Priority Information

Please notify the Center () if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions prior to preparing for the Procedure.  This would help us determine whether the procedure should be done at the center or at the hospital.


  1. Have you had a Heart Attack or Stroke within the last three months?  (Myocardial Infarction, TIA or CIA?)
  2. Are you currently on medication for an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or chest pain taking nitroglycerin?
  3. Do you see a Heart Doctor (Cardiologist) on a regular basis, for example weekly, monthly or every six months?
  4. Patients with a pacemaker/defibrillator cannot have their procedure at the center.
  5. Do you have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted in your body?
  6. Do you weigh 350 pounds or more?
  7. Do you have trouble breathing when you take 2 flights of stairs?
  8. Do you have oxygen at home in case you need it?
  9. Are you on dialysis? (You have a shunt in your arm and you go for treatments on a regular basis.)
  10. Have you been hospitalized for any illness or major surgery involving your heart, lungs, kidney or head within the past three months?
  11. Are you seeing a physician for any problems with your blood or blood count?
  12. Have you or any family members been told that you had problems with your anesthesia when put asleep for a surgery or procedure?

Prior to Your Procedure

Instructions for Colonoscopy

1. A nurse from the endoscopy center will call the day before to verify the appointment time and answer any questions. The time given by the nurse is the official time for the arrival time at the center and the procedure.

2. It is important to avoid aspirin and NSAIDS (Advil, Ibuprofen etc) 7 days before the procedure unless instructed differently by your physician. Tylenol can be taken.

3. If you are on blood thinners (anticoagulants: Coumadin, Heparin and lovenox) discuss with your physician office related to discontinuing use prior to the procedure.  If you are on Plavix or ASA(aspirin) discuss with your Physicians office if and/or when it should be discontinued prior to the procedure.

4. If a polyp is removed, the physician will instruct you on any precautions concerning medications at discharge.

5. Discontinue St. John’s Wort and Iron 5 days before the procedure.

6. Discuss your diabetic meds with your physician. No diuretics the day of the test.

7. Dehydration can occur with the preparation and therefore it is important to drink plenty of fluids the day before.

8. You cannot drive the day of the procedure due to the sedation. Bring someone with you to the procedure who can drive you home. A nurse will speak to the ride and also review the home going instructions.

9. No alcohol the day/night of the procedure.

10. It is important to limit jewelry to a wedding ring only.

11. The physician’s office will call within 14 days with your pathology results.  If you haven’t heard from the physician’s office please contact the office.

12. If a polyp is removed, the physician will instruct you on any precautions concerning medications such as avoiding aspirin, NSAIDS, or coumadin for the next 2 weeks.

13. A normal diet can be resumed the same day unless otherwise instructed.

14. Any bleeding or pain should be reported to your physician.


Instructions for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (EGD)

1. In order for you to have a complete exam, you should have No Food or Drink
after 11:00 P.M. the night before.

2. If you take Coumadin/Heparin/Aspirin or NSAIDS (Advil, Ibuprofen etc.) your physician will discuss with you if you should stop these prior to the procedure.

3. Bring a companion to drive you home because the medications for sedation will still be in your system after the procedure prohibiting you from driving that day.

4. If you are on blood thinners (anticoagulants: Coumadin, Heparin and lovenox) discuss with your physician office related to discontinuing use prior to the procedure.  If you are on Plavix or ASA(aspirin) discuss with your Physicians office if and/or when it should be discontinued prior to the procedure.

5. A nurse from the endoscopy center will be calling you the afternoon before your procedure to verify your appointment and answer any questions. The nurse will also verify your time of the procedure and the arrival time at the surgery center the next day. The office will determine a date for the procedure the Endoscopy Center will identify a time. 

6. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Only a wedding ring should be worn.

7. You can take your other medications except as instructed by your physician with one exception: Review your diabetic meds with your physician.

 Day of Your Procedure

  1. Please check in at the reception desk 45 minutes before your procedure is scheduled to begin. 
  2. Bring your insurance card and photo identification
  3. Bring your medication(s) or list of the medication(s) and dosages you are currently taking.
  4. It is very important for us to know if you have any allergies; especially an allergy to rubber (latex) and medications.
  5. If you have sleep apnea and use a C-PAP machine, please bring it with you if you are scheduled for a colonoscopy.
  • Patients with a pacemaker defibrillator cannot have the procedure at the Center.

After Your Procedure

  1. Average Recovery Time is 1 hour for most procedures.
  2. Your escort will need to come into the recovery room to listen to your discharge instructions, sign the written instructions and escort you home.
  3. We would prefer your driver to stay in the immediate area during your procedure. 
  4. It would be best if someone could stay with you at home or check on you following your procedure.
  5. Patients will remain in the recovery area until they are ready for discharge.  You may not take a bus or taxi home.