Key insights:
- Colonoscopy should be covered via hospital benefit, even if it is done in rooms at Dr Du Plessis Colonoscopy Suite, and GAP cover should pick up any shortfall.
- If you have medical aid and GAP cover, this preventative healthcare procedure should be fully covered.
- Colonoscopy costs do increase if polyps are removed during the procedure.
- We provide a detailed, personalised cost estimate before scheduling the procedure.
- Contact our practice manager Tanya on milnerton@drduplessis.com with your details, and we’ll share a quote with you.
We understand that our patients need to know how much they can expect to spend when scheduling a colonoscopy. In order to help you make the best preventative healthcare decisions for your financial circumstances, our team has answered the most commonly asked questions about the cost of colonoscopy.
How much does a consultation with Dr. Du Plessis cost?
R1500 for new patients (45 minute appointment). R950 for a follow-up visit.
What can I expect to pay for a colonoscopy?
The below costs for private patients vary depending on findings during the colonoscopy, and/or consumables (for example: medication used during the procedure.)
These will be discussed in detail with you and Dr. Du Plessis, and our Practice Nurse Sr. Corne.
- How much does a colonoscopy cost in South Africa? Approximately R20 000.
- How much does a gastroscopy cost? Approximately R8 000.
- How much does it cost for a gastroscopy and colonoscopy? Approximately R24 000.
Please note: Costs will increase if polyps are removed during the procedure. Any additional medication or findings will also be charged.
Are there any potential surprise costs?
The ‘surprise costs’ are dependent on the number of polyps removed during your colonoscopy. For example, if you have 3 polyps removed during the procedure, your final invoice may be R3000-5000 more than the standard colonoscopy fee. The equipment, consumables, and medication administered during your colonoscopy will also have an impact on your final invoice.
Is colonoscopy covered by medical aids?
Scopes will be funded via your major medical benefit, or from the in-hospital benefits.
Will a colonoscopy performed in-rooms at Dr Du Plessis’ Colonoscopy Suite be covered on hospital plan?
Yes, most medical aids do cover the procedure as ‘in-hospital’, despite it being in the rooms.
How much will my medical aid cover?
Below are some examples of how the different medical aids cover colonoscopy. Get in touch with Tanya via email on milnerton@drduplessis.com and she can assist with a specific quote based on which medical aid you have and which option you are covered by.
Discovery: Shortfalls on scopes depend on which Discovery plan type, and that plan’s specific rules.
Momentum: All Momentum plans have a co-payment. Momentum will settle the account at scheme rate and deduct the co-payment.
Bonitas: Will settle at scheme rate only – shortfalls are for member’s account.
GEMS: Will settle at scheme rate only – shortfalls are for member’s account.
Does GAP cover kick in and pay the shortfall on a colonoscopy?
Yes, most of the GAP covers will settle the shortfall and/or co-payments.
Do you require payment upfront when booking a colonoscopy?
No. We require payment from the medical aid first. The balance can be claimed from your GAP provider. GAP will pay the members directly. Patients have 30-days to claim from GAP and settle the shortfall with us.
Do you accept cash payments if patients aren’t covered by medical aid?
Yes. In this case, we require payment on the day, or after the final billing.
Can I request a detailed quote for colonoscopy?
Yes. We can provide a cost estimate before the procedure. If you would like to know how much a screening colonoscopy would cost under your specific medical aid plan, we can help with that process. We provide a detailed quote that you can share with your medical aid to check if they will cover the procedure. You can then also find out if your gap cover will cover any shortfall.
You can contact Tanya at milnerton@drduplessis.com with your details: Your full name, address, medical aid details, and contact number. She will then send you a quote.
Dr. Mare Du Plessis’s in-rooms Colonoscopy Suite makes this life-saving procedure comfortable, convenient, and private. Contact us if you have any further questions, or if you’d like to discuss getting a detailed quote for the procedure.