Question 1

Why is it so important to follow my prep instructions?

Accepted Answer

The cleaner your colon is, the safer and more complete your exam. If your colon is not well cleaned out, your doctor may have to qualify your results by saying, “Well, I didn’t see any polyps, but I couldn’t see every surface”. If your prep is quite unsatisfactory, your doctor may recommend you reschedule another colonoscopy (with another prep). It is therefore very much in your best interest to try to follow your prep instructions as best as possible.

Question 2

Why do I have to show up early before my scheduled test time?

Accepted Answer

Some time is required before the procedure starts for changing into a gown, getting your IV started, answering nursing questions, last minute trips to the bathroom, etc.

Question 3

Will I feel anything?

Accepted Answer

Some patients experience some crampy abdominal pain caused by advancement of the scope around turns in the colon, but this is minimized by the sedation you will receive.

Question 4

What are polyps?

Accepted Answer

The most common reason for having a colonoscopy is to detect and remove polyps. Polyps are small mushroom- like growths of the colon lining. They are significant because almost all colon cancers start off as polyps, and having polyps removed can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Most, but not all, polyps can be removed at the time of colonoscopy. No one knows exactly what causes polyps to grow. It is not thought to be significantly related to diet or other environmental factors, and mostly reflects genetic susceptibility and the effects of aging.

If the doctor removes polyps, they will be sent to the lab where a pathologist will examine them under the microscope. Your doctor will then send you a letter or call you regarding the results of this pathology exam.

Question 5

How long is the colon?

Accepted Answer

It varies from person to person, but ranges from 4 to 6 feet.

Question 6

What are diverticula?

Accepted Answer

​​Diverticula are small-pocket like sacs in the wall of the bowel. Anatomically speaking, they are actually herniations of the inner bowel lining out through the bowel’s muscle layer. They are thought to develop over time from muscular squeezing by the colon wall. They are not growths and have no pre-cancerous potential. They are extremely common, especially in people over age 50. They rarely cause problems but occasionally get infected (called diverticulitis) or bleed. A high fiber diet keeps diverticular disease well managed.

Question 7

Will my doctor tell me my results?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You might feel wide awake immediately after the procedure is completed. Your doctor will visit you in the recovery room after your procedure is completed and review your results with you, as well as any special instructions and plans for future care or tests.

Question 8

Can I resume taking my usual medications after the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes. However, if any polyps are removed, you should not take any non-steroidal medicines for 2 weeks after the procedure. Non-steroidals are pain and arthritis medicines such as aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, etc. This includes baby aspirin. If you usually take a prescribe blood thinner, you should discuss when to restart it when you speak to the doctor in the recovery room.

Question 9

After the test, when can I start eating?"

Accepted Answer

You can eat when you get home. But you should start slowly and avoid greasy or fatty food for your first meal.

Question 10

Can I go back to work after my procedure?

Accepted Answer

Due to the sedation given during the procedure, you should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day. You may resume your usual activities the day after your procedure.

Question 11

Why can’t I drive myself home after my procedure?

Accepted Answer

Due to the sedation given during the procedure, you are considered legally impaired. The sedation medication impairs your judgment and reflexes. You will not be permitted to drive for 12 hours following your procedure.

Question 12

Can I take a bus or a taxi home by myself after my procedure?

Accepted Answer

No, due to the sedation given during the procedure, you are considered legally impaired. The sedation medication impairs your judgment and reflexes. A trusted person must be with you to drive you home or accompany you on public transit.

Question 13

What is Open-Access Colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Open-Access simply refers to the easy access to a routine screening colonoscopy based on health factors. With Open-Access, the initial office visit with the doctor is eliminated and only a brief summary is provided following the colonoscopy procedure. There is no difference in procedure itself. Open-Access service is designed—and guided by Medicare and medical insurers—to save the doctor’s time for qualifying patients, while the patient benefits by saving a co-pay/office visit fee.

Some Open-Access patients elect to have an in-depth consultation with the doctor, in which case, an office visit may be scheduled. However, the Open-Access qualifying patient should expect to cover costs of this visit as it will not be covered by medical insurance.

Patients with significant illnesses—poorly controlled diabetes, significant cardiac disease, severe breathing problems, kidney problems—are required to schedule an office visit prior to the procedure and are not eligible for the Open-Access service. Also, if symptoms are present, such as underlying abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or any other gastrointestinal issues, an Open-Access Colonoscopy will not be the best initial procedure. In this case as well, a regular office visit should be scheduled

Question 14

What If My Insurance Company Tells Me That Southwest Endoscopy Can Change, Add, Or Delete A CPT Or Diagnosis Code?"

Accepted Answer

This is actually a common occurrence. Often member service representatives will tell a patient that if only the physician coded it with a “screening” diagnosis if would have been covered at 100%. However, further questioning of the representative will reveal that the “screening” diagnosis can only be amended if it applies to the patient. Remember, many insurance carriers only consider a patient over the age of 50 with no personal or family history as well as no past or present gastrointestinal symptoms as a “screening” (V76.51 ).
 
If you are given this information, please document the date, name, and phone number of the insurance representative. Next, contact our billing department who will perform an audit of the billing and investigate the information given. Often the outcome results in the insurance company calling the patient back and explaining that the member services representative should never suggest a physician change their billing to produce

Question 15

Can The Physician Change, Add, Or Delete My Diagnosis So That I Can Be Considered A Colon Screening?"

Accepted Answer

No. The patient encounter is documented as a medical record from information you have provided as well as an evaluation and assessment from the physician. It is a binding legal document that cannot be changed to facilitate better insurance coverage. Patients need to understand that strict government and insurance company documentation and coding guidelines prevent a physician from altering a chart or bill for the sole purpose of coverage determination. This is considered insurance fraud and punishable by law.
 
However, if a patient notices an error in the medical record (e.g. date of birth, medication dosage, history notation, etc), he/she may request a correction/amendment.

Question 16

How Will I Know What I Will Owe?

Accepted Answer

Call Southwest Endoscopy billing department at 505-999-1600 with any questions or concerns. They are a great source of information and are happy to help if you are struggling to understand your financial obligations. However, it is still necessary for you to first call your insurance company and ask the above questions.

Question 17

Who Will Bill Me?

Accepted Answer

You may receive bills from separate entities associated with your procedure, such as the physician, facility, anesthesia, pathologist, and/or laboratory.

Southwest Gastroenterology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Endoscopy?

What is the Difference Between Endoscopy, EGD, and Colonoscopy?

Why am I being referred to a Gastroenterologist?

What can I expect on my first visit?

How do I schedule an appointment?

What do I need to bring?

What should I do in case of an emergency?

What about follow-up care?

What about hospital care?

How do I pay?

What is the outpatient procedure?

What if I need a refill on my prescription?

Why do I have to have a consult first?

Do I need a referral?

Procedure Specific Questions