Patient Information
Table of Contents
One-stop hub for preparation, forms, and policies.
What to Expect
A guide to what happens before, during and after your visit — how to prepare, what check-in involves, recovery time, and escort/transportation rules.
About Your Procedure
An overview of your specific endoscopy or colonoscopy — what the test is, why it’s done, how you should prepare and common risks.
Patient Rights & Responsibilities
A summary of your rights (respectful care, privacy, information) and your responsibilities (accurate info, following prep and aftercare instructions, financial responsibility).
Financial Responsibility
A clear explanation of what you’ll be charged, whom bills come from (facility vs physician vs anesthesiologist etc.), and your obligations around insurance, co-pays, deductibles and payments.
Forms & Brochures
A listing of downloadable documents — registration, consent forms, payment info, multi-language interpretation services, and patient education materials.
Privacy Notice
Information about how your health information may be used and disclosed, your rights to access/ amend records, and the Centre’s duty under privacy law.
What To Expect
Please notify the Center (718-548-7900) if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions prior to preparing for the Procedure. There may be a possibility that the procedure cannot be done at the Center.
- Have you had a Heart Attack or Stroke within the last three months? (Myocardial Infarction, TIA or CIA)
- Are you currently on medication for an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or chest pain taking nitroglycerin?
- Do you see a Heart Doctor (Cardiologist) on a regular basis, for example weekly, monthly or every six months?
- Do you have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted in your body?
- Are you more than 100 pounds overweight?
- Do you have trouble breathing when you take 2 flights of stairs?
- Do you have oxygen at home in case you need it?
- Are you on dialysis? (You have a shunt in your arm and you go for treatments on a regular basis)
- Have you been hospitalized for any illness or major surgery involving your heart, lungs, kidney or head within the past three months?
- Are you seeing a physician for any problems with your blood or blood count?
- Have you or any family members been told that you had problems with your anesthesia when put asleep for a surgery or procedure?
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. This does not mean your insurance card or your eyeglasses. The endoscopy center cannot take responsibility for safeguarding your personal items.
- Make arrangements for someone to drive you home . Your escort must remain onsite. Your escort will need to be available to hear the discharge instructions and drive you home. A pharmacy with snacks and beverages is located in the building as well as vending machines. Please limit the number of persons accompanying you to a maximum of two. Only one person will be allowed in the recovery room with you.
- Please make arrangements for childcare in advance . The endoscopy center reception area and recovery room area are not designed to accommodate small children.
- If you have any questions regarding your medication prior to the procedure, please contact your physician’s office.
- Please check in at the reception desk one hour before your procedure is scheduled to begin.
- Bring your insurance card(s).
- Bring your medication(s) or list of the medication(s) and dosages you are currently taking.
- It is very important for us to know if you have any allergies; especially an allergy to rubber (latex)
- If you have sleep apnea and use a C-PAP machine, please bring it with you if you are scheduled for a colonoscopy.
- Patients with a pacemaker defibrillator cannot have the procedure at the Center.
- Average Recovery Time is 30-45 minutes for most procedures.
- Your escort will need to come into the recovery room to listen to your discharge instructions, sign the written instructions and escort you home.
- We would prefer your driver to stay in the immediate area during your procedure.
- It would be best if someone could stay with you at home or check on you following your procedure.
- Patients will remain in the recovery area until they are ready for discharge.
- You may not take a bus or taxi home.
About Your Procedure
Please notify the Center (718-548-7900) if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions prior to preparing for the Procedure. There may be a possibility that the procedure cannot be done at the Center.
- Have you had a Heart Attack or Stroke within the last three months? (Myocardial Infarction, TIA or CIA)
- Are you currently on medication for an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or chest pain taking nitroglycerin?
- Do you see a Heart Doctor (Cardiologist) on a regular basis, for example weekly, monthly or every six months?
- Do you have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted in your body?
- Are you more than 100 pounds overweight?
- Do you have trouble breathing when you take 2 flights of stairs?
- Do you have oxygen at home in case you need it?
- Are you on dialysis? (You have a shunt in your arm and you go for treatments on a regular basis)
- Have you been hospitalized for any illness or major surgery involving your heart, lungs, kidney or head within the past three months?
- Are you seeing a physician for any problems with your blood or blood count?
- Have you or any family members been told that you had problems with your anesthesia when put asleep for a surgery or procedure?
Prior to Your Procedure
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. This does not mean your insurance card or your eyeglasses. The endoscopy center cannot take responsibility for safeguarding your personal items.
