FAQ

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty involved with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the digestive system; this includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and biliary system.

If you are new to our practice, please download and complete the New Patient Information Form and bring it with you to your appointment. Please make sure you have your current insurance card with you when you arrive for your appointment.

New patients arrive 30 minutes before your appointment, allowing time for our staff to make the necessary copies of your insurance information and process paperwork required prior to your visit. Established patients should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment, to make sure we have the most current information on file.

If you have seen another physician for the same medical problem that brings you to our office, please request copies of those records be sent to us. You can ask them to fax records to us at 732-281-1593 or pick up and bring with you to your appointment.

You may request a refill by calling 732-281-1590. We process prescription refills during normal office hours, when your chart is available, and we can contact your physician should we have a question.

Upper endoscopy allows your doctor to examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). For more detailed information, visit www.asge.org.

Upper endoscopy helps your doctor evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Your stomach must be empty. Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for approximately six hours before the procedure. Our schedulers will tell you when to start fasting.

You will be sedated before and during the procedure to help you relax and make you sleepy. You will lie comfortably on your left side. The doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing. The scope blows air into the stomach to expand the folds of tissue making it easier for the physician to examine your stomach. You should experience little to no discomfort with this procedure.

After the procedure, your throat may be slightly sore. You might feel bloated from the air that was introduced into your stomach.

A suspicious area may be found, and a biopsy is needed to distinguish between benign and cancerous tissues. This is performed with small forceps passed through the scope so there is no discomfort for you. Biopsies are done even if cancer is not suspected.

Colonoscopy enables your doctor to examine the lining of your colon (large intestine) and rectum. It is the most effective way to evaluate your entire colon for the presence of colorectal cancer or polyps. Early detection can prevent surgery and is proven to save lives. For more information about colonoscopy visit www.asge.org.

A colonoscopy requires a complete cleansing of the colon the day before the procedure so that the colon can be fully visualized. This is usually accomplished by drinking a liquid that causes complete emptying of the colon. Our schedulers will tell you what dietary restrictions to follow and what cleansing routine to use as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to follow your directions carefully.

Sedation will be given before and during your procedure to help you relax and make you sleepy. You will lie on your left side as a flexible tube is inserted into your anus and slowly advanced into the rectum and colon. The procedure will cause you little to no discomfort.

A polyp is an abnormal growth found in the colon lining. They vary in size and shape, and while most are benign (non-cancerous), some may turn into cancer. It is important to remove pre-cancerous polyps as a preventative measure for colorectal cancer. Very small polyps may be totally destroyed by fulguration (burning). Larger polyps are removed by a technique called snare polypectomy. A wire loop (snare) is passed through the scope and removes the polyp from the intestinal wall. This technique causes no pain,

After the procedure, you may experience some bloating or mild cramping because of the air introduced into your colon. These symptoms should disappear when you pass gas.

Please follow all instructions and make every effort to drink all the purging solution. The height and weight of a patient does not determine the amount of solution needed to purge your colon. Remember, we are trying to clean out your entire digestive tract. If your colon is not clean, the physician cannot do a thorough exam. We may have to reschedule your test for another day.

If you develop symptoms of nausea or vomiting, stop the prep for an hour then resume the process. If you were not able to complete the prep, call our office and we can help you or reschedule.

Clear liquids include black coffee, tea, soda pop (Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up or Sprite), apple juice, Gatorade, Popsicles, Jell-O, broth, and bouillon. Do not consume any milk products or anything that is red or purple.

Because of the sedation given during your procedure, you will need a friend or family member to come with you and drive you home. For your safety, you should not operate machinery or drive following your procedure. During your recovery time, your family will be allowed to sit with you until you are discharged. You may not use public transportation unless accompanied by family or a friend.

The actual procedure will take 15-20 minutes. Registration, pre-operative, and post-operative care will keep you in our facility approximately 1½ to 2 hours.

The physician will speak with you about the visual findings on your procedure before you go home. If biopsies were taken or polyps removed, you should call the office for results a week from your procedure date.

Unless your physician gives you dietary restrictions, you are free to eat a normal breakfast or lunch after leaving your procedure.

Most patients can return to work the following day after a procedure.

Our findings and recommendations will be discussed with you and a letter and/or copy of your procedure note will be forwarded to your primary care physician for their records.

The business office will contact you once benefits have been verified with your insurance plan. Deductible amounts are the responsibility of the patient. Advance payment is required on procedure appointments.

We will contact your insurance company to obtain pre-certification on procedures scheduled by our office. Pre-certification does not guarantee coverage and/or payment by your insurance plan. It is your responsibility to know the extent of your coverage for services provided by our office.