Anesthesiologists Battle Cost-Saving Colonoscopy Sedation Device

Johnson & Johnson’s Sedasys anesthesia sedation device could reduce the cost of colonoscopies, but it also poses the threat of replacing anesthesiologists, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

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Having an anesthesiologist perform sedation adds between $600 and $2,000 to the cost of a colonoscopy. The Sedasys would cost about $150 per procedure, and hospitals or clinics would pay the usage fee rather than purchasing the machine outright.

Despite the lower costs, anesthesiologists are voicing concerns over patient safety. Having a trained physician in the room to supervise sedation can also save lives if complications occur.

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