Q) How soon should I cancel my procedure if I can’t make it?
         A) If you absolutely must cancel your procedure, please do so at least 7 days in advance so that we have time to schedule another patient in your place.  Please do not cancel at the last minute since we will not be able to refill your time slot.

Q) What are my financial responsibilities for the procedure?
         A) Depending on your insurance benefits, you may have a co-payment or deductible amount due before your procedure. There is a fee for the facility and a separate fee for the physician services. Our insurance coordinator will contact your insurance company to determine what your benefit will pay.  She will call you with an estimate of your patient liability and discuss a payment plan that will work for you.  For further questions or concerns, click here to email our Business Department, or call (402) 465-3636.

Q) Do I need to contact my insurance company to obtain an authorization (pre-certification) for the procedure?
         A) No. We will obtain any prior authorization needed for your procedure for our doctor and the facility, if required. For further questions or concerns regarding authorization, click here to email our Business Department, or call (402) 465-3636.

Q) I am scheduled for a procedure. What do I do if I have not completed my prep?
         A) If you have problems with your prep, call the office (402) 465-4545 and the nurse will advise you what to do. If the office is closed, leave a message so the person on call can contact you.

Q) I lost my instructions for preparation, how can I obtain another copy?
         A) Click here to view a copy of prep instructions. Please call the office (402) 465-4545 if you have further questions.

Q) Why do I need to be on a clear liquid diet the entire day prior to my colonoscopy?
          A) Your colon needs to be clear of stool the day of your test. If you eat solid food the day prior to your test, your bowel is still processing the food and creating stool. If you have stool in your colon during the procedure, this impairs the doctor’s view, resulting in a possible repeat of the prep and the test.

Q) Should I take my medications the morning of the test?
         A) Yes. You should take all of your usual medications (including blood pressure medicines) with a sip of water several hours before your procedure.   EXCEPT DIABETES MEDICATIONS SHOULD NOT be taken the morning of the procedure since you have not eaten.   Additionally, YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE ANY BLOOD THINNERS (COUMADIN, PLAVIX) or ASPIRIN CONTAINING MEDICINES 5-7 DAYS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE. If you have further questions, please call the office (402) 465-4545.

Q) Can I still have my procedure if I am on an antibiotic for an infection?
         A) Yes. It is okay to still have your procedure if you are taking an antibiotic. If you are running a fever, you need to contact the office.

  Q) I am diabetic. Should I check my blood sugar at home before my procedure?
         A) Yes. We want to have a baseline to anticipate any needs you may have during or after the procedure.

  Q) I take Coumadin to keep my blood thin. My instructions are to not take this for several days before my procedure.  Will this be harmful?
          A) Your doctors have determined that it is safe to be off Coumadin for these few days. Coumadin is discontinued so if any polyps are found, your physician can safely remove them.   Our nurse will call you a week before the procedure to discuss when to discontinue Coumadin and how to prepare for the procedure.

  
  Q) Can I still have my procedure if I am on my menstrual cycle?
           A) Yes. For your comfort, we do suggest that you wear a tampon.

  Q) Why do I need to arrive 60 minutes before my procedure?
          A) This allows the nurse to get you checked in, complete the necessary paperwork, and start an IV.

  Q) Will I be asleep for my procedure?
            A) You will be lightly sedated for your procedure, what we call a “twilight sleep”. You will be able to hear the nurse and the doctor during the exam but may not remember the procedure once you are fully awake.

  Q) How long will I be there for my procedure?
          A) The average time for a patient to be there is approximately 2-3 hours.

  Q) Can I work the day after my procedure?
          A) Yes. You will be back to normal the day after, so you can return to your usual schedule.

  Q) Why can’t I drive myself home after my procedure?
          A) Due to the type of sedation we use, your judgement and reflexes are impaired. Therefore, it is unsafe for you to operate a vehicle or machinery until the day after your procedure.

  Q) When can my family come to pick me up when the procedure is done?
           A) The time varies depending on the length of the procedure and individual recovery time. We generally give 2-3 hours as the time from arrival to departure.

  Q) Will I have to come back if anything is found during the procedure?
          A) Polyps are removed during the procedure. Your doctor will discuss the findings and ongoing treatment plan for you with your family after you have recovered. Additionally, written discharge instructions will be given to you before you leave.  

  Q) Why do I receive a separate bill or pathology services?
          A) Pathology is a medical specialty that your physicians use to analyze biopsies taken.  The results are discussed with your physician and your physician will determine a plan for you from those results. 

Pathologists diagnose and characterize disease in living patients by examining biopsies and other specimens.  For example, the vast majority of cancer diagnoses are made or confirmed by a pathologist.  Pathology is a unique medical specialty in that pathologists typically do not see patients directly, but rather serve as consultants to other physicians by applying knowledge of tissue analyses to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of individual patients.  However, pathologists receive the same training and undergo the same medical licensure process as other physicians.