Visit our website and check out the Frequently Asked Questions
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can request an appointment online through our website or call us at 301-288-1319.
When should I have a colonoscopy?
Generally, everyone aged 50 years or older needs to have a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer. Any patient with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps and anyone with inflammatory bowel disease may need to start screening at an earlier age. Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms should discuss their condition with their doctor to determine whether they need a colonoscopy or other evaluation.
How do I prepare for my first visit?
If you are a new patient to our practice, you should plan to come at least 15 minutes earlier than scheduled to fill out the appropriate paperwork. You will need to bring with you a valid photo ID and insurance card and a written list of your current medications.
If your insurance requires a referral, please be sure to obtain that from your primary care provider. Our front desk may also need to check if authorization for the visit was received.
We will need to review any recent tests you had. Please bring with you copies of your recent blood work, X rays and CT scans, surgery or procedure reports and any emergency room visit summaries.
Please log in to our secure online patient portal and fill in your personal and health information. This will minimize your wait time in the office.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans. Please call our office at 301-288-1319 to verify that we participate with your insurance.
When do I pay my copayment?
Copays are due at the time of your visit. We accept cash, checks and all major credit and debit cards.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please contact us at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment date if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
If my procedure is in the afternoon, can I eat or drink in the morning?
You must not eat any solid foods the day of your procedure. Some clear liquids may be consumed up to 4 hours prior to your procedure time. It is dangerous to have any food or fluid in the stomach at the time of the procedure as this could result in a serious complication called aspiration pneumonia. Please refer to your instructions as if you don’t follow the exact instructions your procedure may be canceled.
I ate solid food for breakfast, lunch or dinner the day before my colonoscopy. Is that OK?
If the prep instructions were not followed properly, it may be difficult to detect important findings. Depending on the bowel prep quality, you may be asked to repeat the bowel preparation and the exam. If you accidentally ate solid food the day before your colonoscopy, please call us; you may be asked to reschedule the exam.
Can I drive after my procedure?
Absolutely not. You will receive sedation and it is not safe for you to drive the day of your procedure. If you do not have a responsible adult driver to accompany you home, your procedure will be canceled.
How many days prior to my procedure should I discontinue my Coumadin, Plavix or other blood thinning medications?
If you are on any blood thinners, please inform your endoscopist as soon as possible. You may need to stop these medications 5-7 days prior to certain procedures, however, you must check with your endoscopist and your prescribing physician to make sure it is needed and safe to do so.
What medications can I take the day before and the day of my procedure?
You should be able to take all your medications, as usual, the day before the procedure (except if instructed otherwise). The morning of the procedure, make sure you take all your heart and blood pressure medications with a small sip of water. All other medications can usually be held and taken after the procedure is completed.
I am diabetic. Do I take my insulin?
You will receive specific instructions about the management of your insulin when you are scheduled for the procedure. If you have any questions about the management of your diabetes before your scheduled procedure, please call our office so we can review your medications and give the appropriate recommendations.
I am having my menstrual period. Should I reschedule my colonoscopy?
No. Having your menstrual period will not interfere with the physician’s ability to perform the colonoscopy.
I am scheduled for a colonoscopy. Do I continue taking my iron pills?
No. We recommend that you stop taking oral iron supplements one week prior to your colonoscopy.
Should I stop taking my Aspirin before my procedure?
No. While Aspirin can interfere with the blood coagulation, we do not routinely stop the Aspirin before endoscopic procedures. Please check with your endoscopist and prescribing physician to see if it is required and or safe to hold the Aspirin.
I am drinking my bowel preparation for my colonoscopy and I am having nausea and bloating. What should I do?
It is not uncommon to experience nausea, vomiting and bloating after you start drinking the bowel preparation. It is very important to drink all of the bowel prep solution. In most cases, taking a break from drinking the prep for 30 to 60 minutes will help. You can then restart drinking the solution slowly. If the vomiting recurs, please call our office for further recommendations.
