With Health Insurance: Copay + 10%-50% of Procedure Cost
Without Health Insurance: $400-$1,000+
A cystometrogram, also called a CMG or cystometric study, assesses the bladder as it fills with fluid, looks for leakage and measures flow pressure during urination. The test is used to look for causes of bladder problems such as overactive bladder, low bladder capacity or recurring urinary tract infections. Risks include infection and bleeding.
Typical costs:
For patients covered by health insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs would include a doctor visit copay and coinsurance of 10% to 50% for the procedure. A cystometrogram typically would be covered by health insurance.
For patients not covered by health insurance, a cystometrogram typically costs $400-$1,000 or more -- depending on exactly what the cystometrogram measures and the equipment used. For example, Kansas City Urology Care[1] in Missouri charges about $385 for a simple cystometrogram and $650-$700 for a more complex cystometrogram in which more factors are measured. If the study is done at a hospital or other facility, the cost would include a facility fee. For example, at Virginia Mason Medical Center[2] in Seattle, the cost of a simple cystometrogram would include a doctor fee of about $210-$390 and a facility fee of about $420-$635 for a total of about $630-$1,025.
The patient is first asked to urinate, and the time, amount of urine, force and flow are measured. Then, a catheter is inserted into the bladder to check if any urine remains and to fill the bladder with saline solution and water. The provider asks the patient questions about any sensations felt, as well as when the patient feels the need to urinate. The patient might be asked to cough so the provider can check for leakage. The patient then empties the bladder, and measurements are taken again. The test takes about 20 minutes.
Afterward, the patient can resume normal activities, but might want to rest since there could be pain, burning, urgency and some blood in the urine.
The National Institutes of Health has an overview[3] of a cytometrogram.
Additional costs:
Over-the-counter pain medication, usually less than $5, is sometimes recommended after the procedure.
Oral antibiotics might be prescribed to prevent infection. Many generic antibiotics are available for less than $10.
Discounts:
Some free or low-cost clinics, such as the NYC Free Clinic[4] and the Clinic at Brackenridge[5] in Austin, TX, offer access to specialist care. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services[6] offers a tool to find a federally funded health clinic.
Shopping for a cmg:
A urologist should perform a cystometrogram. The American Urological Association offers a urologist locator[7] by zip code. It is important to make sure the doctor is board-certified by the American Board of Urology[8] .
The test should not be done in a patient with a urinary tract infection because it could affect the results and spread the infection.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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