Colonoscopies

Colonoscopies are performed by Lakeview Clinic’s General Surgeons at Ridgeview in Waconia and 212 Medical Center in Chaska. The procedure takes about 20 minutes and is typically done with conscious sedation. This is the most accurate screening test and can find up to 95% of large polyps (>6 mm) as well as almost all cancerous lesions in the colon and rectum. If no polyps are found, the study should be repeated in 10 years. If adenomatous polyps are found, the study will likely need to be repeated in 3-5 years depending on the number and type of polyps found.

Beginning at age 45, both men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer should be screened. According to the American Cancer Society, people with an average risk of developing colon cancer should have a screening colonoscopy every ten years. Colonoscopies are the gold standard colorectal cancer screening option. Colonoscopies are the only test that both detects and prevents colorectal cancer. We encourage patients to always verify coverage with their insurance company.

A colonoscopy is considered preventive screening if the patient doesn’t have any gastrointestinal symptoms and no polyps or masses are found during the colonoscopy. If your doctor finds a mass needing biopsy or finds a polyp, your colonoscopy is then considered diagnostic.

Medicare and most private insurance companies fully cover screening colonoscopies, including the deductible or coinsurance while patients may be required to pay a deductible or coinsurance for a diagnostic colonoscopy. We ask all patients to always ask their insurance company about out-of-pocket costs, including copays, coinsurance, deductibles, limits, or exclusions.

Request a Colonoscopy

Complete the form below to request a colonoscopy with a Lakeview Clinic Surgeon. Lakeview’s colonoscopy scheduler will reach out to you within 5 business days of your request.

Patients who request a colonoscopy are considered self-referred. The Lakeview Surgeon who performed self-referred colonoscopies will manage any necessary follow up care and communication. In some cases, patients may be referred to a specialist.