FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COLONOSCOPY
What time is my procedure appointment?
Your appointment time is determined by the facility. You will be contacted by the facility staff with your assigned time to report for your procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure itself will usually last from 15 to 45 minutes but you should plan on being there for approximately 2 hours.
Why can’t I have red clear liquids?
The color can remain in the colon and make an accurate diagnosis more difficult.
Why should I drink gatorade?
Gatorade contains electrolytes, such as potassium, and can help replenish your system of these electrolytes which are depleted during the prep.
I already have loose stool. Do I still have to take the prep?
Yes, you must take the entire prep as directed by your doctor. Your colon is approximately 6 feet long. The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon clearly.
If I have an early appointment, do I really have to get up at 4:00 in the morning to take the second half of my prep?
Yes. The second part of the prep MUST be taken 3 hours prior to arriving for your appointment. If you take it too close to the appointment time or not at all, you run the risk of an inadequate prep and the procedure would need to be rescheduled.
My bottom is sore. What can I do?
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H or Desitin liberally.
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
We strongly suggest you do not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to your procedure since this can cause dehydration and some wines may thin your blood.
Can I chew gum or suck candy?
Yes, you may chew gum. You may suck hard candy but nothing with soft centers and no red flavors.
Can I brush my teeth?
Yes.
Can I wear my dentures?
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy suite but you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
I have been instructed not to take anti-inflmmatories or blood thinners several days before the procedure. What can I take for headaches and pain relief?
You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed.
What should I wear?
You will be changing into a gown but it is recommended you wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Can I have the colonoscopy during my menstrual period?
Yes.
Will I be sedated?
Yes. You will be given Propofol by anesthesiology personnel.
Why do I need to have a driver?
Because you will be sedated for the procedure, you MUST have a driver who can remain at the facility and drive you home afterwards. Your procedure will be canceled if you do not have a driver present.
When will I receive the results of my procedure?
Immediately following the procedure, your physician will speak with you and your driver about any findings during the procedure. However, biopsy results will not be available until the specimen(s) are examined by a pathologist and a report is provided to your physician for interpretation. Therefore, you will be contacted with biopsy results, either by telephone or mail, within 3 to 7 business days.
Will I be able to work the next day?
Yes. You are instructed to not work or drive the day of the procedure, giving the sedation time to leave your system, but you should be back to normal the following day.
Will the procedure be covered by my insurance?
You must call the telephone number on your insurance card to obtain the information specific to what your plan covers, including any possible non-covered service, copayment or deductible responsibilities.
If my insurance covers screening services, will my screening colonoscopy be covered in full?
Insurance companies often provide coverage for screening colonoscopy. However, if during the course of your screening procedure the physician removes a polyp or performs a tissue biopsy, the procedure may be considered diagnostic and may not qualify for coverage as a screening service. In this case, you may be responsible for all or part of the procedure costs. It is important to research these matters prior to having a procedure.
PROCEDURES
What time is my procedure appointment?
Your appointment time is determined by the facility. You will be contacted by the facility staff with your assigned time to report for your procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure itself will usually last from 15 to 45 minutes but you should plan on being there for approximately 2 hours.
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
We strongly suggest you do not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to your procedure since this can cause dehydration and some wines may thin your blood.
Can I brush my teeth?
Yes.
Can I wear my dentures?
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy suite but you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
I have been instructed not to take anti-inflmmatories or blood thinners several days before the procedure. What can I take for headaches and pain relief?
You may take Tylenol (acetomenaphine) as directed.
What should I wear?
You will be changing into a gown but it is recommended you wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Why do I need to have a driver?
Because you will be sedated for the procedure, you MUST have a driver who can remain at the facility and drive you home afterwards. Your procedure will be canceled if you do not have a driver present.
Will I be sedated?
Yes. You will be given Propofol by anesthesiology personnel.
Will I be able to work the next day?
Yes. You are instructed to not work or drive the day of the procedure, giving the sedation time to leave your system, but you should be back to normal the following day.
INSURANCE / BILLING
If I need a follow-up office visit after a procedure, is this visit included in the procedure charges?
No. Endoscopy is different than a surgery service in that a follow-up visit is not typical. Reimbursement for endoscopy services does not include any type of follow-up visit.
What do I do if I receive a bill from a provider other than Tri-County Gastroenterology but it is related to my procedure?
There are several providers that may be involved in your procedure including but not limited to anesthesiology, pathology and the actual facility. Should you receive a bill and have any questions in regards to the fees, please call the telephone number on the bill. We do not have access to account information for any providers other than Tri-County Gastroenterology, PC.
If my insurance requires a referral for office visits and I come to my office appointment without a referral, will I be able to see the doctor?
Only if you pay for the visit at the time of service; otherwise, if a required referral is not in our office at the time of an office appointment, you will be asked to reschedule the appointment.
Will my appointment or procedure be covered by my insurance?
You must call the telephone number on your insurance card to obtain the information specific to what your plan covers, including any possible non-covered service, copayment or deductible responsibilities.
If my insurance covers screening services, will my screening colonoscopy be covered in full?
Insurance companies often provide coverage for screening colonoscopy. However, if during the course of your screening procedure the physician removes a polyp or performs a tissue biopsy, the procedure may be considered diagnostic and may not qualify for coverage as a screening service. In this case, you may be responsible for all or part of the procedure costs. It is important to research these matters prior to having a procedure.
Have a question you don’t see answered here? Give us a call.