Frequently asked questions for Endoscopy appointments.

Note:  There are separate billing and insurance forms for Conway Endoscopy Center, Inc.  If this is your first time having a procedure, or if your insurance information has changed, these will need to be completed prior to your procedure.  These may be downloaded from this website and completed prior to your arrival to save time the morning of your procedure.

 1.  What do I need to bring with me for my procedure?  A list of medications, a completed billing information form, a family member or friend to drive you home, and any other questions that you have regarding your procedure that may not have been answered yet.

 2.  Why do I have to fill out another set of insurance forms for my procedure?  Conway Endoscopy Center, Inc. and Conway Gastroenterology are in the same building, but are two separate identities.  Procedures performed in the Center will generate two charges, just as they would at a hospital.  There will be a professional charge to cover the physician’s fee, as well as a facility fee to cover the costs of supplies, nursing, equipment, etc.

 3.  Do I need to be fasting?  Yes.  You should have received specific instructions from the office staff at the time your procedure was scheduled.  If you are unsure about these or did not receive instructions, please call the office to clarify.

 4.  Can I take my medications before my procedure?  Medications for high blood pressure and heart disease are to be taken as usual.  Anti clotting medications for thrombosis, stroke, stents (such as Plavix, Aspirin, Coumadin) will need to be held prior to your procedure, in most cases.  Please do not stop them yourself, but discuss them with your physician at the time your procedure is scheduled.  Medications for Diabetes will likely need to be adjusted the day of your procedure.  Again, please let your physician know if this applies to you.

 5.  Is a prep needed for my examination?  Colonoscopy requires an adequate prep to complete the exam safely and accurately.  These instructions should be given and explained to you at the time that your procedure is scheduled.  If you have questions regarding the exam, please ask the office staff or physician at the time of your appointment.  Many new preps are now available that are generally easily tolerated.  But it must be stressed, that adequate preparation is needed for the exam to be completed.   Upper endoscopy requires only that the patient has fasted past midnight.  You will be allowed to take any medications needed with a few sips of water, but nothing more, to ensure that your stomach is empty.  This allows for a safe and accurate exam of the upper GI tract.

6.  Do I need someone with me?  Yes.  Our procedures are generally performed under sedation, and require that you have someone drive you home afterward.  Also, it is important that someone is with you to discuss the findings of your exam.  Many times the sedation medications cause you to not remember what was said to you by the physician and nurses after your exam.

Note:  We discourage family members from dropping patients off and leaving the facility while the procedure is being performed.  Although these procedures are safe, they are still associated with some degree of risk.  Sometimes, the findings at your scheduled procedure may dictate that other procedures or actions be performed.  Having family members present facilitates making these arrangements. 

 7.  Will someone discuss the results of my examination?  Always.  The physician will discuss findings with you, but frequently you will not remember that conversation.  The results will also be discussed with your family member or friend (unless you specify otherwise) that comes with you.

Results of biopsies or polyps removed will usually return to the office within a week.  A letter describing the findings and any follow up recommendations will be sent to you.  If more studies need to be scheduled or if a change in your treatment is required, you will receive a phone call from the physician or nurse.  Please call the office if you have not heard the results of any biopsies within two weeks.

 8.  What diet should I be on before my procedure?  This should be explained to you at the time that your procedure is scheduled.  Colonoscopy requires a clear liquid diet the day prior to the exam.  Upper endoscopy does not require any specific diet, just fasting past midnight.  A list of appropriate clear liquids is available on this website.

 9.  What if I have problems with the prep?  Some people experience symptoms of nausea and occasional vomiting with some of the preps.  Newer preps seem to be better tolerated.  If having nausea, slow down the rate at which you are taking the prep.  Be sure to have remained on a clear liquid diet.  If nausea or vomiting persists, stop the prep and call your physician or the physician on call for further instructions.  If you have had problems with a specific prep in the past, be sure to discuss this with your physician or staff at the time your procedure is scheduled.

10.  How long will my procedure take?  You should plan to be at the facility for approximately 2 hours.  Upper endoscopy takes about 15 minutes to perform, and colonoscopy about 30 minutes.  You will need to check in early to ensure that all of the insurance paperwork is in order, and have a brief medical evaluation by the admitting nurse to be sure nothing has changed that would alter plans for your procedure.  You will be observed for approximately 30 minutes (or longer) after your procedure while you recover from the sedation.

Note:  While we know your time is valuable, we must pay close attention to the needs of all of our patients.  Some procedures may take longer than usual or require additional care that was not anticipated (additional procedures or counseling).  Be assured that we do our best to efficiently deliver the best care to all of our patients.  However, the schedule may be delayed form time to time due to procedures ahead of yours.

11.  Are there risks associated with my procedure?  All med

ical procedures have associated risks.  Endoscopic procedures are considered safe, and are performed in this facility by physicians specifically trained in a gastroenterology fellowship program to do them.  You will receive a brochure regarding your specific procedure at the time of your office visit.  Your physician will discuss any concerns that you may have.  Also, there is a description of procedures and risks on this website for you to review.