Colonoscopy

Screening for polyps and signs of cancer in the large intestine

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Fortunately, colon and rectal cancer are highly preventable, and early detection could save your life.

A colonoscopy is the most accurate exam for colon and rectal cancer. Screening starts at age 45 and should be completed every 10 years or as directed by your physician.

Find a location near you and schedule your colon cancer screening with one of our experts today.

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What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a screening to check for colorectal cancer (colon and rectal), precancerous growth (polys) and other conditions in the large intestine. The procedure may also be used to diagnose causes of blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss and other conditions in the stomach and intestines.

When to get a colonoscopy?

Screenings start at age 45 and should be completed every 10 years. If you are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your provider as they may recommend other screening and prevention options.

Advanced technology screening options

Our team utilizes GI Genius, a high-tech artificial intelligence (AI) tool, to help detect polyps earlier that may be difficult to see with the human eye. This technology is available at:

Who performs the colonoscopy?

A gastroenterologist or general surgeon recommended by your primary care provider will perform your colonoscopy. Allina Health surgeons perform screening colonoscopies, some diagnostic colonoscopies and specialize in conditions that may require surgery.

Your provider may refer you to Minnesota Gastroenterology Digestive Health (MNGI) for further consultation and specialized care. MNGI gastrointestinal helps with conditions that may not require treatment from a surgeon.

Types of colonoscopies

There are two types of colonoscopies – diagnostic and preventive screening.

Our team can perform a preventive screening colonoscopy when you don’t have rectal or colon cancer symptoms. We offer diagnostic colonoscopies as a follow-up test if stomach or intestinal issues, such as bleeding, abdominal pain or diarrhea, are present.

Preparing for your colonoscopy

Before your colonoscopy

Use our guides to help you prepare for your colonoscopy

Colonoscopy: What You Need to Know
English, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese
Colonoscopy Prep — Dulcolax® and MiraLAX®
English, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese
Colonoscopy - GoLYTELY Prep
English, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese

You will receive directions from one of our care team members about when and how to empty (cleanse) your colon. Follow these directions carefully.

You will need to use the bathroom often. Plan to stay near the bathroom during this time.

You should plan to have someone drive you home from the procedure. You will have sedation and won’t be able to drive.

During your colonoscopy

You’ll take a light sedative medication through an intravenous (IV) line to help you relax. A long, narrow flexible tube (a “scope”) with a tiny camera is gently inserted into the rectum to see the entire colon. Air is carefully pumped into the colon, giving your provider the best possible view of the colon lining.

A colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes. Diagnostic biopsies and colonoscopies are not painful.

After your colonoscopy

You’ll stay at the hospital for about 30 minutes after the procedure as you recover from the sedation. Your after-visit summary will cover recovery and dietary instructions from your provider.

Side effects after a colonoscopy may include:

short-term discomfort (cramping and gas-like pain)
bloating, nausea (upset stomach)
vomiting (throwing up)
chills
abdominal (belly) pain
diarrhea (loose stools)
anus irritation.

Your results will come to your Allina health account. Someone from your healthcare team will reach out to you with your results and any follow-up care.

What are the risks of getting a colonoscopy?

The possibility of developing colon or colorectal cancer outweighs your chances of colonoscopy complications (problems).

While rare, some complications include:

having a negative reaction to the sedative
bleeding from where a tissue sample was taken or a polyp was removed — This affects about eight in 10,000 people
tearing (perforation) your colon or rectum wall. This affects about four in 10,000 people.
missing a polyp or lesion hiding behind a fold or a bend in the colon.

Insurance coverage and cost

Most health insurance providers cover the cost of a screening colonoscopy. Talk with your insurance provider about medical coverage and get a price estimate before scheduling a colonoscopy.

Medicare covers colonoscopies every 24 months if you’re at high risk for colon or colorectal cancer and every 120 months if you’re not at high risk.

Ask your health insurance provider:

How much will my plan pay?
Do I have preventive or screening care benefits? Do they cover the cost of a colonoscopy? How much do I need to pay?
If I have a colonoscopy and there are extra facility charges, will those be covered? If not, what will I have to pay?
If I have a biopsy and lab charges from a colonoscopy, are they covered under my preventive benefits?
If I have a positive FIT or FIT-DNA test and need a colonoscopy, will that be covered under my screening or preventive benefit? If not, how much will I have to pay?