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Self-Pay & Uninsured Patients · Greater Houston
Self-Pay Endoscopy (EGD) in Houston, Katy & Cypress
United Gastroenterology Associates, PLLC offers upper endoscopy, also called EGD, for patients paying without insurance, including people who are uninsured, have a high deductible or prefer to pay directly. Before you schedule, the office can give you a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges and explain what it includes. Endoscopies are performed by Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE, a board-certified gastroenterologist with offices in Katy and Cypress serving Greater Houston. Call (346) 340-4414 to ask about current self-pay options.
Self-pay questions: (346) 340-4414
Meet Your Endoscopy Doctor: Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
BOARD-CERTIFIED Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
CREDENTIALS AT A GLANCE
Board-Certified
Gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine
Academic Medicine
Former Associate Professor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Published Research
More than 100 peer-reviewed articles in gastroenterology
FACP and FASGE
Fellow, American College of Physicians and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
“My gastroenterology & hepatology practice is dedicated to working closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and preferences.”
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, United Gastroenterology Associates
Self-pay endoscopies at United Gastroenterology Associates are performed by Dr. Khan, a gastroenterologist board-certified in gastroenterology, hepatology and internal medicine and a Fellow of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE). Every patient receives the same standard of care, whether they use insurance or pay directly.
Dr. Khan is a former Associate Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.
Upper endoscopy services
- Diagnostic upper endoscopy (EGD)
- Biopsies for H. pylori and celiac disease
- Evaluation of reflux and swallowing problems
- Esophageal dilation when needed
- Evaluation of anemia and upper GI bleeding
Can I Get an Upper Endoscopy Without Insurance?
Yes. You can have an upper endoscopy at United Gastroenterology Associates as a self-pay patient. Start by calling the office, saying that you are paying without insurance, and asking for a self-pay estimate. The team will explain whether you need a consultation first and what the estimate covers.
An upper endoscopy (EGD) uses a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. It is done for the same medical reasons whether you use insurance or pay directly, and paying directly does not change how carefully the exam is done.
You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate
Under the federal No Surprises Act, if you are uninsured or not using insurance, you can receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges for scheduled care. If your final bill is at least $400 more than the estimate, you may be able to dispute it. Ask the office for an estimate before your endoscopy.
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterology, hepatology and internal medicine
Estimates Before You Schedule
Ask what is included before you commit
Fellow, ASGE
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Two Locations
Offices in Katy and Cypress
What Does a Self-Pay Endoscopy Estimate Include?
There is no single endoscopy price that fits every patient. An EGD can involve several services, and some may be billed separately. Use this list to make sure you understand your estimate before you schedule.
| Service | What it covers | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Physician | The gastroenterologist who performs the endoscopy | Is the physician fee included? |
| Procedure facility | The endoscopy center or hospital where the exam takes place | Is the facility fee part of the estimate? |
| Anesthesia or sedation | Medication and monitoring to keep you comfortable | Is anesthesia included or billed separately? |
| Pathology | Lab review of biopsies, such as testing for H. pylori or celiac disease | Is pathology included if biopsies are taken? |
| Consultation visit | An office visit to review symptoms before the procedure | Do I need a visit first, and is it priced separately? |
| Additional treatment | Treatment during the exam, such as dilation of a narrowed esophagus | How does the estimate change if treatment is needed? |
Getting these answers in writing helps you compare options fairly and avoid unexpected charges. If you also need a colon exam, see self-pay colonoscopy.
Why Doctors Recommend an Upper Endoscopy
An EGD lets your gastroenterologist see the lining of the upper digestive tract directly and take small tissue samples when needed. It is usually recommended to look for the cause of symptoms rather than as a routine screening test, which is one reason a consultation often comes first.
Common reasons include ongoing acid reflux or GERD that does not respond to treatment, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, testing for H. pylori or celiac disease, and evaluation of iron deficiency anemia. Read what happens during an upper endoscopy to know what to expect.
Do not delay care for serious symptoms.
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, black or tarry stools, food stuck in your throat that will not pass, fainting or severe abdominal pain need emergency care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Reasons patients choose self-pay
- No current health insurance
- A high deductible or large coinsurance
- A plan that does not cover the service
- A gap between insurance plans
- A preference to pay directly
Paying directly can affect how charges count toward a deductible. Ask your insurer before deciding.
Endoscopy With a High-Deductible Health Plan
Because an upper endoscopy is usually a diagnostic procedure, it is often subject to your deductible and coinsurance when billed to insurance. If you have a high deductible, compare what you would owe through your plan with the self-pay estimate before deciding.
Ask your insurer whether paying directly would still count toward your deductible and whether prior authorization is required. If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), ask your plan administrator whether you can use those funds. Then ask United Gastroenterology Associates for a self-pay estimate so you can compare the two. You can also review insurance plans the practice accepts.
Ask for a Self-Pay Endoscopy Estimate
Call the office, say that you are a self-pay patient, and ask what your endoscopy estimate includes. The team can also explain whether you need a consultation first.
