Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Endoscopy Center located?

Our address is 40404 California Oaks Road, Suite A, Murrieta, CA, 92562. The Center is located directly adjacent to the Inland Empire Gastroenterology Medical Group.

Does the Endoscopy accept my insurance?

The Endoscopy Center accepts most insurance plans, including PPO, HMO and Medicare.  Prior to your scheduled procedure date the Center will verify insurance eligibility and benefits and you will be informed of any co-pay or deductible due at the time of service.  We will be happy to bill your insurance.  Based on payment received from your insurance company you will be responsible for the remainder.  It is important you are aware of your insurance plan and coverage for an Outpatient Center.  Please inform us immediately if your insurance coverage changes and if you have a secondary insurance. Should you have any questions please call the Center for clarification.

Do I need an authorization for my procedure?

Some insurance plans do not require a patient to obtain a referral from their primary care physician for certain procedures; however, others do. Once the Endoscopy Center has reviewed you insurance coverage they will notify you if an authorization is needed. For most HMO plans an authorization is required.

Will I receive a bill after the procedure?

You may receive up to four different statements for payment. These include the Endoscopy Center for the procedure and Inland Empire Gastroenterology Medical Group for the physician, and ECIE, Anesthesia for Anesthesia services. You may also receive a bill from the Laboratory if specimens were obtained during your procedure.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

  • A current insurance card and photo ID
  • Do not bring any valuables with you. The center will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items including jewelry, watches, cell phones, lap tops, etc.
  • A list of your current medications, dosage, and reason for taking. You may have given this information to the physicians’ office however it is important you give us a complete and accurate list in order to ensure your safety and well being.

Will I be able to drive myself home?

You will receive sedation, and therefore, YOU MUST HAVE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT TO RECEIVE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS AND DRIVE YOU HOME. If you have not made arrangements, your procedure will be cancelled and rescheduled for a later date.

If your driver will not be staying in the facility, give a phone number to contact your driver in the event of an emergency during your procedure. Failure to provide an emergency number may result in cancellation of your procedure.  In the event you are an afternoon appointment please check with the front desk to see if your driver needs to remain in the facility to ensure they are available to speak with the physician and to receive discharge instructions.

How long will I be at the Endoscopy Center?

Unfortunately it is difficult to predict how long you will be at the Endoscopy Center. There are many variables that determine your length of stay. These variables include difficult procedures, poor colon preparations, findings requiring therapeutic intervention such as biopsies, dilation or polypectomy (removal of polyps) and recovery time from sedation. Therefore you may be at the center approximately 1.5 to 3 hours.  Our waiting room is not suitable for small children for an extended length of time, please make necessary arrangements for the comfort of those patients waiting. Rest assured when it is your turn we will take the time necessary to ensure a complete exam and recovery.

What should I wear to the Endoscopy Center

Please wear loose comfortable clothing.  You may keep most clothing on for upper endoscopy as well as comfortable shirt and socks for colonoscopy. Women may keep their bra on for the procedure. Please do not wear lotions, oils or perfumes/cologne to the center due to the monitoring devices.

Will I see the doctor before my procedure?

You will be able to speak with the physician prior to your procedure. The physician will also speak with you and your responsible adult after the procedure in the recovery area to explain the findings and recommendations. At this time you may still be sleepy from the sedation, however your instructions and a patient report will be given to you for your review later in the day.

What is a Clear Liquid Diet?

Unless otherwise indicated you will be instructed to follow a clear liquid diet the entire day prior to and the morning of your scheduled procedure.  You may not have any solid foods.  Your clear liquid diet will begin with breakfast the morning before your exam.

Clear liquids include all of the following:

  • Strained fruit juices (without the pulp) apple, white grape, pear
  • Water, 7-UP, sprite, lemonade without pulp, ginger-ale, tonic water
  • Clear broth or bouillon (Chicken, Beef or Vegetable)
  • Coffee or tea (without milk or non-dairy creamer)
  • Gatorade, PowerAde, clear protein drinks
  • Carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks
  • Kool-aid or other fruit flavored drinks
  • Plain Jell-O without fruit or toppings (Green, Yellow. Orange, Peach)
  • Ice popsicles
  • No milk products or solids
  • Nothing RED or PURPLE

What should I do if I have a problem with my preparation for the procedure?

