Colonoscopy with propofol

hick · ‎03-28-2010

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

Mrs Pez Head · ‎02-11-2015

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!

PinkyPetunia · ‎03-09-2010

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.

Flying Dove · ‎06-04-2014

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

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

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.

missy mouse · ‎03-10-2010

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.

Effie54 · ‎09-08-2010

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.

KCDiva · ‎03-09-2010

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.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

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.