Just as it sounds, an endoscopy clinic specializes in performing endoscopic procedures. These procedures involve using a flexible tube with a light and camera to view internal organs.
You might need to visit an endoscopy clinic in Singapore if you experience persistent digestive issues like abdominal pain, chronic heartburn, or unexplained weight loss. You may also be recommended for endoscopy to investigate symptoms like difficulty swallowing or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Used correctly, an endoscopy can diagnose conditions like ulcers, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and even certain cancers. The procedure is minimally invasive and can provide detailed images of your digestive tract for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
But, how much is endoscopy in Singapore? And, how long does an endoscopy take? Keep reading to find out!
How much is Endoscopy in Singapore?
If you’re wondering; how much is endoscopy in Singapore, it is important to first note that there are various types of endoscopies. Each endoscopy is named based on the organs they examine.
That means that endoscopy is essentially an umbrella term for procedures that allow for the assessment of the insides of our bodies. The procedure allows for capturing of HD images of the organs being examined with the images projected onto a screen.
The different types of endoscopies you may be recommended by your endoscopy clinic in Singapore depending on the issues that brought you to the facility include; colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, gastroscopy, nasoendoscopy, cystoscopy, and bronchoscopy, among others.
Also to answer the question, ‘How much is endoscopy in Singapore,’ we wish to clarify that the cost of endoscopy can vary considerably depending on the type of procedure and the complexity involved. The cost is primarily divided into two components: the facility fee and the doctor’s fee.
- Facility Fee: This includes charges for the use of the instruments, medications, nursing care, ward fees, and any tests conducted such as histology. Generally, it is more expensive to have an endoscopy performed in a hospital compared to a day surgery center.
- Doctor’s Fee: This is the professional fee charged by the doctor performing the endoscopy. If an anesthetist is required to provide sedation, an additional fee is charged. The Ministry of Health in Singapore provides a fee benchmark to guide these costs.
Here are the estimated fees for some common endoscopic procedures in Singapore:
Basic Gastroscopy:
- Doctor’s Fees: S$600-1000
- Anesthetist’s Fees: S$500-750
Therapeutic Gastroscopy (when an additional treatment like polyp removal is performed):
- Doctor’s Fees: S$1000-1600
- Anesthetist’s Fees: S$500-750
Basic Colonoscopy:
- Doctor’s Fees: S$1100-1600
- Anesthetist’s Fees: S$500-750
Therapeutic Colonoscopy (when additional treatment like polyp removal is performed):
- Doctor’s Fees: S$1500-2150
- Anesthetist’s Fees: S$500-750
The total cost of an endoscopy procedure is obtained by adding the doctor’s fee to the facility fee. According to the average total bill size in the private sector in Singapore, the costs are as follows:
Gastroscopy:
- Total Cost (before GST): S$2139
- Medisave Claimable: Up to S$650
Colonoscopy:
- Total Cost (before GST): S$2590
- Medisave Claimable: Up to S$1250
Please note that these are only estimated costs for basic procedures. If additional treatments are needed like the removal of polyps, for example, the costs will be higher.
Also note that additionally, the fees can be influenced by the type of insurance coverage that you have. This is because different insurance companies have their schedules of fees for their panel of specialists.
How long does an Endoscopy Take Singapore?
When preparing to visit an endoscopy clinic in Singapore you may also wish to know beforehand how long you will stay at the clinic thus the question; how long does an endoscopy take in Singapore? It is quite fast, really.
An endoscopy in Singapore typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes. This difference in time taken depends on the specific type and complexity of the procedure. Before the procedure, you’ll need to prepare by fasting from food and liquids the night before.
Your doctor may also advise you to temporarily stop certain medications, especially blood-thinning medications, to reduce your risk of bleeding during the procedure. In some cases, such as a colonoscopy, you may need to take laxatives to empty your bowels.
During the endoscopy, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the endoscope will be inserted, often the throat or rectum. Alternatively, a sedative may be administered to help you relax.
Throughout the procedure, you may feel some minor discomfort as the endoscope passes through the digestive tract. The procedure shouldn’t be painful though, so inform your provider if you experience any level of discomfort.
After the endoscopy, you’ll be monitored as the sedative wears off. You might experience mild symptoms like soreness or bloating after the procedure.
These side effects usually resolve quickly. It’s also common to feel a bit drowsy or groggy immediately afterward. So, we recommend that you plan early to have someone accompany you home after you visit an endoscopy clinic in Singapore for the procedure.
Is Endoscopy a Day Surgery?
One of the questions we get almost every time from the patients who visit our endoscopy clinic in Singapore is; is endoscopy a day surgery? The answer is simple;
Endoscopy is typically performed as a day surgery. This means that you can expect to go home on the same day after the procedure. After the endoscopy, please rest for the remainder of the day.
Also as earlier explained, please have someone accompany you home due to the effects of sedation or anesthesia. Post-procedure care often includes refraining from eating or drinking until the effects of sedation wear off to prevent complications like aspiration.
You may experience mild bloating or discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications. It’s essential to follow any specific instructions you’re given at the endoscopy clinic regarding diet, activity, and medication after the procedure to ensure a smooth recovery.
If there are any concerns or unusual symptoms post-endoscopy please contact your endoscopy clinic in Singapore promptly. Providers in a good facility will be happy to give further guidance to help manage your situation.
It is a Wrap!
There is no specific endoscopy cost in Singapore as the fees vary considerably depending on the specific type of endoscopy you’re having. If you need clarity, please call or visit a reputable endoscopy clinic for the cost breakdown.
If you need quick help today, please stop by our clinic or just give us a call. Our friendly staff will be very happy to assist. See details below;
Dr. Lee Chin Li-Lee Surgery and Endoscopy | Colorectal Surgery | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore
6 Napier Rd, #04-16
Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
+65 6255 0720
