About Your Procedure

Click on the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn about your procedure.

The questions below may help you for before, during, and after your procedure.

Before Procedure

What to expect before your day of procedure.

• What tests are required prior to my procedure?

  Any pre-operative tests will be determined by your physician or anesthesiologist and communicated to you prior to the date of your procedure.

• Will I be contacted prior to my procedure by the facility?

  Yes. You may be contacted a few days prior to your procedure by a member of your health care team. This call will include a routine health assessment, instructions for the day of the procedure, and answers to any questions you may have.  You may also be contacted by someone in the facility’s business office to verify your insurance benefits.

• What should I bring?
  1. Please bring a photo identification and your insurance card(s). Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check-in on the day of your procedure.
  2. Be sure to bring any medications that you may need during your stay at the facility (e.g., inhaler or insulin).
  3. Please bring a list of all drugs you are currently taking.
  4. Please do not bring rings, watches, or other valuables.
• Should I arrange a ride to the facility?

  Yes. You will not be allowed to drive after procedure. Please arrange for an adult to drive you home and for someone to be with you when you arrive. 

  If you plan on using a rideshare company as transportation, you must have an adult with you.

• What may I eat and drink before procedure?

  Your physician or a pre-operative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions prior to your procedure. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions.  If you do not, your procedure may be delayed or cancelled.

• Should I take my routine medications on the day of procedure?

  You will be given instructions regarding medications by your physician or a staff member. Also, as noted above, please be prepared to list all medications (including name and dose) you are taking and to bring any with you that may be needed during your stay (e.g., inhaler or insulin).

• What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure on the correct site?

  Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm the procedure you are having. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure.

• What if I think I might be pregnant?

  Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist and nurse prior to the date of procedure if you think you may be pregnant. The procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.

Day of Procedure

• What will happen when I first arrive at the facility?

  When you arrive at the facility, you will be checked-in by a member of our staff. The admission process is usually very quick as we have obtained most of your information prior to your arrival. This final check allows us to verify all of your key information so we can better serve you.

• What should I wear?

  For your comfort, we encourage you to wear clothing that can be easily removed and stored. Please avoid wearing any jewelry, piercings, nail polish and cosmetics, and leave contact lenses at home or bring your lens case with you.

• What should I do with my clothes and additional belongings?

  A nurse will escort you into the pre-operative area where you will change your clothes. Your belongings will be safely stored until you are ready to go home. We recommend that you leave all valuables and additional accessories at home.

• What happens after I check-in?

  A nurse will conduct a pre-operative assessment that will include taking your vital signs and starting an IV if it is required for your procedure. The anesthesia provider will also speak with you in the pre-operative area to review all pre-operative information and discuss your anesthesia.  Our staff will keep your family and friends informed of your progress.  We understand the anxiety family and friends will have while you are having your procedure.  We will make every effort to keep them informed of your progress and when they will be able to re-join you after the procedure.

• What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure on the correct site?

  Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm the procedure you are having. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure.

• Will I see my physician prior to procedure?

  The nature of most procedures will require that you and your physician confirm and ask additional questions around the specific type of procedure you are having.

• When should I arrive?

  You will receive instructions regarding arrival time from your physicians office.  It is important that you arrive at the designated time.

• What if I think I might be pregnant?

  Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist and nurse prior to the date of your procedure if you think you may be pregnant. The procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.

• Can I smoke?

  No. We advise against smoking on the day of your procedure. Smoking may interfere with the anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.

Anesthesia

• Are there different kinds of sedation or anesthesia?

  There are two options for anesthesia sedation for Endoscopy procedures, Conscious Sedation or Monitored Anesthesia. Your Anesthesia provider will discuss available options with you and make a recommendation after reviewing your medical history. The anesthesia providers will take all precautions to minimize your risk.

  Anesthesia at Scottsdale Endoscopy Center is provided by Anesthesia physicians and Certified Nurse Anesthetists from Grand Canyon Anesthesia, which is a subsidiary of CRH Anesthesia.

  Grand Canyon Anesthesia is a participating provider with many insurance companies. Bills for anesthesia services provided to you will be submitted to your insurance company. You may complete the Assignment of Benefits form found at www.grandcanyonanesthesia.com. You will receive a separate bill from GCA if Anesthesia is administered. To have your anesthesia questions answered, please call 602 343 2900.

• May I request the type of anesthesia I will receive?

  Depending on your procedure, there may be several anesthetic options. Your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history. Having the choice of anesthesia will affect patient cost and duration of recovery.

• What are the risks of anesthesia?

  All anesthetics have risks. These risks are dependent upon many factors, including the type of procedure and the medical condition of the patient. Your anesthesiologist will assess you preoperatively and every precaution will be taken to minimize your risk. We routinely see minor symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and pain, most of which are easily treated.  Please feel free to discuss any questions with your anesthesia provider.

• Will I be billed separately by the anesthesiologist?

  Yes. You will receive a separate bill from your anesthesia provider if anesthesia was administered.

After Procedure

• What will happen if I am not able to go home?

  Admissions to a hospital from an endoscopy center happen occasionally. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesiologist may determine that you need to be transferred to a hospital for additional post procedure care or diagnostic studies.

• What if I am not feeling well once I get home?

  If you are in serious pain, or exhibit warning symptoms described in your discharge instructions, please call your physician, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

• What can I eat when I get home?

  Your physician may have specific recommendations for your post procedure diet. We generally suggest that you eat lightly after your procedure, and strongly encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid alcoholic beverages.

• How will my pain be managed?

  The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain throughout your stay. Most discomfort is related to air in the intestine which is expelled over time. 

• Can my family be with me after procedure?

  After your procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are comfortable. Once you are awake and alert, your family member will be notified. Due to privacy concerns, family members are encouraged to wait in the waiting room.

• May I drive home?

  No. Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements. If you plan on using a rideshare company, you must have a responsible adult accompany you.

• Should I continue my usual medications after procedure?

  Most patients should continue their usual medications. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your physician.

• How long will I stay after my procedure?
  The amount of recovery time varies from patient to patient. After your procedure, a nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are alert and stable. You will be sent home as soon as your health care team feels it is safe to discharge you from the facility.