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Patient Information
What is a Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon lining with a lighted fiberoptic camera, or scope. The scope is a flexible tube about the thickness of your finger. The doctor will insert the scope through your rectum then up through your colon to check for abnormalities. If necessary, an instrument can be passed through the scope to take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for examination in the lab. Biopsies are done for many reasons and do not necessarily imply cancer. During this process of diagnosis, your doctor may also perform other minor procedures, such as polyp removal. The procedure will take about 20 minutes, but expect your visit with us to last about an hour and a half (1.5) hours if your procedure has been scheduled at Eastside Endoscopy Center and approximately three (3) hours if your procedure has been scheduled at another facility such as a hospital. This time not only allows for the procedure but also for check-in, preparation and recovery.
Verifying Insurance Coverage
Be aware that not all insurance plans cover colonoscopy for primary screening of conlon cancer. Please contact your primary care physician or your insurance company to determine if a prior referral is needed.
Medicare does cover the test with certain frequency restrictions, depending on personal and family history (ask us if you have any questions). Note that these frequency intervals do not apply if you have been having symptoms referable to your colon.
For people covered by other insurance plans, we highly recommend you check with your insurance company prior to the procedure. We encourage you to verify that screening colonoscopy is covered under your policy and to determine what the out of pocket responsibility may be, such as what your level of coverage is, if you have a deductible and/or a co-pay and if so, how much it is for this procedure. When you contact the insurance company, you will need to give them some information. You will need to know the name of the facility that the procedure will take place and the procedure codes. The procedure code for screening colonoscopy is 45378 and the diagnosis code is V76.51.
Please note that after the procedure, you may receive up to four separate invoices from separate companies. You will receive a bill from the physician who performed the procedure, one from the facility where the procedure was performed, one for anesthesia, and if you had tissue biopsied or removed, a bill from the pathology lab.
One week before the Procedure
1. Be sure to review and follow the separately enclosed bowel reparation instructions!
2. If you are unable to keep your appointment, we require a 48 hour notice so that we may offer the time slot to someone else.
3. If you are a diabetic, be sure you have received instructions on how to manage your diabetic medications.
The day of the test - Important Information
1. Please bring the following when you come for your colonoscopy:
- A list of all medications you are taking
- A list of any allergies you have
- Your health insurance cards
- A responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure. You will not be discharged until that person is here to take you.
- Photo identification with current address such as a driver's license.
2. Please leave jewelry at home.
3. Small children will be more comfortable at home.
The Procedure
In the preparation/reception area you will need to answer questions about your health history, current medicines and allergies. You will sigh consent forms.
The procedure centers, such as Eastside Endoscopy Center or Overlake Hospital Medical are separate entities and do not have copies of all your records.
After you change into a hospital gown, a nurse will start an intravenous line (IV). The IV will be used to give you medication to make you more comfortable during the procedure. This medication may affect your memory of the procedure.
The procedure will be performed in a room specially desighed for endoscopic procedures. Equipment that will help the nurse and doctor monitor your heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing will be connected to you.
You will be asked to lie on your left side. You will then be sedated before the doctor passes the lubricated tube into your rectum. As the tube passed through the curves of your colon, you may feel pressure or discomfort. You may receive medication throughout the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible.
The doctor will put air into your colon in order to see the lining. After the procedure, as a result of the air, you may have some bloating or abdominal discomfort. You may feel as though you have to have a bowel movement. Pass the air if you feel the need.
If a biopsy and/or polyp removal is necessary, you should experience no pain.
Potential Complications
Complications are rare. However, there are potential complications associated with all medical procedures. The following complications are possible: perforation, bleeding, medication Phlebitis, drug reactions and complications from other diseases you may already have, Instrument failure and death are extremely rare but remain remote possibilities. Your physician will discuss their frequency with you, if you desire, with particular reference to your own indications for gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Recovery
After your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area. When you are ready to go home, the physician will talk to you, along with your family member or friend if you wish. The nurse will discuss instructions and answer your questions. You will be given a copy of the discharge summary.
