What is a colonoscopy?A colonoscopy is the most accurate test for detecting colon polyps and colon cancer, and the only test where polyps can be removed. During this procedure, a doctor examines the lining of your large intestine and rectum through a flexible tube called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is inserted into the anus and advanced slowly through the colon. If polyps or other abnormalities are found, the doctor may remove them for further examination or biopsy. Show
The bowel prep is the most important factor in ensuring you get the most thorough and complete exam during your colonoscopy. Small polyps can be missed if they are covered with retained stool. If your bowel prep is incomplete, your exam may need to be repeated on another day or you may need to return sooner for your next colonoscopy. Instructions Click for Printable Directions PRE-PROCEDURE CHECKLISTIf you have diabetes, ask your regular doctor for diet and medication restrictions. Do not take your oral diabetes medicine on the day of your procedure. If you take metformin, stop taking it the day before your colonoscopy. Also, please bring your Insulin and Insulin syringes with you to your procedure; we will check your blood sugar before and after the procedure. If you take a medication to thin your blood
If you currently are taking other prescription medications, you may continue to take all other medications as instructed by the prescribing physician. If you are or may be pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with your doctor. You MUST arrange for a ride for the day of your exam. If you fail to arrange transportation with a responsible adult, your procedure will need to be cancelled and rescheduled. Your driver must check in with you and stay in our office the entire time that you are there. We cannot start your procedure if you do not have a driver present. In addition to this, you may not take a taxi or ride the bus by yourself. This is for your safety. If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call 404-355-3200 for Atlanta or 706-253-7340 for Jasper at least three days prior to your procedure to avoid any late cancellation fees. If you have any special needs, such as a pacemaker, internal defibrillator, latex allergy, need for an interpreter, or if you are allergic to eggs, nuts or soy, please contact our office immediately. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled. Remember even while taking split prep you cannot have any liquids, ice chips, water or food two hours before your procedure. If you do, the procedure may be delayed. STOP AND READ:
PREPARATIONTo ensure a successful exam, please follow all instructions carefully. Failure to accurately and completely prepare for your exam may result in the need for an additional procedure and both procedures will be billed to your insurance. The day before your exam:
The day of your exam:
Before the exam:
During the exam:
What happens after the exam?
Are there possible complications from a colonoscopy? Although serious complications are rare, any medical procedure has the potential for risks. A nurse will review all potential warning signs with you before you leave the endoscopy center. Risks include:
Additional information:Your procedure has been scheduled at one of the GI labs listed below. Please check your paperwork to make sure you arrive on time to the correct location: DIGESTIVE HEALTHCARE ENDOSCOPY LAB is located at 95 Collier Road NW, Suite 4075. Enter the Piedmont Hospital complex at the Collier Road entrance. Park in the “South” parking deck. Take the elevator to the “Orange Level”. Cross over the glassed in covered bridge. You are now in the 95 building. You do not have to check in at the hospital. Go up to the 4th floor and look for Suite 4075. You and your driver may sign in at the window. If someone is sitting at the window, let them know you have arrived. THE PIEDMONT HOSPITAL ENDSCOPY LAB is located on the first floor of the 77 building. It is most convenient to park in the North parking deck. Take the elevator to the bridge level (BR). You will need to go to the 77 building registration office to register for your procedure. After getting off at the bridge level you will walk through a glassed-in bridge and go straight. You will pass the 77 building (D) elevator, which will be located on your left. The registration office is located in the next hallway on your left. Once inside, a member of the registration staff will help you complete some additional paperwork, and then escort you to the GI Lab for your procedure. This should take approximately 15 minutes.
Co-pays are required on the day of your appointment. If you have any questions about pre-certification, please call our business office at 404-603-3543. If your insurance does not cover this procedure, for example you are a self-paying patient or you have been notified by our office that you owe a copay or coinsurance, please bring a credit card (Visa, MasterCard and AMEX), check or cash. You may receive several statements from this procedure; your physician’s fee, a facility fee for the Endoscopy Center (supplies and nursing care), a statement for anesthesia (Propofol) and for pathology if tissue is removed during the procedure. Digestive Healthcare of Georgia Endoscopy Center is co-owned and operated by the Physicians of Digestive Healthcare and Piedmont Hospital. Which of the following instructions is appropriate for a nurse to give to a patient who has gastroesophageal reflux disease?Avoid placing the patient in supine position, have the patient sit upright after meals; instruct patient to avoid highly seasoned food, acidic juices, alcoholic drinks, bedtime snacks, and foods high in fat; elevate HOB while in bed.
Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider identify as a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis?Risk factors for osteoporosis include being White or Asian race, increased age, small-framed, being female, smoking, increased alcohol intake, and family history of osteoporosis. The main diagnostic tool for osteoporosis is bone density testing.
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