- Make arrangements for someone to drive you home . Your escort must remain onsite. Your escort will need to be available to hear the discharge instructions and drive you home. A pharmacy with snacks and beverages is located in the building as well as vending machines. Please limit the number of persons accompanying you to a maximum of two. Only one person will be allowed in the recovery room with you.
- Please make arrangements for childcare in advance . The endoscopy center reception area and recovery room area are not designed to accommodate small children.
- If you have any questions regarding your medication prior to the procedure, please contact your physician’s office.
Please check in at the reception desk one hour before your procedure is scheduled to begin.
- Bring your insurance card(s).
- Bring your medication(s) or list of the medication(s) and dosages you are currently taking.
- It is very important for us to know if you have any allergies; especially an allergy to rubber (latex)
- If you have sleep apnea and use a C-PAP machine, please bring it with you if you are scheduled for a colonoscopy.
- Patients with a pacemaker defibrillator cannot have the procedure at the Center.
After Your Procedure
- Average Recovery Time is 30-45 minutes for most procedures.
- Your escort will need to come into the recovery room to listen to your discharge instructions, sign the written instructions and escort you home.
- We would prefer your driver to stay in the immediate area during your procedure.
- It would be best if someone could stay with you at home or check on you following your procedure.
- Patients will remain in the recovery area until they are ready for discharge.
- You may not take a bus or taxi home.
Introduction
Upper Endoscopy (also known as gastroscopy, EGD, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure that enables your doctor to examine the lining of the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). A flexible, lighted tube about the thickness of your little finger is placed through your mouth and into the stomach and duodenum.
Why Do An Upper Endoscopy?
Upper endoscopy is performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or heartburn. It is an excellent method for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is more accurate than X-rays for detecting inflammation, ulcers or tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Upper endoscopy can detect early cancer and can distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous conditions by performing biopsies of suspicious areas. These are then sent to the laboratory to be analyzed. A biopsy is taken for many reasons and does not mean that cancer is suspected.
What Preparation Is Required?
The stomach should be completely empty. You should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to the day before the examination. Your doctor will be more specific about the time to begin fasting depending on the time of day that your test is scheduled.
Medication may need to be adjusted or avoided. It is therefore best to inform your doctor of ALL your current medications as well as allergies to medications a few days prior to the examination. Also, if you have a medical condition, such as heart or lung disease that may require special attention during the procedure, discuss this with your doctor.
You will most likely be sedated during the procedure and arrangements to have someone accompany you home afterward is imperative. Sedatives will affect your judgment and reflexes for the rest of the day. You should not drive or operate machinery until the next day.
Will the procedure hurt?
Your physician or a Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), under the supervision of an Anesthesiologist, will give you an intravenous medication to make you feel relaxed. Some people fall asleep and do not remember the procedure when they awaken. The physician will put air into your stomach to help visualize the lining and this sometimes causes a cramping or bloated sensation.
What can I expect when I arrive at the endoscopy center?
When you arrive at the endoscopy center, you will be asked to change into a gown. The nurse and/or an Anesthesiologist will ask you questions about your medical history and current medication use. Updating this information will make the procedure safe for you. Please be prepared to review your health history at this time. Bring a list of medications and drug allergies, if necessary. Your blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation will be monitored before, during and after the exam. An intravenous (I.V.) needle will be placed in your hand or arm.
What can I expect during the colonoscopy?
The nurse will help you get comfortable on a stretcher. After blood pressure and heart rate monitors are applied you will lie on your left side. Your physician or Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) will give you an intravenous injection of medication. After you become relaxed, the physician will insert the tip of the scope into your mouth and advance it forward into the duodenum. The procedure takes 20-45 minutes. When your exam is finished you will be taken to the recovery room for observation.
What Can Be Expected During The Upper Endoscopy?
You may have your throat sprayed with a local anesthetic before the test begins and given medication through a vein to help you relax during the examination. You will lie on your side in a comfortable position as the endoscope is gently passed through your mouth and into your esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The procedure usually lasts 15-20 minutes. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing. Most patients fall asleep during the procedure. A few find it only slightly uncomfortable.
What Happens After Upper Endoscopy?
You will be monitored in the recovery area for about 20-30 minutes until the effects of the sedatives have worn off. Your throat may be a little sore for a day or two. You may feel bloated immediately after the procedure because of the air that is introduced into your stomach during the examination. You will be able to resume your diet and take your routine medication after you leave the endoscopy center, unless otherwise instructed. Your doctor will usually inform you of your test results on the day of the procedure, unless biopsy samples were taken. These results take about 5 days to return.