You may not drive your self home. Be sure to bring a responsible, licensed adult driver with you. A responsible adult will need to be with you when you are discharged from the recovery area.
At-home Instructions
You will be given specific written instructions about resuming your medications and diet.
- You may return to work or school the day after your procedure.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for at least 12 hours after your procedure.
- Do not make any major legal or financial decisions for at least 12 hours after the procedure.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages for at least 12 hours following your procedure.
Test Results
If you had a biopsy or other type of testing, the results will be available to you in about 10 business days. You will either receive a phone call or you will receive the results in the mail.
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What is an EGD?
The term EGD is short for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, an examination of the upper intestinal tract with a lighted fiberoptic camera, or scope. The scope is a flexible tube about the thickness of your finger. The doctor will gently insert the scope through your mouth to examine the esophagus and all the way down to the duodenum or small bowel. If necessary, an instrument can be passed through the scope to take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for examination in the lab. Biopsies are done for many reasons and do not necessarily imply cancer. During this process of diagnosis, your doctor may also perform other minor procedures, such as polyp removal.
The procedure will take about 20 minutes, but expect your visit with us to last about two (2) hours if your procedure has been scheduled at Eastside Endoscopy Center and approximately three (3) hours if your procedure is scheduled at another facility such as a hospital. This time not only allows for the procedure but also for check-in, preparation and recovery.
Verifying Insurance Coverage
Please contact your primary care physician or your insurance company to determine if a prior referral is needed.
For people covered by private insurance plans, we highly recommend you check with your insurance company prior to the procedure. We encourage you to verify that the EGD is covered under your policy and to determine what the out of pocket responsibility may be, such as what your level of coverage is, if you have a decuctible and/or a co-pay and if so, how much it is for the procedure. When you contact the insurance company, you will need to give them some information. You will need to know the name of the facility that the procedure will take place and the procedure codes. The procedure code for an EGD is 43235.
After the procedure, you may receive up to four separate invoices from separate companies.
You will receive a bill from the physician who performed the procedure, one from the facility where the procedure was performed, one for anesthesia, and if you had tissue biopsied or removed, a bill from the pathology lab.
One week before the Procedure
1. Be sure to review the EGD preparation instructions!
2. If you are unable to keep your appointment, we required a 48 hour notice so that we may offer the time slot to someone else.
3. If you are a diabetic, be sure you have received instructions on how to manage your diabetic medications.
The day of the test - Important Information
1. Please bring the following when you come for your colonoscopy:
- A list of all medications you are taking
- A list of any allergies you have
- Your health insurance cards
- A responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure. You will not be discharged until that person is here to take you.
- Photo identification with current address such as a driver's license.
2.Please leave jewelry at home.
3. Small children will be more comfortable at home.
The Procedure
In the preparation/reception are you will need to answer questions about your health history, current medicines and allergies. You will sign consent forms.
The procedure center, Eastside Endoscopy Center or Overlake Hospital Medical Center are separate entities and do not have copies of all your records.
After you change into a hospital gown, a nurse will start an intravenous line (IV). The IV will be used to give you medication to make you more comfortable during the procedure. This medication may affect your memory of the procedure.
The procedure will be performed in a room specially designed for endoscopic procedures. Equipment that will help the nurse and doctor monitor your heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing will be connected to you.
Your throat will most likely be anesthetized by a spray or liquid. IV sedation is usually given to relax you and to deaden the gag reflex. The sedation often causes a short-term amnesia effect. After the sedation is delivered, the doctor will gently insert the tube into your mouth. You can breathe easily throughout the exam. Other instruments can be passed through the endoscope to perform additional procedures if necessary. If a biopsy and/or polyp removal is necessary, you should experience no pain. After a thorough examination the endoscope will be withdrawn.
There is no pain with the procedure and patients seldom remember much about it.