How Self-Pay Endoscopy Works
The same careful upper endoscopy, with cost questions answered up front.
Call and request an estimate
Tell the team you are a self-pay patient and describe your symptoms or the reason your doctor recommended an EGD.
Consultation if needed
Dr. Khan may see you first to review your symptoms, medicines and history and confirm that an endoscopy is the right test.
Review the estimate
Confirm which services are included and which, such as pathology for biopsies, could be billed separately.
Prepare for the exam
You will receive fasting and medication instructions. Do not stop or change any medicine unless your physician tells you to.
Endoscopy and results
The exam usually takes 15 to 45 minutes. Dr. Khan reviews the findings with you, and biopsy results usually follow within a few days.
Patient Reviews
These reviews were shared by patients of United Gastroenterology Associates and are published on the practice website.
“Dr. Khan is an exceptionally kind and compassionate physician. He truly listens to his patients and takes the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. His treatment plans are straightforward and easy to understand, and he provides a very personalized, attentive level of care. I felt respected, heard, and genuinely cared for throughout my visit.”
Maria Andreina Behrens · Katy
“Dr Kahn and his staff are AWESOME. He is thorough, kind, listens and puts you at ease. The staff are patient and very helpful. I was so afraid of having a colonscopy. Dr Kahn was wonderful. My procedure went so well. It was over and done with in what seemed like a minute! So expect that! Dr Kahn is excellent, I trust him completely. And I recommend him, and his staff.”
Steph Apie · Fulshear
“Dr. Khan is an amazing physician. He is so kind hearted & wants to help you in every way possible. He listens & doesn’t make you feel rushed. I feel so comfortable talking to him about anything. I am so glad to have him as my gastro doctor. His staff is outstanding as well. Shout out to Dr. Khan & his staff.”
Donna LaPlante · Cypress
Self-Pay Endoscopy FAQs
Answers to common questions about paying for an upper endoscopy without insurance.
Can I get an upper endoscopy (EGD) without insurance in Houston?
Yes. United Gastroenterology Associates offers upper endoscopy (EGD) for self-pay patients from Houston and surrounding communities through its Katy office (23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555) and Cypress office (21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640). Call (346) 340-4414, say that you are a self-pay patient, and ask for an estimate before scheduling.
How do I request a cash-pay estimate for an endoscopy?
Call the office and ask for a self-pay estimate for an upper endoscopy. Under the federal No Surprises Act, uninsured and self-pay patients can receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges for scheduled care. Ask which services are included, such as the physician, facility, anesthesia and pathology, and which could be billed separately.
Does a self-pay endoscopy estimate include biopsies?
Not always. Biopsies are common during an EGD, for example to test for H. pylori or celiac disease, and the tissue is reviewed by a pathology lab that may bill separately. Ask how the estimate changes if biopsies are taken.
Do I need a consultation before a self-pay endoscopy?
Often, yes. An endoscopy is usually done to look for the cause of symptoms, so Dr. Khan may need to review your symptoms, medicines and health history first to decide whether an EGD is the right test and whether it can be done safely. The office will tell you what applies to you.
I have a high-deductible plan. Should I pay for my endoscopy myself?
Compare what you would owe through your insurance, including the deductible and coinsurance, with the self-pay estimate. Paying directly may not count toward your deductible, so ask your insurer before deciding. If you have an HSA or FSA, ask your plan administrator whether you can use it for the procedure.
Is self-pay endoscopy available for uninsured patients near Cypress and Katy?
Yes. Self-pay patients can be seen at either the Katy or the Cypress office. Patients from Cypress, Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg and the wider Houston area can call (346) 340-4414 to ask about current self-pay options.
What is the difference between a self-pay endoscopy and a self-pay colonoscopy?
An upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine through the mouth. A colonoscopy examines the colon and rectum. Each has its own estimate, prep and reasons for testing. If you need both, ask whether they can be scheduled on the same day and how that affects the estimate.
Self-Pay Endoscopy in Katy and Cypress
Self-pay patients from Houston, Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg and surrounding communities can ask about upper endoscopy at either office of United Gastroenterology Associates.
United Gastroenterology Associates – Katy
Katy Freeway (I-10) near the Grand Parkway
- Address: 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494
- Phone: (346) 340-4414
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:30 PM for lunch; last appointment 4:30 PM)
United Gastroenterology Associates – Cypress
Northwest Freeway (US-290) in Cypress
- Address: 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429
- Phone: (346) 340-4414
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:30 PM for lunch; last appointment 4:30 PM)
Ask About a Self-Pay Endoscopy
Whether you are uninsured, have a high deductible or prefer to pay directly, start with a clear estimate. Call (346) 340-4414 or request an appointment.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Understanding costs in advance (Good Faith Estimate). cms.gov
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Upper GI Endoscopy. niddk.nih.gov
- MedlinePlus. EGD - esophagogastroduodenoscopy. medlineplus.gov
This page provides general information and does not replace medical, legal or financial advice. Self-pay estimates depend on the services provided; ask the office for a current estimate. For a medical emergency, call 911. Last updated October 5, 2026.