Endoscopy is a powerful medical tool used to visualize and treat conditions inside the body, most commonly within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, acid reflux, or gastrointestinal bleeding, your doctor may recommend either a diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopy.
While both procedures involve inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the body, their purposes (and their costs) differ significantly. Understanding the differences between these two types of endoscopy can help patients prepare better, both medically and financially. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and what they mean in terms of cost of endoscopy.
What Is a Diagnostic Endoscopy?
A diagnostic endoscopy is primarily performed to investigate symptoms or confirm a diagnosis.
Common Purposes
- To detect ulcers, inflammation, tumors, or infections
- To evaluate symptoms like chronic heartburn, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss
- To collect tissue samples through biopsy for further analysis
Diagnostic procedures are relatively straightforward and typically do not involve any form of active treatment during the scope. Instead, the doctor will observe the affected area and may take a biopsy or perform minor procedures such as washing the area or applying medication.
Typical Cost Range
In most healthcare settings, diagnostic endoscopies tend to be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. In countries like Singapore, the diagnostic endoscopy cost may range from SGD $800 to $1,500 in private clinics, depending on the facility, sedation method, and whether a biopsy is taken.
Public hospitals may offer lower prices, particularly for Singapore citizens or PRs who are eligible for subsidies and can tap into Medisave to offset expenses.
What Is a Therapeutic Endoscopy?
A therapeutic endoscopy, on the other hand, goes beyond diagnosis. It involves interventions that treat or manage the condition directly during the procedure.
Common Therapeutic Applications
- Removal of polyps (polypectomy)
- Treatment of bleeding ulcers
- Dilation of narrowed areas in the esophagus or colon
- Insertion of stents to relieve obstructions
- Removal of foreign objects
Therapeutic endoscopies require additional equipment, longer procedure times, and sometimes the involvement of an anaesthesiologist, making them more complex and costly.
Typical Cost Range
Because therapeutic endoscopy involves both diagnosis and treatment, the costs are understandably higher. In Singapore, the endoscopy cost for therapeutic procedures can range from SGD $1,500 to $4,000 or more, depending on what is done during the session.
For instance, removing multiple polyps or stopping internal bleeding may significantly increase costs due to specialized tools, additional medications, or extended recovery time in a medical facility.
Factors That Influence Endoscopy Costs
Whether diagnostic or therapeutic, several factors contribute to the final cost of an endoscopy:
1. Type of Procedure
Therapeutic endoscopies are generally more expensive because they combine diagnosis with active treatment.
2. Public vs Private Facility
Public hospitals tend to have lower upfront costs, especially for residents eligible for government subsidies. Private clinics may charge higher fees but often offer faster appointments and more personalized care.
3. Sedation and Anaesthesia
Light sedation may be included in the base cost, but deeper anaesthesia typically comes at an additional cost, especially if an anaesthetist is involved.
4. Biopsies and Lab Tests
Taking a biopsy or removing tissue during the procedure adds to lab fees and pathology costs.
5. Medisave and Insurance
In Singapore, Medisave can often be used to pay for both types of endoscopy, particularly when medically necessary. However, patients should confirm eligibility beforehand, especially for therapeutic procedures.
Choosing the Right Procedure
Patients are often unaware of whether their procedure will be diagnostic or therapeutic until the scope is performed. A diagnostic endoscopy can sometimes become therapeutic on the spot. For example, if a suspicious polyp is found and removed during the same session.
Therefore, it’s crucial to:
- Discuss the scope of the procedure in advance
- Ask your specialist about potential findings and treatments
- Inquire about costs if the scope transitions from diagnostic to therapeutic
Good communication with your healthcare provider ensures you’re not caught off-guard by unexpected charges.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy is essential, not only for your medical care but also for financial planning. Diagnostic procedures are typically less expensive and focused on identifying problems, while therapeutic endoscopies actively treat conditions and come at a higher cost.
Whether you’re in Singapore or elsewhere, knowing what to expect and asking the right questions can help you manage your endoscopy cost more effectively. Always consult with your provider about the nature of your procedure, possible outcomes, and financial support options like insurance or Medisave claims.