Potential Complictions
A temporary, mild throat irritation sometimes occurs after the exam. Serious complications are very uncommon. However, there are potential complications associated with all medical procedures. The following complications are possible: perforation, bleeding, medication Phlebitis, drug reactions and complications from other diseases you may already have. Instrument failure and death are extremely rare but remain remote possibilities.
Your physician will discuss their frequency with you, if you desire, with particular reference to your own indications for gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Recovery
After your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area. When you are ready to go home, the physician will talk to you, along with your family member or friend if you wish. The nurse will discuss instructions and answer your questions. You will be given a copy of the discharge summary.
You may not drive yourself home. Be sure to bring a responsible, licensed adult with you. A responsible adult will need to be with you when you are discharged from the recovery area.
At-home Instructions
You will be given specific written instructions about resuming your medications and diet.
Test results
If you had a biopsy or other type of testing, the results will be available to you in about 10 business days. You will either receive a phone call or you will receive the results in the mail.
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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy What is it?
Sigmoidoscopy is a visual examination of the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon, using a lighted, flexible tube connected to a video screen for viewing. During the sigmoidoscopy, only the last 1 to 2 feet of the colon is examined. This last part of the colon, just above the rectum, is called the sigmoid colon. Reason for the examination?
Sigmoidoscopy is performed to diagnose the cause of certain symptoms. The procedure provides information used to determine which treatment will be given, or reassurance can be provided when the exam is normal. Some of the reasons are: - Bleeding – hemorrhoids or a small tear at the anus, called a fissure, benign polyps, rectal or colon cancer, colitis, and inflammation.
- Diarrhea
- Pain – Hemorrhoids and fissures are some causes of pain around the anus or in the rectum. Discomfort in the lower abdomen can be caused by tumors. Diverticulosis can occur in the lower bowel.
- X-ray findings – A barium enema x-ray exam may show abnormalities that need to be confirmed or treated by sigmoidoscopy.
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BRAVO with Upper Endoscopy Why is a Bravo pH test ordered?
pH monitoring tests are intended to be used for the purpose of gastroesophageal pH measurement and monitoring of gastric reflux. In other words, it is way to evaluate heartburn symptoms to determine the frequency and amount of acid refluxing into the esophagus during a 24-48 hour period. How does the Bravo test work?
The traditional way to measure pH levels in the esophagus is to place a catheter, which is connected to a monitoring device on the patient’s belt, down the nose and into the esophagus. The catheter is left in place for a predetermined amount of time. Bravo - The test involves a miniature pH capsule, approximately the size of a gel cap that is attached to your esophagus. Throughout the test period, the Bravo capsule measures the pH in the esophagus and transmits this information to a pager-sized receiver worn on the belt or waistband just like a pager or mobile phone. The patient will be given a diary to write down the times when they experience reflux symptoms (for example, coughing, heartburn, regurgitation), when eating or when lying down. After the test is completed, the patient returns the diary and the Bravo Receiver to the office and the information is uploaded to a computer, which provides a comprehensive report so the physician can diagnose the condition. Several days after the test, the capsule naturally falls off the wall of the esophagus and passes through the digestive tract and is eliminated from the body. The Bravo is not for patients with pacemakers, implantable defibrillators or neurostimulators. Patients with a history of bleeding diatheses, strictures, severe esophagitis, varices and obstructions are not candidates for Bravo. Patients are restricted form undergoing an MRI study within 30 days of the Bravo procedure. Printer Friendly
Capsule Endoscopy What is it?
This test consists of a patient swallowing a disposable 11x23-mm capsule, which can capture two images per second. The images are then transmitted wirelessly to a monitor, which the patient wears throughout the day. The images can then be uploaded to a workstation for viewing. Where is it performed?
This test is done at Eastside Endoscopy Center. This should be scheduled several days in advance because they may need to order the capsule. The patient needs to arrive EEC around 7:00 - 7:15 to have the monitor placed on them and to swallow the pill. At the end of the day around 3:00-3:30 the patient will need to return to have the monitor taken off so that the images can be uploaded. Printer Friendly |
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