Mayo Clinic's approach

Collaboration

At Mayo Clinic, people who need a colonoscopy are cared for by a team of specialists who work together to tailor care to your needs. Gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons and other experts collaborate to evaluate symptoms, perform colonoscopy and ensure high-quality cancer screening and follow-up care.

Your care team reviews your health history, risk factors and prior test results to help determine the best approach to screening or surveillance. Appointments and test results are coordinated so services are convenient, efficient and integrated.

Advanced diagnosis and treatment

Mayo Clinic doctors use the most advanced techniques available to find colon polyps. During a colonoscopy, other techniques, such as high-definition narrow band imaging or special staining, may be used to enhance polyp detection. New systems using artificial intelligence to assist doctors in identifying colon polyps are being pioneered at Mayo Clinic.

If colon polyps are found that are too large or complex to remove during the initial procedure, specialists in advanced endoscopic techniques or colorectal surgery are available to provide timely follow-up and treatment. Mayo Clinic uses advanced technology and minimally invasive approaches when appropriate to improve outcomes and support recovery.

Efficient, personalized care

Mayo Clinic also offers support services, including care coordination, patient education, and assistance with travel and lodging for people coming from outside the local area. This multidisciplinary approach helps ensure that every aspect of your colonoscopy experience and follow-up care is carefully planned and personalized.

The Mayo Clinic experience and patient stories

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced. See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients.

Expertise and rankings

Experience

Mayo Clinic doctors have extensive experience performing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening, evaluation of symptoms, and follow-up after polyps or cancer. Specialists care for people with a wide range of conditions affecting the colon, including those with increased risk due to family history, inflammatory bowel disease or inherited cancer syndromes.

Research leaders

Mayo Clinic researchers are studying ways to improve colonoscopy quality and accuracy, including clinical trials that evaluate artificial intelligence tools designed to help detect polyps during the exam. Other studies focus on improving bowel preparation, particularly for people who are hospitalized, to help ensure that colonoscopy provides the best possible view of the colon.

Mayo Clinic also is involved in research on colorectal cancer prevention, including studies of stool-based testing and other screening approaches used alongside colonoscopy. Through this research, Mayo Clinic aims to improve early detection of colorectal cancer and reduce the risk of missed precancerous polyps.

Nationally recognized expertise

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2025–2026 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Locations, travel and lodging

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:

Costs and insurance

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.

More information about billing and insurance:

Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Health System

Feb. 06, 2026
  1. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for colorectal cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021; doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238.
  2. Gupta S, et al. Recommendations for follow-up after colonoscopy and polypectomy: A consensus update by the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2020; doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.10.026.
  3. Colorectal cancer early detection, diagnosis, and staging. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging.html. American Cancer Society. Accessed Jan. 16, 2026.
  4. A-Rahim YI, et al. Bowel preparation before colonoscopy in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 16, 2026.
  5. Colonoscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/colonoscopy. Accessed Jan. 16, 2026.
  6. Lee L, et al. Overview of colonoscopy in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 16, 2026.
  7. Knudsen AB, et al. Colorectal cancer screening: An updated modeling study for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2021; doi:10.1001/jama.2021.5746.
  8. Colonoscopy. American College of Gastroenterology. https://gi.org/topics/colonoscopy/. Accessed Jan. 16, 2026.
  9. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Guidelines for endoscopy in pregnant and lactating women. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2012; doi:10.1016/j.gie.2012.02.029.
  10. Can you have a colonoscopy when you're menstruating? International Center for Global Health Information. https://www.icgi.org/can-you-have-a-colonoscopy-if-youre-menstruating/. Accessed Jan. 16, 2026.
  11. Health Education & Content Services. About your colonoscopy. Mayo Clinic; 2018.