A full-body endoscopy is a combination of specialized, minimally invasive, camera-guided exams designed to inspect different, specific internal organs, primarily the gastrointestinal tract. These often include upper endoscopy (throat/stomach) and colonoscopy (colon), used together to diagnose conditions, take biopsies, or treat issues like bleeding and polyps.
Purpose and Benefits
- Diagnostic: Finds causes of symptoms like bleeding, pain, anemia, or swallowing issues.
- Cancer Screening: Identifies precancerous polyps and cancer, particularly in the colon.
- Treatment: Removes foreign bodies, takes tissue samples (biopsy), and treats bleeding or narrowing.
Key Types of Endoscopic Procedures
While there is no total body probe, various specialized endoscopies allow for the examination of different areas of the body. An Upper Endoscopy (EGD) is used to view the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, while a Colonoscopy focuses on the entire large intestine and rectum. For more localized lower-colon imaging, a Sigmoidoscopy is performed, whereas an Enteroscopy specifically targets the small intestine. Beyond the digestive tract, a Bronchoscopy examines the airways and lungs, and a Cystoscopy provides a view of the bladder. Additionally, an Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) combines these techniques with sound waves to provide detailed imaging of the digestive tract and its surrounding organs.
Insurance and Self-Pay Options
We offer comprehensive gastrointestinal services, including EGD, colonoscopy, and capsule endoscopy, based on clinical indications. We participate with many commercial insurance plans to assist with eligibility verification, prior authorization, and coverage review. For patients without insurance or those who prefer not to use it, we provide transparent, voluntary self-pay pricing options. Patients electing this route must acknowledge that they assume full financial responsibility for these services. Because coverage policies vary and some services may require specific authorizations, our team is available to review your options and help you make an informed decision. Please contact our office to discuss insurance, pricing, and scheduling.
