FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive for my appt?
Please arrive at the time placed on your instruction sheet. Please note your arrival time is earlier than your procedure time. If you have any questions please call 859-655-4490.
How quickly will the diarrhea start after drinking the mixture?
Typically, diarrhea begins 1 to 3 hours after starting to drink the preparation. However, some patients take longer to start having diarrhea.
If your prep instructs you to take an evening and morning dose and you see no results after drinking the evening dose, your colon may be sluggish and diarrhea might occur in the morning. Continue the prep as directed.
I have constipation. Should I add anything to this preparation?
You will want to inform your physician to see if you should do anything different with the prep.
How long will the Colonoscopy procedure take?
The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes but may take longer if a polyp is removed or a biopsy is taken. You should allow several hours to be at the Endoscopy Facility.
Can I drive after the colonoscopy?
You may not drive on the day of the procedure. This is because we will give you medication to help you relax during the procedure. Make sure you have a driver with you or arrange for alternative transportation (i.e. taxi, bus, etc.).
Do I need to have someone here with me during my visit to the Endoscopy Facility?
You will need to have someone who can remain at the Facility during your entire stay. Your procedure will not be started unless a responsible adult (age 18 or older) is here with you. This person must also accompany you home.
Will I have pain after the procedure?
Some patients experience mild abdominal cramping after the procedure. This usually resolves within several hours once the gas passes out of the colon. If you have severe pain for more than 24 hours, call the doctor.
How will I learn the results of my test?
You will be given an instruction sheet that will give you the preliminary results of your test with you on the day of the exam. If a biopsy was performed, you may be asked to return for an office visit or to call for the results. Remember to allow up to 2 weeks for us to receive your results and have them reviewed by the physician. You may receive a letter from the physician explaining the results.
What do I do if snow or dangerous weather makes traveling difficult?
We are committed to staying open unless severe weather prevents safe travel. If you are able, please arrive for your appointment at the scheduled time. Should you have any questions, please call for further instruction.
What medications should I take the DAY of my procedure?
Please take your heart medication (do not take any blood thinner), blood pressure and seizure medications the morning of your procedure with a small amount of water.
If you have diabetes:
Do not take your oral diabetic medication day of procedure
Take ½ of long acting insulin
Hold Regular insulin
Bring a dose of regular insulin with you
If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you the day of procedure
If you have severe allergies and might need an Epi-pen for any reason, please bring with you
What is the turnaround time for copies of Medical Records requests to be filled?
7-10 business days
Do I have to come into the office to fill out an "Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information"?
Forms are available in our office at the Front Desk, can be printed from our website, or a Form can be sent to you via fax by calling the Medical Records Department.
There are 2 disclosure forms available. How do I know which to use?
The form titled “Authorization to Obtain Health Information” is for Tri-State Gastroenterology Associates to obtain health information from other sources.
The form titled “Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information” is for Tri-State Gastroenterology Associates to release information to another source.
If I have Power of Attorney, can I complete the proper form for Tri-State Gastroenterology Associates to send records to whomever I indicate?
Yes, as long as we have a copy of your Power of Attorney papers.
If I sign the "Acknowledgment of Receipt of Privacy Notice" does that give Tri-State Gastroenterology Associates permission to speak with my family members about my care?
No. All patients sign an “Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Notice” indicating they have received our Privacy Notice. In order for us to speak with your family members, etc., you must complete a “Patient Record of Disclosures” form, indicating who we may speak with.
I've requested to pick up a copy of my medical records at your office. Can someone else pick them up for me?
Only if we have written permission from the patient indicating who will be picking them up. Identification is also required.
Our expert care
Tri-State Gastro is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. Patients receive sedation to ensure a painless examination.
The quality measures for Tri-State Gastro are well above the recommendations suggested by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, ASGE. 7