I need a colonoscopy
Step 1: Make your Appointment
Option 1: A Referral from your Primary Physician NEEDS to be made.
If your Referring Physician hasn’t forwarded your request for patient services yet and you need a colonoscopy, contact our office or fill out the form below and we will be in touch to coordinate services.
If you have any type of GI symptom, then you need a referral for a procedure. As an option, you can schedule an office visit with our physicians to determine if you need a colonoscopy and the correct course of care.
Option 2: You don't need a referral to a specialist.
If you are 45 or better and this is your first procedure, or it has been 10 years since your last procedure, then you don’t need a request for patient services; simply fill out the form below to request your appointment. If your Insurance carrier requires a global referral form, please bring that with you to your appointment.
Step 2: Prepare for your Appointment
One of the most important parts of your procedure is the prep. If you don’t complete the preparation in a timely manner, you may have to reschedule your procedure. You’ll only want to do the prep once, so make sure you allow adequate time and are thorough.
There are different types of colonoscopy prep. Your Gastroenterologist or Colorectal Surgeon might ask you to use a specific one. Instructions may be emailed by us from ([email protected]).
Your GI tract has to be clean before you start your procedure. If it’s not, then you are at a higher risk of complications, and the procedure is less effective. In other words, it’s a mess.
Step 3: Procedure Day!
We do our best to make sure you are as comfortable as possible on the day of your procedure. Your arrival time will be provided at scheduling but may be subject to change. If changed it’s likely due to the needs of the patients that we care for, and quality patient care is our highest priority.
You need to have a driver stay in the waiting area, or your procedure will be rescheduled. We have WiFi available, and they are welcome to refreshments or their own entertainment and headphones to be more comfortable. Although the actual procedure takes approximately 15 to 45 minutes, the total amount of time for your visit may vary.
Step 4: Review your results
Once your procedure is completed, you will be taken to your recovery space. After about 30 minutes, your surgeon will meet with you to discuss your initial results. On rare occasions, patients may need help to remember this discussion, so we make sure to provide a written report. You’ll also receive further instructions on aftercare, including information on any prescription and dietary needs.
It takes about 1-3 weeks for your results to be processed, depending on where your samples go to be processed. We always work with your insurance provider to manage high-quality, cost-effective care, and your insurance determines which labs to use.
Once your samples are processed, we review the results, make recommendations, and coordinate with our Medical Assistants. Look for a letter in the mail with your results and recommendations.
