Gastroenterologist Procedure FAQ

The process of looking for cancer in people who have no signs and or symptoms of the disease. The test looks at the structure of the colon itself to find any abnormal areas such as a polyps and or early cancer growths.
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A diagnostic colonoscopy is performed when you do have symptoms such as blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, iron deficiency anemia, change in bowel habits or persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, or abnormal x-rays of the Colon.

Screening is preventive care whereas diagnostic is to find the cause of your symptoms.

An abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane.

No colonoscopies are painless and you are given a mild anesthesia and the same thing for EGD’s.

This is a diagnostic procedure that allows the doctor to diagnose and treat problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI)

If the GERD has been ongoing for some time and has gone untreated, yes it is recommended that an EGD be done.

You will be given special prep instructions that pertain to this procedure, which will be reviewed with you by one of our Medical Assistants.

 Each procedure carries its own risk and usually doctors do not like to perform both procedures at the same time except when a patient is on certain medications such as blood thinners. In this instance both procedures can be done the same day.

Your insurance may cover; however the cost will depend upon your plan’s benefits’. Your benefits will be reviewed with you prior to scheduling your procedure.

Yes, you will need a friend or family member to bring you to and from the procedure since you will be given anesthesia.

No, they can leave and come back when you are ready to be discharged.

If you have a caregiver with you, yes. If no one is able to accompany you to your procedure we do not recommend having the procedure. Otherwise you will be required to stay longer at the surgery center to ensure you are fully competent and coherent to be alone.

Typically you only need to bring the following; an inhaler if you have COPD or Asthma; glasses for reading; your AICD card that informs us what type and manufacturer. Please do not bring valuables such as jewelry with you.

Upon discharge you will be given contact info for Florida Digestive Specialists and Bay Area Endoscopy Surgery Center.

The overall process from start to finish is usually two to three hours.

Yes of course you can, some insurances will require it.

When patients are high risk. Such as someone with cardiac problems; poor IV access; pulmonary issues; etc.

Yes, any Physicians attached to your chart will receive a copy. Estimated time frame is 3-5 business days.

We will request that you reschedule your procedure for a more convenient time so that you can prep accordingly.

Yes, but only with sugar and no milk and or form of dairy, including non-dairy creamer.

After your procedure is completed on most occasions our Nursing staff will provide you with food and beverage as long as it is not contraindicated by the Physician.

For colonoscopies, we recommend that your first meal be something light and easy on your stomach; nothing greasy, fatty or fired. There after we recommend a high fiber diet. For EGD’s there are no restrictions.

No, you will be given anesthesia.

At Bay Area Endoscopy we use Propofol.

Ideally 2 days in advance so you don’t go through all the required prepping.

No, we request that you wait 24 hours so the Anesthesia is out of your system.

We request that you wait 24 hours.

We request that you wait 24 hours.

 We recommend that you wait at least 24 hours due to the effect of the Anesthesia