be given some forms of anesthesia in the mouth if necessary. It is a procedure that may be uncomfortable to the patient but try to understand the significance of the diagnostic.

It is good new to all of us that a new version called capsule endoscopy is now becoming available. It involves a tiny capsule like device that transmits wireless signals. This is more convenient as the patient will only swallow the capsule for the entire procedure.

The price of capsule technology depends on the hospital’s facilities. In the country, only a few hospitals offer the procedure and it may be more expensive than the traditional one. For a start, you may inquire at St. Luke’s Medical Center.

A special type of endoscopy called ERCP is also available in some hospitals. The price may depend on facility rates, professional fees of doctors and the devices and equipment to be used. Know more about ERCP prices in major hospitals.

References: WebMD, Mayoclinic