Private Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a test doctors use to look inside your large intestine (colon) and the very end of your bowel (rectum). They use a long, thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope. It has a tiny light and camera at the tip that sends video to a screen, so the doctor can see the lining in real time.

During the exam, the doctor gently guides the scope through the rectum into the colon. Air or carbon dioxide is added to open the space for a clear view. If they spot small growths called polyps or anything unusual, they can remove a piece (a biopsy) or the whole polyp through the scope using tiny tools.

Shorter wait times

• Consults and procedure dates are typically scheduled in weeks—not months—so you can get answers sooner and return to work, school, sport, or caregiving without the extended uncertainty.

Choice and control

• Choose a gastroenterologist and clinic that fit your needs (experience, qualifications, communication style, location).
• Pick dates that work around exams, work deadlines, or family commitments.

Certainty

• Private pathways mean certainty around timing and specialist, so you can arrange time off, travel, and support.

Preventing further decline

• Symptom progression: Ongoing bleeding, iron‑deficiency anemia, or bowel habit changes can worsen while waiting; earlier investigation clarifies the cause sooner.
• Complexity creep: Delays can mean more tests and repeated ER or clinic visits; timely scoping can streamline care.
• Emergency avoidance: For certain red‑flag symptoms, faster assessment helps avoid urgent, after‑hours investigations.
• Overall health impact: Reduces time spent feeling unwell or limited by fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or dietary restrictions—supporting work, school, and daily life.

1. ‍Confirm your diagnosis. Most patients start with a family doctor or specialist who confirms that a colonoscopy is needed.
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2. Research. Explore specialists who offer colonoscopies privately.
   • You can find specialists in Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec on our app, and review qualifications, as well as pricing.
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3. Schedule an initial consultation. Most specialists offer in-clinic and online consults.
   
   • Consultations are usually booked within days or a few weeks.
   • Note: expect a consultation fee between $150 - $350.
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4. Consultation. The specialist will review your condition, symptoms, and any previous treatments or diagnostics, such as x-rays or MRIs.
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5. ‍Post consultation. The will then review your case and provide options based on your needs; review the risks and expected outcomes; and present pricing and scheduling options.
   
   • Because the procedure is not covered by your provincial health plan when done privately, you’ll need to review the quoted cost and consider payment options (out-of-pocket, private insurance, or financing).
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6. Schedule your colonoscopy date. Once you confirm the procedure and payment, the clinic will schedule you—generally within a few weeks.
   
   • Plan for travel and accommodation, since the procedure will likely take place outside your home province.

Most colonoscopies take about 20–45 minutes. Plan extra time at the clinic for check‑in, sedation, and recovery.

Basic steps

• Anesthesia/sedation: You get medicine through an IV to relax or sleep lightly so you’re comfortable.
• Positioning and prep: You lie on your side; the nurse monitors your heart rate, oxygen, and blood pressure.
• Scope in: The doctor gently slides a thin, flexible camera (colonoscope) into the rectum and guides it through the colon.
• Inflate for visibility: A small amount of air or CO2 opens the colon so the camera can see clearly.
• Careful inspection: The doctor looks at the lining in real time on a screen, section by section.
• Treat on the spot (if needed): If they see polyps or something unusual, tiny tools through the scope can remove polyps or take a biopsy.
• Suction and withdraw: Air/CO2 and fluid are suctioned; the scope is slowly withdrawn while re‑checking the lining.
• Clean up and brief: You go to recovery, and the team explains what they saw and whether any samples were taken.

The good news is that colonoscopies generally don't require much in the way of recovery in most cases. You'll likely feel totally normal within a day or two. But always consult your specialist.

Right after the procedure

• You’ll rest in recovery for 30–90 minutes while the sedation wears off.
• Common feelings: grogginess, mild cramping, and bloating from the air/CO2 used during the exam.
• You must have a responsible adult take you home. Don’t drive, work, or sign legal documents for 24 hours.

The rest of the day

• Diet: Start with light foods and fluids. Most people resume a normal diet the same day unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Gas and bloating: Walking, gentle movement, and passing gas help.
• Sore bottom or small spotting can occur if biopsies/polyps were taken; this usually settles quickly.
• Medications: Restart regular meds as instructed. Follow any special directions if biopsies/polypectomy were done (e.g., avoid certain NSAIDs if told).

The next 1–3 days

• Most people feel normal by the next day. Mild fatigue or cramps can linger briefly.
• Activity: Light activity is fine the next day. Avoid high‑intensity exercise for 24 hours (or longer if your doctor removed larger polyps).
• Work/school: Many return the following day, depending on how they feel and sedation policies.

Results and follow‑up

• You’ll get a preliminary summary before leaving. Biopsy/polyp results take several days to a couple of weeks.
• Your provider will share next steps: routine screening interval, earlier recall, or additional tests if needed.

Red flags—call your care team or seek urgent care

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting
• Heavy rectal bleeding (more than a few streaks), clots, or bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Fever or chills, dizziness/fainting
• Increasing abdominal swelling that doesn’t improve

In Canada, private clinics charge between $1,000 to $3,000 for a colonoscopy.

What’s included

Most quotes for private colonoscopies cover:

• Physician fee (and assistant if used) and anesthesia (local/regional or general; varies by clinic).
• Facility fees (operating room, nursing, supplies).
• Routine biopsies and basic pathology processing (often included, sometimes capped).
• Results follow‑up to review findings and next steps.

What’s usually not included:

• Anesthesiologist‑administered deep sedation/propofol
• Removal of large/complex polyps (endoscopic mucosal resection, additional tools)
• Extensive pathology (multiple specimens, special stains)
• Additional imaging or labs ordered pre/post procedure
• Hospital transfer or unplanned interventions
• Travel, accommodation, time‑off paperwork, or medical notes beyond the standard report

Insurance and financing options

• Private health insurance: Some plans may cover part of the costs, such as hospital fees. It’s important to check your policy directly.
• Financing plans: Many clinics offer monthly payment options to help spread out the cost. Learn more about your financing options here.‍
• Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC): This is a non-refundable credit that reduces your taxes when you pay out-of-pocket for eligible medical expenses. Learn more about how to claim METC for private surgeries.

Choosing your surgeon is one of the benefits of going the private route. Here is what to consider when making your choice.

What to look for

• Experience. Ask how many colonoscopies they perform each year.‍
• Credentials and training.
  
  • ‍Confirm your specialist is licensed through their provincial college (e.g., CPSO in Ontario, CPSBC in BC, CPSA in Alberta). ‍
• Specialization. Look for FRCSC or FRCPC gastroenterologists/colorectal surgeons with endoscopy-focused training and hospital privileges.‍
• Accreditation of the clinic or hospital. Make sure the clinic is accredited by national bodies such as Accreditation Canada or the Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (CAAASF).‍

Questions to ask during your private colonoscopy consultation

Physician and quality metrics

• How many colonoscopies do you perform yearly?
• What are your perforation and significant bleeding rates in the last 12–24 months?
• Why colonoscopy vs other tests for me? If you find a polyp, will you remove it the same day? When would you refer for advanced EMR/ESD?
• What sedation do you recommend (moderate vs deep/propofol)? Who monitors anesthesia?

Costs and logistics

• What exactly is included in the quote (consult, facility, sedation, routine biopsies/pathology caps, follow‑up)?
• What could add cost (anesthesiologist, large/complex polyp removal, extra pathology)?
• If I’m traveling, which steps can be virtual? Will you share the report and pathology with my primary care provider?