Endoscopy

Our Facility

We specialize in providing digestive health services to patients.

Procedures performed:

• Colonoscopy
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram)
• Esophageal Motility Study
• BRAVO Capsule Study
• Small Bowel Enteroscopy

Before Procedure

Knowing what to expect about an upcoming endoscopy procedure can provide comfort to both you and your family. To help in your preparation, we have outlined information that allows you to take care of some important items before you come to the center.

Scheduling

Your doctor's office will send a referral form to schedule your procedure with our scheduling staff. If necessary, they will contact you with any individualized information and instructions prior to your procedure. It is your responsibility to pre-authorize the procedure with the insurance company. Check with your doctor's office staff to see if they provide this service.

Registering

Step 1

Pre-Register

• Patients must pre-register by calling the number above Monday through Friday 8 am-9 pm.
• Have your insurance information available.
• The Patient Service Representative can send you a link to fill out the health history forms online.
• Financial assistance is available for qualifying patients:
  • Patient Billing & Financial Assistance

Step 2

Health History Forms

Complete the required Surgery Health & Medication History forms using one of these options: Have a list of your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications ready.

1. Complete the Surgery Health History & Medication forms securely online. Access to these online history forms is initiated by calling the Pre-Register number above.
2. Give your surgery health history to a registered nurse on the phone by calling the Pre-Screen Nurse.

NOTE: We are required for hospital accreditation to have you fill out specific Intermountain surgical health & medication history forms-- which may be in addition to the history forms needed by your surgeon or doctor.

Notice of Privacy Practices  

Step 3

Preparing for your SurgeryShow All

Why can't I have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before my procedure?

Because stomach contents are hazardous when having any type of anesthesia. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRE-PROCEDURAL INSTRUCTION - DO NOT EAT, DRINK, OR SMOKE ANYTHING after midnight the night before your procedure, except clear liquids four hours prior to your procedure.

• Clear liquids that are allowed:
  • Water
  • Bouillon
  • Clear Jello
  • Popsicles
  • Gatorade
  • Apple juice, NO PULP
  • Soda pop
  • Coffee, WITHOUT CREAM
  • Clear Tea, WITHOUT CREAM
• No dairy products of any kind.
• No products with artificial red coloring.
• Gum, breath mints, chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco and vitamins are not to be used within four hours prior to your procedure.

What about my medications?

• DO take your heart, blood pressure, asthma, Parkinson's or seizure medications with a sip of water the morning of your procedure.
• DO NOT take any other medications 12 hours prior to procedure. This includes any oral diabetic medication or insulin, unless instructed by the nurse or physician. Bring your insulin with you. If you are diabetic, please contact one of the nurses prior to your procedure.
• Please bring a list of all medications (including herbal and over the counter medications) with you the day of your procedure.
• Use your asthma or other lung inhalers in the morning and be sure to bring them with you.
• If you are on oxygen at home, bring it with you.
• Contact your physician for instructions if you are taking aspirin, aspirin products, blood thinners, MAO inhibitors, or have taken diet pills (phen/fen or redux). Some medications need to be stopped a few days before the procedure.

What if I have special needs (i.e., diabetic, disability, language)?

• Call us and let us know what your needs are.
• Free translation services are available 24-hours-a-day in all spoken languages and ASL.

What if I feel ill before my procedure?

Notify your surgeon if you develop any of the following:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cough or congestion
• Chicken Pox exposure/illness within two weeks of surgery
• Any other problems that may interfere with your scheduled surgery

How should I get ready?

• Bathe and shampoo before coming to the hospital.
• Make sure your hair is dry prior to arriving. Pull back long hair with an elastic band.
• Wear loose clothing that is easy to get off and on, which will fit over a dressing.
• Do not wear any makeup or jewelry (including any body piercing) or metal hair accessories.
• Do not bring other valuables.

What should I bring with me?

• Cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses or hearing aids. All personal belongings will remain with your family member during the procedure.
• If you are staying overnight in the hospital - bring a small bag with personal items only (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, comb or brush, shaving kit, other toiletries).
• Cash or a credit card for your co-pays (depending on your insurance) and filling any post-surgical prescriptions. Note: The cost of prescriptions cannot be added to your bill, unless under Workers' Compensation.
• The following documents, if applicable: Photo ID (such as a driver's license), insurance card(s), Medicare and/or Medicaid cards, a completed Living Will (if you have one).

