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Self-Pay & Uninsured Patients · Greater Houston
Self-Pay Gastroenterologist in Houston, Katy & Cypress
United Gastroenterology Associates, PLLC welcomes patients who are uninsured, between health plans, have a high deductible or prefer to pay directly. You can see Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE, a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, at offices in Katy and Cypress serving Greater Houston. Ask for current self-pay pricing before your visit, and request a Good Faith Estimate for any scheduled care. Call (346) 340-4414.
Self-pay questions: (346) 340-4414
Meet Your Gastroenterologist: 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 patients see Dr. Khan, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist board-certified in gastroenterology, hepatology and internal medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Toledo and his gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Khan is a former Associate Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE), and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. Every patient receives the same standard of care, whether they use insurance or pay directly.
Self-pay care available
- New patient GI consultations
- Follow-up visits
- Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy
- Liver and hepatology care
- Care for chronic digestive conditions
Can I See a Gastroenterologist Without Insurance?
Yes. You do not need health insurance to see a gastroenterologist at United Gastroenterology Associates. A self-pay gastroenterologist is a digestive specialist you pay directly instead of billing a health plan. This is sometimes called cash-pay or direct-pay GI care. The medical care is the same: it is based on your symptoms, history and needs.
When you call, tell the scheduling team, "I am a self-pay patient and would like to schedule a gastroenterology visit." Ask for the current self-pay price for a new patient consultation, what it includes, and whether you need a referral. You do not need to know which test you need before booking.
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.
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterology, hepatology and internal medicine
Pricing Questions Answered First
Ask what is included before you commit
Former MD Anderson Faculty
Former Associate Professor
Two Locations
Offices in Katy and Cypress
What Can a Self-Pay GI Visit Help With?
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats conditions of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. Self-pay patients come in for the same reasons as anyone else, often after symptoms have lasted for weeks or keep coming back.
Common reasons include abdominal pain, acid reflux and GERD, bloating and gas, constipation, chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, IBS, Crohn's disease, difficulty swallowing and fatty liver disease or abnormal liver tests.
Who chooses self-pay GI care
- Uninsured patients
- People between health plans
- Self-employed and small-business owners
- Patients with a high deductible
- Patients who prefer to know the price first
If you have insurance, ask your insurer how paying directly could affect your benefits.
What Happens During a Self-Pay GI Consultation?
Your first visit focuses on understanding your symptoms and deciding the right next step.
Review of your symptoms
When symptoms started, how often they happen, what makes them better or worse, and any warning signs.
Medical and family history
Your health history, medicines, earlier surgeries and any family history of digestive or liver disease or colorectal cancer.
Review of earlier testing
Bring copies of lab work, imaging, endoscopy or colonoscopy reports and pathology results if you have them.
Examination
An appropriate physical examination based on your symptoms.
Diagnostic plan
Dr. Khan explains what he recommends and why. If testing or a procedure is needed, ask for a separate estimate before you schedule it.
Questions to Ask Before a Self-Pay GI Visit
Price matters, but it should not be the only thing you compare. These questions help you understand what you are likely to pay for the care you actually need.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is the physician a gastroenterologist? | Gastroenterologists have specialized training in digestive and liver disease. |
| What does the consultation fee include? | Confirm that the quote covers the complete office visit. |
| Will lab tests or imaging cost extra? | Additional testing is usually priced separately. |
| Are follow-up visits a separate charge? | Many patients need at least one follow-up visit. |
| If I need a procedure, what does the estimate include? | Anesthesia, pathology and the facility may be billed separately. |
| Where would a procedure be performed? | The facility can affect the total cost. |
Self-Pay Procedures and Cost Resources
If Dr. Khan recommends a procedure, you can ask for a separate self-pay estimate before scheduling.
Self-Pay Colonoscopy
Screening or diagnostic colonoscopy for uninsured and high-deductible patients, with estimate questions answered first. Self-pay colonoscopy.
Self-Pay Endoscopy (EGD)
Upper endoscopy to evaluate reflux, swallowing problems, abdominal pain, H. pylori or celiac disease. Self-pay endoscopy.
Colonoscopy Cost Guide
What affects the cost of a colonoscopy, with or without insurance. Read the cost guide.
Using Insurance Instead?
United Gastroenterology Associates participates with many major insurance plans. Coverage and benefits depend on your specific plan and must be verified. See accepted insurance plans.
Ask About Current Self-Pay Pricing
Call the office, say that you are a self-pay patient, and ask for the current price of a new patient consultation and what it includes.
Do I Need a Referral?
Referral requirements depend on your situation. If you are paying entirely out of pocket, ask United Gastroenterology Associates whether a referral is needed for your appointment. If you plan to use insurance for any part of your care, check your plan's rules as well. Physicians can find referral information on the physician referral page.
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 Gastroenterologist FAQs
Answers to common questions about seeing a GI specialist without insurance.
Can I see a gastroenterologist without insurance in Houston?
Yes. United Gastroenterology Associates welcomes self-pay patients at its Katy office (23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555) and Cypress office (21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640), serving patients from across Greater Houston. Call (346) 340-4414 and say, "I am a self-pay patient and would like to schedule a gastroenterology visit."
How much does it cost to see a GI doctor without insurance?
The cost depends on the type of visit and any testing or procedures that are medically necessary. Ask the office for current self-pay pricing for a new patient consultation before your appointment. If testing or a procedure is recommended, ask for a separate estimate. Self-pay patients can request a Good Faith Estimate for scheduled care.
What is included in a self-pay GI consultation?
A consultation usually includes a review of your symptoms, medical and family history, medicines and any earlier test results, an appropriate examination, and a discussion of the next steps. Lab tests, imaging and procedures are usually priced separately, so ask what the consultation fee covers.
Do I need a referral to see a gastroenterologist if I am paying myself?
Referral requirements depend on your situation. If you are paying entirely out of pocket, ask the office whether a referral is needed for your appointment. If you plan to use insurance for any part of your care, check your plan's referral rules too.
I have a high-deductible plan. Should I pay for a GI visit myself?
Compare what you would owe through your insurance with the self-pay price. 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.
Do I need to know what test I need before booking?
No. You do not need to know which test or procedure you need. A gastroenterology consultation helps determine the right next step based on your symptoms and history.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of scheduling a visit?
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for vomiting blood, heavy rectal bleeding, black or tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting, high fever with abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin with confusion, or food stuck in your throat that will not pass.
Self-Pay GI Care in Katy and Cypress
Self-pay patients from Houston, Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg and surrounding communities can be seen 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)
Request a Self-Pay Gastroenterology Visit
Do not let a lack of insurance keep you from asking for help with digestive symptoms. Call (346) 340-4414 to ask about current self-pay pricing or request an appointment.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Understanding costs in advance (Good Faith Estimate). cms.gov
- American College of Gastroenterology. What is a gastroenterologist?. gi.org
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Digestive Diseases. niddk.nih.gov
This page provides general information and does not replace medical, legal or financial advice. Self-pay pricing can change; ask the office for current pricing and an estimate. For a medical emergency, call 911. Last updated October 5, 2026.