Frequently Asked Questions
1. What phone number(s) do I call?
To schedule/cancel a medical office visit/consultation/follow-up or procedure, or any urgent after hour concerns, please call our office at: (619) 460-4055
2. Who do I contact about insurance, billing and financial questions?
For Medical Office related matters, please call our Business Office Manager at: (619) 312-1562 and ask to speak to Kathy; or email: ourpractice1@gmail.com
3. Why are the arrival and procedure times "approximate"?
Your procedure and arrival time are approximate due to various reasons. Generally, times are adjusted to accommodate unforeseen events such as, physician schedule changes, emergencies and equipment availability. A nurse will confirm a more exact time for your arrival during the pre-op call the day before your procedure is scheduled.
4. How long will the procedure take?
Your pre-op stay will be approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
The procedure time is approximately one half hour, depending on the medical requirements of your particular exam.
The recovery time is approximately one half hour depending on your individual response to sedation.
The entire length of time is about 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Why is a driver necessary?
A responsible driver with a valid driver’s license must be available to drive you home because you will have received sedation medication that will impair your ability to drive for 24 hours. Your driver should stay in our waiting room during your procedure. He or she welcome to sit with you during recovery if that is your preference. If you do not have a driver, we will have to reschedule the procedure for a time when you can have a driver available. Unfortunately, a taxi service is not an acceptable substitute for your trusted, personal driver. A taxi driver cannot be responsible if you become ill on your drive home. For your safety, we cannot release you alone to a taxi service, unless you are accompanied by a caretaker. Some patients request to have their procedures done without sedation. Sometimes this is possible and other times it is not. In case it is not possible, sedation will be given to complete the exam. A driver is required even if you do not plan to use sedation.
6. What should I wear the day of the procedure?
If having a colonoscopy, you will be given a patient gown to wear during your procedure. We recommend that wear casual clothing, such as a sweat suit or warm-ups. If you are having an upper endoscopy (esphagogastroduodenoscopy), you will not need to change into a patient gown. However, we still recommend that you wear clothing that is casual and that will provide easy to access. For example a blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and ECG patches placed on your chest. Please do not wear a belt, jewelry, or pants with zippers/snaps since this is can interfere with the functioning of equipment used during the procedure.
7. Why must I leave my valuables and jewelry at home?
We are not responsible for lost items. You may be forgetful after receiving the sedation. For example, you may not remember that you put your earrings in your sweater pocket. Furthermore, the metal on jewelry can interfere with the functioning of equipment used during your procedure and possibly cause burns to your skin.
8. What about the colonoscopy prep that I have to take the day before my procedure?
Most patients who are scheduled for a colonoscopy will need to drink a bowel preparation that is a large amount of isotonic solution. It contains a balanced amount of electrolytes that is excreted through the bowels. If at all possible, avoid drinking other liquids while you are consuming your prep since it is very filling. You may resume your liquid diet once you have consumed the entire prep. By keeping the prep well chilled, you may find the taste more palatable. To help disperse the aftertaste of the prep you may want to use a mouthwash, suck on a mint, swish with a soda like Sprite or 7-UP, or suck on a lime or lemon between glasses of prep. If you are feeling full and/or nauseated slow down your prep consumption rate or take a 30-minute break.
You probably should not stray far from a bathroom! Occasionally, the prep will "kick-in." without warning. For some people it may begin after two or three glasses. For others it may take several hours before the bowel movements begin. Since you will be using the bathroom frequently, your rectal area may become sore, especially if you have or are prone to hemorrhoids. You may wish to use a hemorrhoid product such as, Vaseline, A&D or Desitin ointment to protect your skin prior to and during your bowel movements.
9. Why can I only have clear, non-red liquids the day before my colonoscopy procedure?
Solid foods must be avoided so the colonoscopy prep you will be taking the afternoon before your procedure can thoroughly cleanse your bowels. Remember to drink lots of clear, NON RED liquids, which includes black coffee, tea (no cream), soda (not red), broth, apple juice, Gatorade, Jell-o, popsicles (except red). Do not consume any liquids with pulp or creams. You must be able to see through it for it to be considered a clear liquid. The more you drink the better you will feel the day of your procedure.
10. What happens on the procedure day?
When you arrive, please sign in at the receptionist desk. This lets us know you have arrived and we can begin completing the necessary forms. Next, you will be invited to the Preoperative area. If you are having a colonoscopy procedure you will be asked to change into a patient gown. Feel free to leave your socks on if you like. Meanwhile, a nurse will record your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respirations and temperature). We will again ask you about any allergic reactions that you may have and other medical information (your safety is our greatest concern). An intravenous catheter and line (I.V.) will be inserted in preparation for the intravenous medication that will help you relax. In fact, the majority of our patients are so relaxed they do not even remember the procedure!
You will then be moved into one of the procedure rooms where you will meet your doctor, procedure nurse and procedure technician. Once any other questions or concerns are addressed, the doctor will begin your sedation by injection through the intravenous line. When you are relaxed enough the procedure will begin. You will be awakened at the end of your procedure and moved to the Recovery area. The Recovery area is a comfortable and quiet place where you will rest for a short while the effects of the medication wear off. A family member or significant other is welcome to sit with you, with your approval. Once you are able to tolerate something to drink, you will be able dress and be discharged. A nurse will provide written information and instructions about your procedure and aftercare. We will then give you a free ride, by wheelchair, to your driver’s car.
Plan on resting quietly at home the rest of the day. Most people report being sleepy part of the day following a procedure. The sedation remains in you system for most of the day, therefore, we instruct you not to drive or operate dangerous equipment until the following day. The day after your procedure, one of our nurses will call you to check on your recovery at home and to answer any questions. If your procedure is on a Friday, we will contact you on Monday. By this time, you should be back to your normal routine!
11. When can I eat solid food again?
Unless otherwise medically indicated, you will receive something to drink in the recovery area. If you tolerate the fluids, you may advance your diet to solid foods. However, it is advisable to avoid spicy or gassy foods since you may already be experiencing abdominal pressure.
12. When will I know the results of my procedure?
Our nurses will review the basic summary of findings with you before you are discharged. This information will also be given to you in writing as part of your discharge instructions for your later reference. If any tissue specimens are being sent to the pathology lab you will be asked to schedule a follow up appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner to receive these results. You will want to have this appointment scheduled within 2-4 weeks post procedure.
13. Why do I have to fill out so many forms when I have already completed similar forms at the Doctor’s office?
Per State of California and Medicare requirements, we are a completely separate business from the physician’s practice. In order to be in compliance as a surgery center, our licensure requirements specify that we must maintain separate medical, billing and business records.
14. What if I am younger than 18?
If you are under the age of 18 a parent or guardian must sign your paperwork.
15. What happens if an adult older than 18 is unable to sign the paperwork?
If you are an adult who is unable to sign your own consent paperwork, you must have someone with you who is authorized to sign on your behalf. Legal documentation of their authority must be presented to our staff.
16. What if I do not speak English?
Since this is an elective procedure, please make arrangements to have an interpreter with you.
