Frequently Asked Questions
What health insurance plans does DHA accept?
We accept almost all health insurance plans. Our practice assistants will confirm your insurance coverage when registering for your appointment.
How long do I hold injected semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) before my procedure?
These medications can potentially increase anesthesia related complications. You must hold these medications for 1 week prior to your procedure.
I take medications for my Diabetes. What do I do about my medications or Insulin while doing a colonoscopy prep?
You may take oral medications up until the day before the procedure. If you take intermediate or long acting insulin you should take ½ of your normal dose the day before (day of the prep) and ½ the dose the day of the procedure. Please monitor your sugars on the day of the prep as you will be taking in less calories than typical. We will check your glucose levels on the day of your procedure. Feel free to ask for personalized instructions from your PCP or Diabetes specialist
What do I do if I am on a Blood Thinner?
We typically hold Coumadin and Plavix for five days and Eliquis and Xarelto for two days before a procedure. Most people do not need to stop Aspirin for the procedure.. There are other blood thinners not on this list. Please confirm our recommendations with your Primary Care Doctor or Cardiologist.
Do I need to take antibiotics if I have a Murmur, Artificial Heart Valve or a Joint replacement?
We do not routinely give antibiotics before Endoscopy or Colonoscopy as the risk of infection is far lower than with dental procedures. There are rare exceptions. Please have your PCP or Specialist contact our office if there are special circumstances.
Is it okay to have a procedure after recent surgery?
In general, we recommend that you wait a few weeks until you are recovered before a routine procedure. We typically delay routine procedures for 3-6 months after a joint replacement. You can have a procedure much sooner after a joint Arthroscopy (scope). Please feel free to call the office to discuss your individual situation.
When do I have to stop eating before my exam?
In order to use sedation medications safely, you cannot eat any solids for at least 6 hours or drink clear liquids for 3 hours before your procedure. If you have a morning procedure we suggest not drinking anything. If you have an afternoon procedure you can have clear liquids (water, black coffee, apple juice -but not orange juice) but you must stop at least 3 hours before your procedure.
Do I have to drink the WHOLE colonoscopy preparation?
YES, YES, YES! This is the toughest part of a colonoscopy, but also the most important thing you need to do. A good prep means a good exam and an excellent prep means an excellent exam. We have many different preps available and your doctor will prescribe what they believe will work best for you.
What should I do if I am having difficulty with the preparation or have questions?
Digestive Health Associates has a doctor on call. You are free to call if you have concerns. We would much rather speak with you to make sure you are able to complete your prep than have you get frustrated and cancel a potentially life saving procedure.
If you become nauseated or vomit, you should take a half hour to an hour break, then resume drinking more slowly. We would rather speak with you to get you through the prep rather than have you cancel your procedure.
What is a low roughage diet, and why is it recommended before a Colonoscopy?
IA low roughage diet avoids foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, corn, peas, popcorn, and stalky vegetables for a few days before your procedure. While normally part of a healthy diet- we ask you to avoid them as solid particles can hinder visualization of the colon lining and cause clogging of the colonoscope which could compromise your exam.
I have low blood sugar if I don’t eat. What should I do?
You can drink clear liquids (clear juices) up to 3 hours before the procedure. If you still do not feel right and think your sugar is low you can use hard candy or a sugar packet to increase your blood sugar. We can check your blood sugar upon arrival.
Why can’t I take a Uber/Lyft/Taxi home after my procedure?
We can only discharge you home with a “responsible” person. The assumption is that family and friends will take good care of you if after your procedures your judgment is clouded. This is not an insult to drivers but we cannot discharge you to someone who may not act in your best interest if there were an unforeseen occurrence. The only scenario where you can take a ride service is IF you have a responsible person with you (i.e. a companion that does not drive).
Will I see my doctor and be able to ask questions before the procedure?
Absolutely. We always greet our patients; review your medical history as well as discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure before you receive any sedation. If you have medical concerns or issues we will discuss them prior to your procedure.
How long will the Colonoscopy or EGD/Endoscopy take?
Total time from drop of to pick up (prep,procedure and recovery) is usually about 1.5-2 hours.
It takes 30 minutes to check you in, complete the pre-procedure assessment and start an IV. The average procedure takes about 30 minutes. You will be in recovery for 30 minutes before you are ready to be discharged home.