Gastroenterology of SW Michigan:
General Office:
1. What are your office hours and telephone numbers?
a. Our office hours (Gastroenterology of SW Michigan) 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our center hours (Kalamazoo Endo Center) are 6:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Our main telephone number is 269-349-2266; Facsimile Number: 269-349-0792. Our billing office is 269-349-8930 or 269-488-3686; KEC office coordinator: 269-488-3685.
2. Do I need a referral to be seen?
a. Not always, some insurance payers do allow open access, or self-referral. Others require pre-authorization, such as some managed care plans (HMO’s, PPO’s) it is best to check with your benefits contact and primary care physician to confirm. If you are insured with a plan that does not require a referral and have a gastrointestinal disorder, you do not need to have a referral from your primary care doctor.
3. Who do I ask for when calling the office?
a. It depends on what information you need. Here are some guidelines for you to follow that will assist us in processing your telephone call efficiently:
i. Ask for Scheduling – to make or cancel an appointment for either office or center appointments; questions about the time or location of your appointment.
ii. Ask for Patient Financial Services – for questions regarding your billing statement or referral. You may also call our Financial Services department directly at 269-349-8930 or 269-488-3685.
iii. Ask for Medical Records – to receive copies of your records or those records of individuals your have authority to request.
iv. Ask for Nursing – if you have questions about your test results, procedure questions, and/or other digestive health issues.
4. What should I do if I need a prescription refill and am not scheduled for an office visit?
a. Please call the office as early in the day as possible and please allow 24 hours for your prescription to be filled.
i. Be sure you provide the pharmacy name, phone number, physician name, drug name, dosage, patient name and date of birth.
ii. Be sure that your refill request is made one week before your supply is gone.
5. How long do I have to wait for an appointment with the office? With the Center?
a. Office Appointments: New patients are generally seen within 4-6 weeks. However, if your problem is of an urgent nature, you will be scheduled as soon as possible. You should receive a new patient packet at least 10 days prior to your visit. Please complete and mail the forms back to us in the envelope provided. If you are unable to keep your appointment, 48 hours notice is required. Call 269-349-2266 to cancel and/or reschedule your appointment.
b. Center Appointments: Procedures are scheduled in the appointment slots available based upon physician request and diagnostic need of the patient. Typically we are scheduling 2 – 3 weeks out from date of request. If you are unable to keep your appointment, 48 hours notice is required. Call 269-349-2266 to cancel your appointment.
6. Where do your physicians do their procedures? Can I request where my procedure is going to be done?
a. Our physicians are on staff at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Borgess Hospital and Kalamazoo Endo Center.
b. You may request a location, or if there is no preference we will schedule you at the location with availability and need for your procedure. Your insurance may also require a specific location which will indicate to us where your procedure must be done.
7. Does my ride need to stay during my procedure?
a. Yes, at all locations (Bronson, Borgess, and Kalamazoo Endo Center). The length of time is typically 2 hours. Your ride also needs to check in with you at registration. All rides must be at least 18 years of age.
KEC
1. What can I expect?
You can expect the highest quality of endoscopic service at our Center. The Kalamazoo Endo Center is a single-speciality ambulatory center. Endoscopy procedures are what we do. All of our physicians are Board Certified Gastroenterologists. All of our physicians and registered nurses are ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certified. The Center has achieved accreditation from AAAHC, a national accreditation agency. Our goal is to provide safe, prompt, clinical care, utilizing the latest technology in endoscopic equipment and accessories.
2. How long will I be at the center?
You can expect to be at the Center for approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. This will include registration, pre-procedure assessment, the actual procedure, and recovery. Your physician will see you in the recovery room prior to your discharge to review any findings with you. Keep in mind that some procedures may take longer than expected, causing the schedule to run a little behind. Be assured that each patient will receive the necessary time and attention that is required to provide safe, quality, clinical care. You MUST have someone accompanying you who will be responsible for driving you home after the procedure. You cannot drive yourself from the Center after receiving sedation, nor can we allow you to take a cab or ride a bus if you are alone.
3. How long does a colonoscopy take?
Your colon is approximately 5 ft long. It takes an average of about 25 minutes to complete the actual exam. Keep in mind, that everyone’s colon is different, so it could take less or more time. Positioned on your left side, a colonoscope (narrow flexible rubber tube) is inserted through the anus, and gently guided through the colon, moving from the left side to the right. During the exam, as the colon is evaluated, a small amount of air is placed in the colon to facilitate visualization of the entire lumen.
4. How long does an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) take?
An EGD, or upper endoscopy takes an average of 8 – 10 minutes. Again, this is an average. Positioned on your left side with a small bite block placed in the mouth, the endoscope (a thin, flexible rubber tube) is passed through the mouth, down the esophagus, into and through the stomach, to the first part of the small intestine, also known as the duodenum.
5. Will I be asleep?
Patients receive IV sedation for their procedures. A nurse will start an IV in the pre-procedure area. The sedation medications will be administered through the IV in the procedure room, just prior to the start of the procedure. The vast majority of patients sleep through the entire procedure. A few, however may not, as this is NOT general anesthesia. The intent of IV sedation (sometimes referred to as “conscious sedation”) is for the patient to be as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
6. When can I resume my normal activities after a procedure?
Generally, you may resume your usual diet when you are discharged from the Center. Occasionally, some patients may experience slight nausea from the sedation medications and may want to eat very lightly initially until the nausea subsides. We will provide some light snacks at the Center prior to your discharge. We ask that patients do not return to work until the next day. We also ask that you do not participate in any strenuous activities following your procedure, drink any alcoholic beverages, or smoke unattended. We prefer that you rest and take it easy. Please make arrangements for someone to remain with you when you return home. You may still be a little groggy, and may need to sleep. You may resume all of your normal activities on the following day.
7. How long will I have effects from the bowel prep?
In general, your normal bowel pattern should resume in approximately 3 days. Keep in mind that your bowel has been completely cleansed from the prep.