FAQs
Office Questions
Can I have a procedure without having an office visit first?
If you are currently having symptoms, such as heartburn, rectal bleeding or other symptoms, you will need to be seen by a doctor prior to a procedure. If you are over 50 and do not have any symptoms, you are able to schedule a screening colonoscopy without having to be seen by a doctor.
Are there forms I need to fill out prior to the visit?
Depending on your insurance benefits, you may have a co-pay or deductible amount that will be due on the day of your office visit or procedure. We suggest you contact your insurance company regarding your benefits. Feel free to call our billing department and we can assist you in retrieving this information.
What items do I need to bring with me for my first visit?
Please remember to bring your insurance card, photo ID, a referral by your primary care doctor (if needed) and a list of any medications you are currently taking (prescription and over-the-counter).
How soon should I cancel my appointment if I can’t make it?
Of course, we understand that last minute delays or complications arise, but we ask that you give our office a 3-day notice of any cancellations so we may fill your time slot with patients on our waiting list.
Procedural Questions
Why do I need to arrive early for the procedure?
Prior to a procedure, each patient is required to read and sign consent forms, be admitted by a nurse who will go over medical history and start an IV, as well as speak with the anesthesiologist and physician. We ask you to arrive at your scheduled arrival time to ensure all questions and concerns are addressed before your procedure.
What happens if I am unable to finish my prep?
If you are unable to finish your prep, please give our office a call at 630-527-6450 anytime. Our staff will be able to address your issue and assist you in adjusting your prep. If you call after our office is closed, our after-hours answering service will page the on-call doctor.
Am I able to drive after the procedure?
Since you will be given anesthesia during your procedure, you will be unable to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after your procedure. You will need to have a responsible adult drive you home after your procedure.
What should I bring with me to my procedure?
Please bring your insurance card and photo ID. Leave all valuables at home. Bring any cases for glasses, dentures or hearing aids. Review your insurance benefits so you may bring the proper payment, if required.
Should I take my medication the morning of the procedure?
When you schedule your appointment, our staff will review your medications and provide you with instructions for taking any medications the morning of your procedure. Medications taken at night should not be affected.
Why do I need to be on a clear liquid diet during the prep?
Your colon needs to be clear of stool the day of your test. If you eat solid food the day prior to your test, your bowel is still processing the food and creating stool. If you have stool in your colon during the procedure, this impairs the doctor’s view, resulting in a possible repeat of the prep and the test.
I am diabetic. Can I take my insulin pill or injection prior to the procedure? What is the best time to schedule an appointment?
Since patients are unable to eat or drink anything the day of the procedure we suggest any patients who are diabetic schedule an early morning procedure. Please contact your primary care doctor for special instructions regarding your insulin. You may also call our office and we will assist you in contacting your doctor.
Do I need to stop my Coumadin and/or blood thinners prior to the procedure?
Your doctors have determined that it is safe to be off Coumadin for these few days. Coumadin is discontinued so if any polyps are found, your doctor can safely remove them.
May I go back to my normal diet and activity after the procedure?
Patients are able to return to a normal diet unless otherwise instructed by their doctor. We suggest eating light foods that are easy to digest, since you have not eaten for 24 hours. We suggest breakfast foods, such as eggs and toast.
Am I able to brush my teeth the morning of my procedure?
Yes. We ask that you do brush your teeth the day of your procedure. You may even use mouthwash, but do not swallow any water when rinsing.
Insurance/Financial Questions
How do I know if I need a referral for my office appointment or procedure?
Many insurance plans, especially HMOs, require a referral or written authorization from a primary care doctor for each visit. Your PCP should be able to tell you if you need a referral, but ultimately it is your responsibility to know if a referral or written authorization is required before each visit, and to obtain one. You may call our billing department if you have any questions. We will refer to your current insurance and inform you if a referral is required.
What are my financial responsibilities for my upcoming procedure?
Our billing specialist will assist you in contacting your insurance company about your benefits. It is important for you to return the billing specialist’s call so you will know if any payments are due on the day of your procedure.
What is the difference between screening and diagnostic?
A screening colonoscopy is for patients over 50 who are not having symptoms and do not have a family or personal history of gastrointestinal disorders. After the first colonoscopy is performed, any future procedures will be considered diagnostic. A diagnostic colonoscopy is for patients who are currently showing symptoms, have a family history of colon cancer or personal history of gastrointestinal disorders.
Is a pre-certification or prior authorization required before my procedure?
A pre-certification or prior authorization is required for most health insurance companies. You will need to contact our office to obtain certain codes regarding your procedure. You may then contact your insurance company with these codes to confirm your benefits and to see if any such authorization is required.
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