A study in the March issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that from December 2007 - June 2009 about 500,000 fewer screening colonoscopies than expected were done among commercially - insured people in the 50 - 64 age range .  That is to say, during the "Great Recession."

For most Americans, co-pays really matter.  In fact, Americans have used fewer medical resources overall during the past few years.

The study found that "cost sharing" or co-pays may be a real deterrent when it comes to patients getting their colonoscopies.  Researchers looked at the rates of screening before the "Great Recession" in people with commercial insurance - not those covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

People with out-of-pocket costs of $300 or more were much less likely to be screened with a colonoscopy.  And the gap widened during 2007 - 2009.

Unfortunately, the negative consequences of 516,000 fewer colonoscopies will not be seen for a few years.  Many of these people will develop full blown colon cancer - at a cost of treatment usually exceeding $50,000.  Is it really worth the savings?

Check with your primary care physician on when colonoscopy is right for you.  And about the cost.  It may be done just as well in an out-patient, non hospital setting, and much cheaper.  But finding and removing a pre-cancerous  polyp - PRICELESS!