Please call Endoscopy Center or the physician’s office if it is before 4:30PM on a regular business day. You may call Inland Empire Gastroenterology Medical Group at (951) 600-0288 to speak with physician on call if it is after 4:30PM.

What should I do if I experience nausea or bloating while drinking the colon preparation?

Many people taking the preparation may experience these symptoms.  It is more important to drink the entire preparation, therefore if you experience these symptoms you may want try taking a glass every 15-20 minutes instead or wait until the symptoms subside and then continue the prep. In the event you are absolutely unable to continue please call the physician’s office to speak with the on-call doctor (951-600-0288) for further instructions. Failure to complete the preparation may result in an inadequate preparation and possible cancellation of the procedure.

What problems may occur with the laxative?

It is important to drink clear liquids throughout the day in addition to your bowel preparation to reduce the possibility of symptoms associated with dehydration. The actual bowel preparation does not help with hydration. Symptoms of dehydration may include lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache and chills. Drinking clear liquids throughout the day will help minimize these symptoms.

What can I do to make the prep more tolerable?

Make sure to mix the preparation early in the day to allow chilling of the solution prior to drinking it. Your preparation may come with flavor packets as with any liquid you may get tired of the same flavor, therefore it is recommended to flavor the mixed solution in smaller quantities, either by the quart or glass.  In addition to the flavor packets you may use Tang or crystal light powder, Kool-aid provided it is not red or purple in color.  This way if you grow tired of the flavor you can switch to another flavor. Do not pour the solution over ice as this will only increase the amount.  Some people do better drinking the solution quickly, through a straw or plugging their nose. Others may take a bite of Jell-O or suck on a hard candy after drinking a glass. Once again the most important thing is to finish the preparation even if it may take slightly longer.

Can I take all my regular medications?

You may take your blood pressure, heart, and seizure medication with a small sip of water the morning of your procedure.

You must inform the Doctor’s office if you are taking Diabetic Medication or any Blood Thinners (Aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, Aggrenox, Warfarin, Heparin, Lovenox) at the time of scheduling your procedure for specific instructions. Failure to inform the office of these medications may result in a cancellation of your procedure.  You may be required to obtain a blood test in the AM the day prior to your scheduled procedure depending on the particular medication.

7 DAYS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE:

  • Stop taking iron pills or vitamins containing iron.
  • Stop taking Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory medications (Mobic, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Celebrex, Indocin, Toradol, Orudis, Relafen, Naprosyn, Naproxen, Feldene, Excedrin containing aspirin, etc.) unless otherwise indicated by your MD.

What are common side effects and how should I treat them?

There are common side effects that you may experience after your procedure.

Mild abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas – Rest, eat lightly, use heating pad.

Redness and/or swelling where the IV was – Apply heat and elevate.

Mild sore throat – Treat with lozenges and gargle with warm salt water.

What should I do if I have an emergency after my procedure?

In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room or Urgent Care. Otherwise call the physician on call (951) 600-0288

What symptoms should I report to the doctor after my procedure?

Although we do not anticipate any complications after the procedure there are always certain risks associated with endoscopic procedures and sedation.

Symptoms to report to the physician after Upper Endoscopy include:

  • Severe sore throat or inability to swallow and/or eat usual diet
  • Chills or fever > 101 degrees occurring within 24 hours after procedure
  • Pain in chest or neck
  • Severe continuing abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea or bleeding
  • Swelling to the neck area
  • IV site stays red or swollen for more than two days
  • Persistent black bowel movements (may indicate hidden blood)

Symptoms to report to the physician after Colonoscopy include:

  • Chills or fever > 101 degrees occurring within 24 hours after procedure.
  • Severe continuing abdominal pain or bloating.
  • Large amount rectal bleeding that does not stop.
  • IV site stays red or swollen for more than two days.
  • Inability to keep food or drink down.