Should someone come with me?

• If you are scheduled to arrive at 11:00 a.m. or later, call us before you leave home to see if any changes have been made to the schedule.
• One or two visitors - family members or friends - are welcome, but no children under 12 years of age, please.
• One family member should stay within the facility during your stay to receive instructions from the surgical team.
• A parent or guardian of a patient under 18 should stay in the facility until the patient is discharged. (If you are a guardian of a patient, bring copies of forms indicating guardianship or power of attorney.)
• A responsible person should be prepared to drive you home. Driving yourself home is NOT permitted. If you do not have a responsible person to drive you home, your procedure will be cancelled.
• A responsible adult should be prepared to care for you for the first 24 hours after your procedure.

Day of Procedure

Admissions Area

Complete admissions paperwork prior to your procedure:

• Prepare to sign the informed consent form. Read details about the consent form and the possible risks of the procedure. This form is for review only. You will be asked to sign the actual document after meeting with your physician on the day of your procedure.
  • Consent for Operation/Procedure & Patient Info
• You will also be given information about anesthesia, physicians and the facility, which includes an acknowledgment of these various providers contributing to your care and the potential for separate billings.
• The required forms will be completed at this time if you have not already provided the information online.
  • Privacy Practices
• Review your insurance information and provide any co-pays. Depending on your insurance, co-pays may be collected at this time or billed to you.
• Read the following material:
  • Discharge Instructions (depending on your procedure and the physician's preference).

Pre-Procedure Area

• You'll be taken to a private area for changing from regular clothes to hospital clothes.
• A registered nurse will perform an assessment, and you will be prepared for your procedure. This may include: having vital signs and weight measured, starting an IV (intravenous) line, drawing lab tests, possible urine sample, skin prep and marking of the appropriate site, if necessary.
• You can be provided with a warm blanket and magazines. We have medical information to read while you wait for your procedure.
• You'll learn about your anesthesia, the medication that will help to keep you comfortable during your procedure. Anesthesia will be provided based on your procedure type, your health status, and the anesthesia members on duty at the time of your procedure. All anesthesiologists with UVRMC Surgical Services are medical doctors with special training in the field of anesthesiology.
  • There are three different types of anesthesia that can be used:
    • General: You are totally asleep and aware of nothing.
    • Monitored (MAC): You may or may not be asleep, but you will feel comfortable. You may be aware of what is going on during the procedure.
    • Local: You may receive medication as needed through an IV to keep you relaxed. A registered nurse, under direction of your surgeon, will administer medications.

• Your doctor will visit with you. Please feel free at this time to ask any questions regarding your procedure.
• Children may be medicated prior to a procedure. The medication makes children unsteady and likely to fall. If medicated, parents must watch their child closely at all times.
• Waiting times before your procedure starts will vary. The actual time your procedure begins will depend on longer or shorter procedure times and emergencies. We will make every effort to keep you informed if a delay occurs.
• You can walk or be transported in a wheelchair to the procedure area by a member of the surgical team.
• Your family will be shown where to wait during your procedure. No family may be permitted in the procedure area during the procedure.

Procedure Area

• A registered nurse will ask once more for your name, allergies, food intake status and, as necessary, identify and prepare you for the procedure.
• Monitors will be applied and a warm blanket provided.

Post-Procedure Area

Recuperation

• Your family/visitors will meet you in a private area.
• Inpatients will be taken directly from the post-procedure area to their assigned rooms, where family members can meet them.
• You may feel sleepy and groggy.

A registered nurse will

• Take vital signs.
• Treat any nausea/vomiting.
• Manage pain, if needed.
• Offer fluids.
• Provide discharge education (both written and verbal) to you and to the person who is taking you home.

Prescriptions

• Your doctor will provide any discharge prescriptions necessary.
• Have family or appropriate visitors fill these before leaving the facility.
• The hospital pharmacy accepts most insurance plans.

Going Home

• You will be observed and made comfortable until you have met medical criteria.
• This stage may be as brief as 30 minutes, or as long as 4 hours, depending on your needs, type of anesthesia and the procedure performed.
• A member of the center team will accompany you out of the building when you are discharged. You may walk, if feeling well enough, or be assisted to your car in a wheelchair.

After Procedure

Billing