Frequently Asked Questions

Billing

• Q. 1. What is the cost for a Colonoscopy (lower Endoscopy) and Gastroscopy (upper Gastroscopy)?
  The associated costs can vary with each patient. Most major medical insurance covers the costs of the procedure. Co-pays and deductibles are the responsibility of the patient.
• Q. Why is it important to complete the forms, (patient information, screening waiver, release to consent, and Medicare lifetime authorization), and return with insurance card copies?
  Your information can be obtained from different sources. It is necessary for the billing department to have the most current insurance information on file. If filed to the wrong plan, or under the wrong group number, your claim may be denied. If we have copies of your insurance cards, we will be able to file charges correctly because we verify all information before sending the claim to your insurance company.
• Q. How will my insurance pay on my procedure?
  It is the patient's responsibility to be aware of their insurance benefits and will need to call the plan and check benefits. Each insurance plan is different and so they pay differently. As a smart consumer you need to be aware of what your benefits are. We will not verify your coverage with your insurance.
  
  When calling the insurance plan ask different questions such as:
  
  

  • A. How will my insurance pay on a screening colonoscopy (no problems, routine). How does my insurance pay on a colonoscopy if I have a medical reason (diarrhea, constipation etc) for the test?
  • B. What happens if a biopsy is taken and or polyp is removed? Will my benefit level change if this happens?
• What happens if I can't pay my balance when the statement comes?
  We expect payment in full after your insurance pays. We provided a service to you, and expect to be paid in full for the service performed in a prompt manner. If you are unable to pay in full, you need to call the office and make payment arrangements.

General

• Q. How long will my procedure take?
  Your procedure will take approximately 30 minutes. You will be at the hospital or Surgery Center for 2-3 hours.
• Q. Can I drive myself home after the procedure?
  No, You must have a driver. No exceptions the hospitals and surgery centers will not allow a patient who has been sedated to drive themselves home.
• Q. Do I need to do a prep for my Procedure? And how will I obtain my instructions?
  Yes, if you are having a colonoscopy you must do a bowel prep the day before your procedure. You can obtain these instructions on the web site or our office will mail you information by mail.

Nursing

• Q. When can I expect my results? (biopsy, x-ray, lab, small bowel capsule / manometry)

  X-ray results	3 to 5 days
  Lab results	2 days
  Hepatitis testing	5 to 7 days (specialized testing such as viral load can take up to 2 weeks)
  Small bowel capsule, esophageal manometry	2 weeks

  
  Biopsy results will be mailed to your home in about 2-3 weeks.
  
  Please note: if any test indicates an abnormality which requires immediate attention, you will be notified sooner. Keep in mind, results may arrive sooner at our office, but they have to be reviewed by your physician before results can be given out.
• Q. What if I forget to stop my iron supplement? Do I need to cancel my test?
  No. The test will not be cancelled, but mention to the nurse who does your pre-procedure assessment that you have not stopped this medication.
• Q. I have a cold/fever; don't feel well, should I reschedule my test?
  If you are running a temperature over 101, it would be best to reschedule and contact your primary care physician. (PCP).
• Q. I'm on Coumadin, / Plavix /or Aspirin...do I need to stop this prior to my test?
  Aspirin and Plavix need to be stopped the morning of the exam. Coumadin needs to be stopped 3 days prior to the exam. Please call the physician who prescribed this medication for approval to hold. If you are told you may not stop this medication, please notify the office nurses immediately.
• Q. I have mitral valve prolapse / a cardiac stent/ or total joint replacement. Do I need pre-op medications prior to my procedure?
  No. Only cardiac valve REPLACEMENTS require antibiotics.
• Q. I'm a diabetic. Are there special instructions for me to follow?
  Yes. Please alter your medication as follows for either oral or injectable insulin.
  No INSULIN or ORAL MEDICATION the morning of the procedure. Upper endoscopy requires you observe nothing to eat or drink after midnight. As you will be required the day prior to your colonoscopy to follow a clear liquid diet. Take one half of your dose of medication. If you are use an insulin pump /have unstable diabetes, please contact your diabetes doctor for instructions.
• Q. What do I do if I start my prep and I become nauseated or vomit?
  It is common to feel nauseous while taking your prep. This sensation will usually subside once your prep starts working. If you vomit, rest for 30 minutes or until this sensation passes, then retry your prep. As the goal of the prep is to clean out your large intestine, it is important that the entire prep be consumed. It is OK if the prep takes longer than 4 hours to complete.
• Q. My medication requires a prior authorization. How long will this take?
  An office staff member will request a form from your insurance company. Once this is filled out and signed by our physician it will be resubmitted to your insurance company. Turnaround for an answer can take up to 7 days. If a denial letter is obtained from your insurance company it is your responsibility to ask your insurance company which alternative medication can be used.
• Q. How long should I wait to tell if my medication is working?
  New medications require time to achieve therapeutic levels, therefore, please continue your medications such as antispasmodics and proton pump inhibitors for 7 to 10 days. If you feel after this time the medication is not effective, please contact the nursing department.
• Q. May l drop by the office to talk to the nurses?
  No, we do not allow walk-ins.
• Q. Can I take a vitamin that contains iron the day of my procedure?
  If you take vitamins (including multivitamins Centrum Silver) that contain iron they should be stopped 3 days prior to your scheduled exam.
• Q. Can I drink various flavors of Gatorade with my prep?
  You can drink any of the Gatorade flavors as long as they are clear and NOT red or purple.
• Q. Can I use generic Dulcolax?
  Yes.
• Q. Can I drink dark colored soda with my prep?
  Yes, you may drink anything that is not red. Regular and diet soda is fine but do not mix the Miralax in soda.
• Q. Can I take cardiac, blood pressure or breathing medications the morning of the procedure?
  Yes you can take these medications with a small sip of water.