FAQ’s & Help
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Questions about Colonoscopy
The procedure itself will usually last from 15 to 45 minutes but you should plan on being there for approximately 2 hours.
The color can remain in the colon and make an accurate diagnosis more difficult.
Gatorade contains electrolytes, such as potassium, and can help replenish your system of these electrolytes which are depleted during the prep. (Reminder, no red Gatorade!)
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.
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.
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H or Desitin liberally.
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.
No, you may not chew gum or suck on hard candies the morning of your procedure. Only the day prior.
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy suite but you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed.
You will be changing into a gown but it is recommended you wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Yes. You will be given Propofol by anesthesiology personnel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Questions about Procedures
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.
The procedure itself will usually last from 15 to 45 minutes but you should plan on being there for approximately 2 hours.
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.
Yes. Please do.
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy suite but you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
You may take Tylenol (acetomenaphine) as directed.
You will be changing into a gown but it is recommended you wear loose, comfortable clothing.
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.
Yes. You will be given Propofol by anesthesiology personnel.
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.
Questions about Insurance & Billing
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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