Answers to Frequent Questions About Procedures
Because many patients have similar questions prior to a procedure, we have prepared this list of the most common questions and our answers to them. Please do not hesitate, however, to ask our staff or your doctor any additional questions you might have.
Why do I need an office appointment before my procedure?
You will need to come in to our office so we may assess the need for a procedure, update your history and physicial and explain the procedure.
What is a clear liquid diet?
A clear liquid diet is composed of foods with low residue content to minimize the amount of food needing digestion in the intestines. This diet is below the RDA in all vitamin and mineral components, except vitamin C, and can promote deficiency if not supplemented with an absorbable micronutrient preparation. This diet should not be continued beyond two days without protein, calorie, vitamin, and mineral supplementation. A clear liquid diet includes fruit juices (such as apple juice or white grape juice), clear broth, bouillon and consommé, clear flavored gelatin, Popsicles and/or flavored ices, black coffee, tea, carbonated beverages (Coke, Pepsi, or Sprite) and/or powdered drink mixes (must be clear) and salt and sugar.
What is a low-roughage diet?
Acceptable foods in a low-roughage diet include breads, cereals, crackers, chips and pasta with less than 1 gram of fiber per serving (ideally, look for products with zero grams of dietary fibers per serving); white rice, vegetable juices without seeds or pulp, fruit juices with no pulp, milk, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, cream-based soups and sauces (strained), tender meat, poultry, fish, eggs, oil, margarine, butter, mayonnaise, smooth salad dressings, broth-based soups (strained), jelly, honey, and syrup.
Why do the preparation instructions for my procedure state that I should not drink anything red when I am on a clear liquid diet?
Food or drink containing red or purple colored dyes may temporarily cause discoloration of the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract, making it harder for the physician to identify potential problems.
Can I take my medication that is red in color the day before and the day of my procedure?
Yes, you may take red-colored medication.
What do I do if the prep is making me nauseous?
Try taking a 15 to 30-minute break from drinking the prep, then try again.
Try to drink some gingerale, Sprite, or 7-Up that may help settle your stomach.
Try drinking the prep more slowly, but not too slow. You need to finish the prep so you are cleaned out in time for your procedure, or you may need to repeat it.
Do I need a prescription for my prep?
For Movi or Golytely, YES, you will need a prescription called into your pharmacy.
For magnesium citrate, NO, you will not need a prescription. Everything you will need is sold over the counter.
Will I need a driver?
Yes, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You will be sedated and unable to operate a vehicle safely. If you do not have a driver your procedure will be canceled. You cannot go home by cab unless you have a responsible party with you.
Where do I go for my procedure?
We utilize two facilities that: North Florida Regional Medical Center and The North Florida Endoscopy Center.
Refer to your instructions for the facility you are scheduled at.
Do I need to pre-register with the facility?
Yes, you will need to pre-register.
If you are scheduled at North Florida Regional Medical Center, Endoscopy Suite, 6500 West Newberry Road, the phone number to pre-register is 1-888-821-1632.
If you are scheduled at the Endoscopy Center, 6400 West Newberry Road, Suite 201, the phone number is (352) 333-5925.
Do I need to do labs before my procedure?
Labs are required only if they are ordered by your physician when you were seen in the office.
What happens if I eat before my procedure?
Your procedure will be canceled.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, a 48-hour cancellation notice of any procedure.
Can I take Tylenol?
Yes.
Will the prep give me diarrhea?
Yes. The purpose of the prep is to clean out your bowel so that the doctor may get a clear look into your colon.
Will my insurance pay for the procedure?
You should always check with your insurance to see what it covers prior to having any procedures done.
I had surgery, so how long should I wait before I have my procedure done?
Please contact your doctor at the office to see how long you should wait. Discuss your issue with your physician.
Should I take my diabetic medication the day before and the day of my procedure?
Refer to your instruction.
Unless you have been instructed to do otherwise by your doctor, DO NOT take your insulin or oral agent the day of your procedure. Take half of your usual dose the day before the procedure.
How many bills will I get?
You will receive at least two bills: one from the doctor and one from the facility.
What should I do if my insurance has changed?
Please contact our Insurance and Authorizations department.
Bisacodyl tablets are red. Are they OK to take?
Yes, Bisacodyl tablets are OK to take unless you have an allergy to red dye.
What flavor of magnesium citrate do I get?
You may have the Lemon/Lime or Grape flavor.
What kind of anesthesia is used?
You will be given intravenous (IV) sedation, not anesthesia. Your doctor will be the one to give the medication. The typical medicines used include (but are not limited to) Versed (Midazolam), Propofol, or Fentanyl.
Will you remove the polyps if you find any?
Yes, if polyps are seen they will be removed if possible and sent to the lab for pathology.
When will I get the test results for my polyps?
Pathology results are given to the patient within 7-14 days of the procedure, if you have not heard from our office, please call and speak to your doctor.
How often should I have a colonoscopy?
Most guidelines encourage you to have a baseline colonoscopy at the age of 50. When you should return for a repeat colonoscopy will depend on your family and personal history. Your physician will be able to direct you to the appropriate time frame for your personal health.
How long will my procedure take?
The actual procedure takes only 30 to 45 minutes, but there are several steps before and after your procedure. The nursing staff must ensure your records are reviewed and your pre-operative orders are completed. This usually includes starting an intravenous line (IV) in your arm for the administration of medications.
Additionally, after your procedure you will be in the recovery area until you are fully awake and able to drink. Your physician will discuss the findings during your procedure with you and your family member. We have found for most procedures, four hours is sufficient.
Will my menstrual cycle affect having a colonoscopy?
No, you will still be able to have the procedure. We do ask that you notify the nurse when you arrive, however.