Need an Order for a Self-Pay Virtual Colonoscopy?
Found the scan but missing the order? If you found a cash-pay imaging facility offering CT colonography but they require a provider order, start with a $40 virtual provider review from DOD.
Orders are not guaranteed. $40 review fee does not include imaging costs.
Red-Flag Symptoms — Do Not Use This Routine Screening Workflow
If you have any of the following, seek appropriate primary care, gastroenterology, urgent care, or emergency evaluation rather than using a routine preventive screening order workflow:
- •Rectal bleeding or black/tarry stool
- •Unexplained weight loss
- •Iron-deficiency anemia or abnormal blood counts needing workup
- •Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- •Bowel obstruction symptoms, persistent vomiting, or inability to pass stool/gas
- •New major bowel habit change with systemic symptoms
- •Known inflammatory bowel disease flare or complex GI history
- •Prior colorectal cancer or high-risk hereditary cancer syndrome concern
- •Pregnancy or possible pregnancy (must be reviewed before CT imaging)
Patients with concerning symptoms should seek appropriate medical evaluation, not a routine preventive screening order. Call 911 for emergencies.
Found the Scan. Need the Order First.
Many patients discover cash-pay imaging facilities that offer affordable CT colonography — often at a fraction of hospital rates. But when they call to schedule, the facility says: "We need a provider order first."
If your primary care doctor isn't available, isn't comfortable issuing the order, or you don't have a PCP, DOD provides an independent $40 virtual provider review. If medically appropriate, an order may be issued that you can take to the self-pay facility of your choice.
Understanding the Costs
DOD Provider Review: $40
The $40 fee covers the virtual provider consultation only. This is the provider reviewing your request, medical history, and issuing an order if medically appropriate.
Paid to Diagnostic Orders Direct. Separate from all imaging costs.
Imaging Facility Fee: Varies
The imaging facility fee covers the CT colonography scan, radiologist interpretation, and facility overhead. Self-pay costs typically range from $300–$800 but vary significantly by facility.
Paid directly to the imaging facility. DOD does not set imaging prices.
Important: DOD's $40 fee does not include imaging costs, radiologist fees, facility charges, or any additional testing fees. These are separate charges paid to separate entities. Never assume imaging costs are included in the DOD review fee.
What the Provider Reviews
Age and colorectal cancer screening history
Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Prior colonoscopy or CT colonography results
Current symptoms (if any) and clinical presentation
Risk factors (IBD, hereditary syndromes, etc.)
Whether the self-pay study is medically appropriate
Facility-specific protocol requirements
State availability requirements
How It Works
Complete Intake
Submit a brief online intake with your screening history, symptoms, risk factors, and the study you are requesting.
Provider Review
A licensed provider reviews your request, medical history, symptoms, and relevant risk factors by phone or video.
Medical Appropriateness Evaluation
The provider evaluates whether CT colonography is medically appropriate based on your history, risk, and facility requirements.
Order Sent To Chosen Facility If Issued
If an order is issued, it can be sent to the imaging facility of your choice, subject to facility acceptance policies.
Your Facility of Choice: If an order is issued, it may be sent to the imaging center, lab, or diagnostic facility selected by the patient, subject to facility policies. DOD is not affiliated with any specific imaging facility.
DOD serves patients in 36 U.S. states including AZ, CO, CT, FL, MD, MA, NV, NY, OR, UT, WA, and more. Patients must be physically located in a supported state during the virtual visit. Check state availability →
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: Diagnostic Orders Direct is not an imaging center, laboratory, cardiology practice, radiology interpretation group, emergency service, or replacement for ongoing primary care or specialist care. Orders are not guaranteed. All requests are reviewed by licensed providers and are issued only when medically appropriate based on patient history, symptoms, risk factors, requested study, safety considerations, state availability, and provider judgment. Facility acceptance of any order is subject to the facility's policies.
Ready to Get Started?
$40 virtual provider review. Orders issued only when medically appropriate.
Orders are not guaranteed. Issued only when medically appropriate per provider judgment.