Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about the day of your procedure, your results and your bill. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us; we’re happy to help.
For Our Patients
Patient Information
Everything you need to know before your visit — preparation checklist, registration, and how billing works.
Visit Checklist
Preparing for Your Visit
Welcome to Zazen Surgery Center! We want your visit to be as smooth as possible, so please review the following in advance of your appointment. Please call us if you have any questions.
- Complete the Patient Questionnaire on the Patient Portal (coming soon) at least 48 hours before your visit.
- Bring in all prior tests, labs, diagnostic imaging, etc. that may be relevant to your visit.
- Upon check-in, please update your personal information, provider information, medical insurance, and pharmacy insurance.
Ready when you are
Schedule your visit, call us, or request a callback — whatever's easiest for you.
Understanding Costs
How Billing Works
A colonoscopy at Zazen Surgery Center typically generates four separate bills. Here's what each one covers and what to expect.
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Facility Fee
Billed by the surgery centerThis covers the cost of the surgical center where the colonoscopy takes place.
The facility submits a claim for using the space, equipment, and support staff. This bill generally includes nursing services and use of rooms, equipment, and medications administered during the procedure.
What you may oweDepending on insurance, this may be subject to coinsurance, copay, or deductible. Check with your insurance provider to understand out-of-pocket costs for the facility fee. Screening colonoscopies are usually covered at 100% under most insurance's preventative benefits.
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Physician/Surgeon Fee
Billed by the gastroenterologistThis fee covers the gastroenterologist or surgeon performing the procedure.
The physician submits a claim for their professional services for performing the procedure.
What you may oweDepending on your plan, this might also be subject to copayments, coinsurance, or deductible amounts. Some insurance plans cover the physician's fee as a preventive service (usually if the procedure is screening rather than diagnostic).
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Pathology Fee
Billed by an outside labIf polyps or other tissue samples are collected, they are sent to pathology to be analyzed.
The pathology lab (often an independent provider) bills for processing and analyzing the samples.
What you may oweDepending on your plan, this might also be subject to copayments, coinsurance, or deductible amounts. Some insurance plans cover the pathology fee as a preventive service (usually if the procedure is screening rather than diagnostic).
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Anesthesia Fee
Billed by the anesthesia providerMany colonoscopies involve sedation provided by an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.
The anesthesia provider submits a claim for the sedation services.
What you may oweDepending on your plan, this might also be subject to copayments, coinsurance, or deductible amounts. Some insurance plans cover the anesthesia fee as a preventive service (usually if the procedure is screening rather than diagnostic).
Helpful Reminders
Additional Tips
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Before
Check Coverage
Before the procedure, check with your insurance plan to confirm what's covered, especially regarding screening versus diagnostic colonoscopy.
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After
Review EOBs
After the procedure, review your Explanation of Benefits to understand what your insurance paid versus what you owe.
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Good to know
Preventive Coverage
Screening colonoscopies often have better coverage than diagnostic ones, since they're considered preventive care.
Before & After Your Visit
Common Questions
When will I find out my arrival time?
Our facility sets arrival times, and you will receive a call from us at least 1 to 2 days before your procedure with your expected arrival time and pre-registration details. If you have not heard from us by 3 pm the day before your procedure, please call the facility directly.
What should I bring on the day of my procedure?
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card(s), and a current list of your medications with doses, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. If you have prior test results, lab work or imaging related to your visit, bring those as well. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Yes. Because you will receive sedation, you must have a responsible adult drive you home after your procedure. Rideshare services (such as Uber) and taxis cannot be used. If you do not have a driver, your procedure may need to be rescheduled, so please plan ahead.
How long will I be at the center?
The procedure itself is usually short, but plan to spend a few hours with us in total, including check-in, preparation, the procedure and time in our recovery area while the sedation wears off. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Should I take my regular medications?
Tell us about every medication you take when you schedule your procedure. Blood thinners, diabetes medications, iron supplements and weight-loss or diabetes injections (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide) may need to be adjusted or paused beforehand. Please do not stop any prescribed medication on your own; follow the instructions our team or your prescribing doctor gives you. Your full prep instructions are on our Pre-Procedure Information page.
When will I get my results?
Your doctor will usually talk with you briefly about what was seen before you go home. If biopsies are taken, results can take up to 10 to 14 days. Please schedule a follow-up appointment about 2 weeks after your procedure, when your results will be reviewed with you. If no follow-up is needed, we may contact you to cancel it.
Why did I receive more than one bill?
A procedure at a surgery center usually involves several providers, so it is common to receive separate bills from the facility, the physician, the anesthesia provider and, if samples were taken, the pathology lab. The How Billing Works section above explains what each one covers.
Can a screening colonoscopy become diagnostic?
Sometimes. A colonoscopy scheduled as a preventive screening may be billed differently if a polyp is removed or a biopsy is taken, and some insurance plans then apply a copay, coinsurance or deductible. Coverage rules vary by plan, so we recommend asking your insurer how they handle polyp removal during a screening colonoscopy before your appointment.
Can I get a cost estimate before my procedure?
Yes. Call us and our team will help you understand your expected costs based on your insurance benefits, or our self-pay options if you do not have insurance. You can reach us at the number at the top of this page, or send us a message.
What if I need to reschedule?
Please call us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule or cancel, ideally several days in advance. This gives us time to offer your appointment to another patient and to confirm new prep instructions for your updated date.
Get Started
Ready to Schedule Your Procedure?
Take the first step toward proactive health care. Our team handles insurance verification and accepts most insurance plans, with competitive cash-pay options for the uninsured. No referral needed for most insurance plans.