Day before a colonoscopy:
It is very important that you hydrate yourself well before the exam. You may be asked to be on a clear liquid diet only. Clear liquids are liquids that you can see through if you place it against a light. Examples are apple juice, plain tea, black coffee, clear broth or jello. Avoid any liquids that are red in color (i.e. red jello). Milk, since you cannot see through it, is not a clear liquid and should be avoided. Don’t forget about drinking plain water!
It is very important that you follow the instructions that were given to you by your physician regarding the bowel preparation. This bowel cleansing will help you have a successful exam. Please call your physician if you have any questions.
In most cases, you will be receiving sedation and will not be able to drive home. Make sure you have made appropriate transportation arrangements.
Day before having anesthesia:
Unless otherwise instructed, there is no preparation for this procedure. You will need to avoid eating and drinking prior to coming. Your physician will let you know how long you will need to fast.
In most cases, you will be receiving sedation and will not be able to drive home. Make sure you have made appropriate transportation arrangements.
Day of procedure:
Come to the center wearing loose comfortable clothing. It is best that you leave all valuables and jewelry at home. You will be asked to change into a patient gown.
Please bring your insurance card(s) and photo ID in addition to any paper work that your physician’s office gave to you to complete.
At the center, an IV will be inserted. This is a catheter that is placed usually in your arm or hand. This allows your physician to provide medication that will make your experience as pain free as possible. A registered nurse will be at your side at all times to monitor your heart and respiratory status.
After the procedure:
You will be sent home with written discharge instructions and may receive a copy of the procedure report. Biopsies may be taken during the procedure. You should hear from your physician in about 1 week with the results. Please don’t hesitate to call if you don’t hear from your physician or if you have concerns.
Some people don’t remember anything about the procedure. This is due to the drugs used for sedation and is quite normal. This is another reason why you need to have a ride home. When it is time, we will ask your ride to park in front of our building and we will bring you down to the car.
What To Bring:
- You will need to bring your insurance card(s)
- Your driver’s license or a current State issued picture ID.
- A copy of your advance directive (if applicable)
- A copy of your Power of Attorney paper (if applicable)
- Any education material or post surgery medication provided by the physician office
- A responsible driver or predetermined mode of transportation that is available to you immediately upon completion of your procedure. You will be unable to operate a motor vehicle for up to 24 hours after your procedure.
What To Expect:
Our goal is to treat each patient with respect and like a member of our own family. We provide advanced focused ambulatory surgical services in a caring and compassionate environment. Our primary concern is your health and safety.
For your safety you will not be allowed to drive after the procedure, so please have a responsible adult available to escort you home. Please wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing. We will ask you about any known food or drug allergies you may have. We will also ask you to sign a routine Informed Consent to indicate that you have been made aware of the risks, alternatives to, and possible complications of the procedure.
You will likely receive sedation during your procedure. This means you will most likely feel drowsy afterwards. After the procedure, you will rest comfortably in the center where we can answer any questions you may have and provide further instructions.
Sometimes it is necessary to remove a polyp or take a biopsy during the procedure. In those instances, specimens are sent to a lab for analysis.
Procedure Charges:
We will verify your insurance in order to collect your liability, but as the patient, it is ultimately your responsibility to verify your insurance benefits also.
Depending upon your insurance plan, you may receive several bills as a result of the many specialists supporting your procedure.
These may be from:
- MNH GI Surgical Center (for the facilities, equipment, supplies, staff, etc.)
- Your Physician
- MNH GI Anesthesia and Pain Management
- The laboratory (for any tests done because of your procedure)
(For billing inquiries from MNH GI Surgical Center please call 1-855-360-2430)
Click on the links below to view resources:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC)
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA)
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (SGNA)
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC)