Endoscopy FAQs
Frequently Asked Question
1. At what age should I have a screening colonoscopy and why?
You should schedule your screening colonoscopy between the ages of 45 and 50 dependent on your insurance coverage. If you have a family history of colon cancer, your screening colonoscopy might need to be completed earlier. Discuss this with your primary care physician or GI physician for a recommendation as to when the nest time would be for your screening.
2. Will it hurt?
You will be sedated for your colonoscopy and will not feel anything. Some patients do experience some discomfort after the procedure as the physician needs to introduce air into your colon to see it properly. It is important to release the air to avoid gas pains.
3. Is it embarrassing to have this procedure done?
While it is understandable that some patients may feel uneasy about the procedure, it is important to remember that your good health is the goal. While you are at our endoscopy center, you will be given a private room of your own for admitting and recovery following your procedure. You will be given a hospital gown to change into, you will be moved to and from the procedure room covered in your bed. During the procedure, you will remain covered with the exception of the immediate area in which the physician must work. Our physicians and staff make every effort to ensure that your privacy and dignity are maintained throughout your stay with us.
4. Is the preparation the worst part?
The preparation for your procedure is one of the most important aspects of the procedure. If your colon is not cleaned out properly, the physician will not be able to see your colon as well. A good prep is essential to a successful colonoscopy. Preparations for a colonoscopy have come a long way over the years. In many instances, the amount of preparation you need to take the day before your colonoscopy has been greatly reduced. While the preparation amount has been reduced, it is critical that you drink plenty of clear liquids the day before to help your prep work at its best. Following your physician’s preparation instruction is key to a good prep.
5. Why does my driver need to stay at the Endoscopy Center during my procedure?
Due to the deeper sedation used it is important to have a responsible individual here for you should a problem arise. Your driver should also stay because once you are called back into the center, it will into be too long before your driver will be called back to sit with you.
6. Which preparation instructions do I follow, the prep’s or the physician’s?
It is important that you follow the physician’s directions given to you at your office visit or mailed to you. The physician will give you the best way for you to take the prep so that your colon will be clean for the procedure. If it is not cleaned out properly, the procedure may need to be rescheduled or an enema may need to be given prior to your procedure. If you have problems taking your prep, please call the office (330-493-1480), even after hours, so the physician may recommend something to help you complete your prep effectively.
7. How long will I be at the Endoscopy Center?
You can plan on being here for about an hour and a half or so. This is also why we like your driver to stay in the center.
8. What do I do if I forget and eat seeds or nuts five days prior to the procedure?
If you forget and eat these things, it will not be necessary to reschedule your procedure. We ask that you do not eat these things to ensure the doctor has the best view of your colon.
9. Can I take my medication prior to the procedure?
The physician allows medications for your heart, lungs, blood pressure, thyroid, and/or anxiety the morning of the procedure, no later than 6:00 am, unless otherwise directed. Take your medication with just a sip of water, only enough to get it down comfortably. If you take diabetes medication or blood thinners, you should contact the office for directions on how to take these medications prior to your procedure.
10. Can I go back to work after the procedure?
Due to the sedation, you will receive during the procedure, you will not be allowed to return to work the day of the procedure. We can provide a work slip for you if one is needed. You should not sign any important documents or consume alcoholic beverages following the procedure. You will be able to resume your normal activities the day after the procedure.
11. What type of anesthesia do you use for the procedure?
You will be given Propofol by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Propofol will allow you to sleep through the entire procedure. Prior to the procedure, you will have the opportunity to ask the CRNA any questions you may have regarding your consent to the anesthesia. The CRNA will also monitor you during your procedure and check in on you after the procedure has been completed and you are in recovery.
12. Why is my prep so expensive?
The preparation prescribed for you is based on what the physician feels will work best for you and on what your insurance will allow. If you find that the prep is overly expensive, please contact the office. The physician may be able to recommend a more cost-effective prep or perhaps provide a sample prep kit dependent on availability.
13. Will I have a chance to speak with the physician?
The physician will speak with you briefly before the procedure. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions regarding your consent to the procedure. Following the procedure and once you are awake, the physician will come in and speak with you regarding his findings and give any further recommendations to you.
14. Why do I have several charges on my statement for the procedure?
Your procedure will be billed in several different areas. There is the professional fee which is the charge for the physician service, a facility fee which is the charge for the use of the facility, an anesthesia charge, and the technical component of your pathology service, if applicable. You will also receive a bill from either the hospital or Inform Diagnostics dependent on your insurance. This is for the pathologist to read your specimens slides.
Questions regarding your Gastroenterology Associates, Inc. statement can be answered by our billing department at 330-493-1485.
Questions regarding your Inform Diagnostics (pathology) statement can be answered by their billing department at 1-888-344-1160.