topic Re: Colonoscopy with propofol in Wellness

Colonoscopy with propofol

hick — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:08:36 GMT

Just curious - For various reasons, I will be having a colonoscopy with propofol.

Interested in whether others have gone thru this and also if the insurance company paid for this without having to do an appeal.

Thanks

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Mrs Pez Head — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:20:50 GMT

I have had several colonoscopies using Propofol, insurance (Medicare and before that, TriCare) paid for it. Aaah, Propofol, the best 20 minute sleep that you will ever have!

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

PinkyPetunia — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:28:02 GMT

I had this procedure with propofol several times while on private insurance (Oxford, I believe) and had no problems with approval or payment. Why are you asking?

My gastro doc's office took care of getting approval in advance of the procedure. Last one was 2019 and I don't remember any issues.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Flying Dove — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:41:21 GMT

You may also want to see the definition of propofol on Wikipedia. Lots of information there!

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

CalminHeart — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:52:54 GMT

I'm assuming it's what I've had for many colonoscopies. I've had IVs but never had to be intubated with it.

Propofol is a prescription intravenous anesthetic used for a variety of medical procedures, including:

General anesthesia: Used to induce general anesthesia in patients at least three years old, and to maintain anesthesia in patients over two months old
Sedation: Used to sedate patients during monitored anesthesia care, or for patients in intensive care units who are intubated and mechanically ventilated
Minor and outpatient surgeries: Used because of its rapid onset and reversal of action

While colonoscopies aren't fun, they are incredibly important to have on a regular basis. I go every 5 years. One of my younger brothers had his first at age 50 and they found colon cancer. Another brother died at age 60 in part due to colon cancer. Grandparents on both sides of my family had colon cancer.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

missy mouse — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:53:13 GMT

Propofol is not the problem with insurance. It's the anesthesia group. For some reason lot of them are not part of the GI group or the surgi center. They can use whatever anesthesia they feel best for the patient. Call your insurance company and see if the anesthesia group is on your plan.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Effie54 — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:23:08 GMT

Yes, and yes! It would be insane to go through a colonoscopy without sedation. I couldn't imagine that. Medicare and all insurances cover it. It's an easy procedure....once you're asleep.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

KCDiva — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:34:19 GMT

The last colonoscopy I had was about 3 years ago and the first time they used propofol. I was told they were using the "Michael Jackson" drug. I had never had a problem waking up from a colonoscopy but this one took me a long time to shake off the drug. They told me someone had to stay with me for 24 hours following procedure. I thought that was odd. I had never been told that before or needed it. I had the hardest time feeling like I wasn't drugged. I went home and slept and felt like I was still trying to shake off the grogginess. The next day I was fine. When I went to my next doctor appointment I told him I didn't like that drug and would prefer the regular drug I have had for years for my next colonoscopy. I'll probably only have one more due to my age, 67. My insurance paid it and there wasn't a problem with that but I didn't like the anesthesia.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Shelbelle — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 19:04:47 GMT

I have had 2 colonoscoipies, done with Propofol, they also add very small amounts of Fentanyl, Versed and other mild tranqs like Xanax to the mix, my insurance paid 100%. The effects are only supposed to last less than an hour.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Kachina624 — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 15:43:43 GMT

Propofol is a great anesthesia, especially for colonscopies. You're completely out and when they wake you up, you're instantly wide awake and alert.

No insurance problems. This seems to be a very routine protocol.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

conlt — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 15:47:08 GMT

I just had a Colonoscopy with Propofol and it all went fine. Exceptionally good. I never knew it was done. I am on Medicare and it paid for everything.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Scooby Doo — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 17:19:11 GMT

I've had a couple of colonoscopies with propofol and have never had an issue. In fact, I usually stop at a diner on the way home to reload.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Icegoddess — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 17:40:03 GMT

@Shelbelle wrote:
I have had 2 colonoscoipies, done with Propofol, they also add very small amounts of Fentanyl, Versa and other mild tranqs like Xanax to the mix, my insurance paid 100%. The effects are only supposed to last less than an hour.

@Shelbelle That's Versed. Just wanted to get it right in case anyone is looking it up. Versed will make it so you don't remember anything, but it also suppresses your breathing. I had versed along with something else when I had an EGD. That's where they go down your throat and look at things. They don't want you completely out in case they need to ask you to swallow or something. But you're mostly out and won't remember a thing. I do remember having a feeling like my breathing was becoming difficult before the other drug kicked in.

I know I had propofol with another endoscopy where they ended up doing a balloon procedure to stretch my esophagus. I don't remember what they used when I had my colonoscopies. I know I had fentanyl and another drug. when I go my tooth implant. I wrote them down, but now I don't know where I put the yellow stickie.

I guess all of this doesn't help the OP though.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Kitty Galore — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 18:42:26 GMT

I've had versed many times no issue at all . twice though I sort of woke up during a minor eye surgery and felt what was being done. I said "that hurts " and immediately was out again . Thinking the anesthesiologist realized or wasn't paying attention that my vitals indicated I was waking . Wasn't happy and was very nauseous and vomiting afterwards . Probably gave too much after what had happened.

im wondering how do those thst are getting propofol know ahead of time that there colonoscopy will be with that

Drug in particular? Having my first colonoscopy in 2 weeks so interested in what will be used .

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Shelbelle — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 19:06:16 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:
@Shelbelle wrote:
I have had 2 colonoscoipies, done with Propofol, they also add very small amounts of Fentanyl, Versa and other mild tranqs like Xanax to the mix, my insurance paid 100%. The effects are only supposed to last less than an hour.
@Shelbelle That's Versed. Just wanted to get it right in case anyone is looking it up. Versed will make it so you don't remember anything, but it also suppresses your breathing. I had versed along with something else when I had an EGD. That's where they go down your throat and look at things. They don't want you completely out in case they need to ask you to swallow or something. But you're mostly out and won't remember a thing. I do remember having a feeling like my breathing was becoming difficult before the other drug kicked in.

I know I had propofol with another endoscopy where they ended up doing a balloon procedure to stretch my esophagus. I don't remember what they used when I had my colonoscopies. I know I had fentanyl and another drug. when I go my tooth implant. I wrote them down, but now I don't know where I put the yellow stickie.

I guess all of this doesn't help the OP though.

Sorry, I made the correction, was trying to visualize my report from the gastro doc from 8 years ago, it has all the info on there of what was used. I will be due again in 2 years.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

hick — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:27:21 GMT

Thanks everyone for your input.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

PINKdogWOOD — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:48:20 GMT

@hick Sounds like this could be your first. This is what the Drs use to knock you out just enough to put you into what they call a twilight sleep. It's no big deal at all, just enough so you're not awake. You come out of it just minutes after you get back to your cubicle to get results, change your clothes, out the door you go.

The actual scope is way easier than the 24hours prior to.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Still Raining — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:03:55 GMT

Why would an appeal be needed if your doctor mandated the procedure and specified the anesthesia type?

Perhaps a call your plan would be useful?

I have had this done and it was all fine. They have you wake up in a recovery room and your ride should be able to come in. They had curtains for dressing at the bedside. Lunch after was wonderful.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

JeanLouiseFinch — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:51:55 GMT

My colonoscopies have also been with Propofol. No issues with the drug or the insurance coverage.

Re: Colonoscopy with propofol

Fifi1 — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 18:05:46 GMT

My recent with propofol was best one ever, and insurance covered completely at nearly $10,000 at endoscopy center. Versed was used previously and I woke up several times, was in A great deal of pain during and after.