Patient Center

First Visit Forms

Click the link below to download and print patient registration forms.

Bring the completed forms, insurance cards and photo ID with you to your appointment.

New Patient Forms

What to Expect - Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy involves the use of a colonoscope – a long, thin, flexible instrument connected to a camera and video display monitor. The doctor inserts this into the rectum and moves it slowly through the entire colon looking for any abnormal tissue growths. If the doctor notices anything of concern he is able to take a biopsy (small tissue sample) immediately.

Colonoscopy is performed to identify and/or correct a problem in the colon. The test enables a diagnosis to be made and a specific treatment given. If a polyp is found, it can be removed at that time, eliminating future surgery. If a bleeding site is identified, treatment can be administered to stop the bleeding. Other treatments can be given through the endoscope when necessary.

What to Expect - Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person’s digestive tract. Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, your doctor can view pictures of your digestive tract on a color TV monitor.
During an upper endoscopy, sedation administered first. Once patient is asleep an endoscope is easily passed through the mouth and throat and into the esophagus, allowing the doctor to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. In addition, your doctor may use an endoscope to take a biopsy (removal of tissue) to look for the presence of disease.

Endoscopy may also be used to treat a digestive tract problem. For example, the endoscope might not only detect active bleeding from an ulcer, but devices can be passed through the endoscope that can stop the bleeding.

FAQ

1. How is my Diabetes affected by a clear liquid diet?

If you take your diabetic medications and are taking only a clear liquid diet, you must consume liquids with calories. For clear liquid, please drink regular soda, not diet. Please use regular Jell-O, not sugar free. Please use fruit juices that are pulp free, to get more calories. Test your blood glucose often during your pre-proceudre preparation. Do NOT take your daibetic medication the day of your procedure.

2. Can I eat or drink after I finish drinking my bowel cleansing Prep?

You may still have foods from "Clear Liquid Diet" list you recieved in the office even after you finished bowel cleansing prep. But it is very important to have nothing to eat or drink within 2 hours before your scheduled appointment.

3. Can I use chewing gum, hard candy or chewing tabacco on my procedure day?

NO. These items are not permitted 4 hours prior to a sedated procedure. These items have the ability to increase saliva and gastric secretions. Serious medical complications are associated with patients who do not have an empty stomach. Using these items will cause a delay or cancellation of your procedure.

4. What type of anesthesia do you use and will it make me sick?

We use a drug called Propofol. This drug is a short-acting, IV anesthetic. This drug has very few side effects. Propofol has anti-nausea properties, so there is a very low incidence of nausea compared to other agents. This drug is commonly used for short procedures because of its ability to produce loss of awareness and has a shorter recovery period.

5. If the doctor finds a polyp during my procedure, will he remove it?

In most cases, yes. All of our doctors are trained in the latest endoscopic techniques. Most polyps can be removed at the time of the procedure.

6. Why do I need to bring a driver for my endoscopic appointment?

Endoscopic examinations such as colonoscopy and gastroscopy require sedation. The sedation is to promote comfort to the patient, but will make the patient groggy for several hours and slow reflexes for up to 16 hours. This is why you cannot drive your car or perform activities that require quick reflexes until the following morning. It is necessary for you to come with a friend or family member who can safely drive you home after your test is over.