The sedation used during your exam impairs judgment, memory, and equilibrium. We cannot perform this procedure unless we know that you will arrive home safely, so please bring a friend or family member with you:
- Do not drive, operate machinery, make critical decisions, drink alcoholic beverages, or do activities that require coordination or balance for 24 hours.
- If given medication for pain, take it, as instructed, so your pain is not overwhelming.
- You may experience a sore throat for 24 to 48 hours. You may use throat lozenges or gargle with warm water to relieve the discomfort.
- Because air was put into your stomach during the procedure, you may experience some belching.
What Complications Can Occur?
Gastroscopy and biopsy are very safe when performed by doctors who have had special training and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures. Complications are rare. However, they can occur and include bleeding from the site of a biopsy or polypectomy and a tear (perforation) through the lining of the intestinal wall. Blood transfusions are rarely required. A reaction to the sedatives can occur. Irritation to the vein that medications were given is uncommon, but may cause a tender lump lasting a few weeks. Warm, moist towels will help relieve this discomfort.
When performed by a knowledgeable and competent physician, an Upper Endoscopy (EGD) is a very low risk procedure. Very rarely, bleeding or perforation (tearing of the lining of the colon) may occur. Other risks include a reaction to medication, irritation at the site of the injection, or complications related to other medical problems that you may already have.
- Perforation: Passage of the instrument may result in an injury to the gastrointestinal tract wall with possible leakage of gastrointestinal contents into the body cavity. If this occurs, surgery to close the leak and/or drain the region is usually required.
- Bleeding: Bleeding, if it occurs, is usually a complication of biopsy, Polypectomy or dilation. Management of this complication may consist only of careful observation, or may require transfusions or possibly a surgical operation.
- Medication Phlebitis: Medications used for sedation may irritate the vein in which they are injected. This causes a red, painful swelling of the vein and surrounding tissue. The area could become infected. Discomfort in the area may persist for several weeks to several months.
- Conscious Sedation Medication and Pregnancy: There are risks involved with Anesthesia, especially as it relates to a pregnancy. If there is a question that a pregnancy is possible, a urine pregnancy test will be performed prior to the procedure. If you are breast feeding, do not breast feed for 48 hours.
- Other Risks: Include drug reactions and complications from other diseases you may already have. Instrument failure and death are extremely rare but remain remote possibilities.
YOU MUST INFORM YOUR PHYSICIAN OF ALL YOUR ALLERGIC TENDENCIES AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS.
Although complications after Upper Endoscopy (EGD) are uncommon, it is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. Go directly to the emergency room and contact your physician if you notice any of the following:
- Chills and/or fever over 101
- Persistent vomiting or vomiting with blood/nasal regurgitation
- Severe abdominal pain, other than gas cramps
- Severe chest pain
- Black, tarry stools
Please be informed that an EGD is never 100% accurate. After the procedure, if you should develop any new or recurrent gastrointestinal signs or symptoms, immediately bring it to the attention of your Physician.
What are the alternatives to Gastrointestinal Endoscopy?
Although gastrointestinal endoscopy is an extremely safe and effective means of examining the gastrointestinal tract, it is not 100 percent accurate in diagnosis. In a small percentage of cases, a failure of diagnosis or misdiagnosis may result. Other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as medical treatment, x-ray and surgery are available. Another option is to choose no diagnostic studies and/or treatment. Your physician will be happy to discuss these options with you.
Other Questions
If you have any questions please contact your physician and your doctor will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Your physician has determined that an examination of your colon is necessary to further evaluate or treat your symptoms. This information has been prepared to answer questions our patients’ most frequently ask.
What is a colonoscopy?
An exam using an instrument called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is a thin, lighted flexible tube. This instrument allows the physician to directly view the inside of your colon (large intestine). Photos can be taken to document findings and tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken. This is a way for your physician to evaluate the colon in great detail.
Polyps are small growths originating in the lining of the colon. Most polyps are non-cancerous (benign), but the physician cannot always tell a benign polyp from a malignant (cancerous) polyp by its visual appearance. For this reason, all polyps found will be removed and sent to pathology for analysis. You should feel no discomfort during the polyp removal. Removal of colon polyps is important in preventing colorectal cancer.
What preparation is necessary?
Your colon must be clean in order for your physician to get the best view possible. A special diet followed by a laxative preparation is necessary to clear out any waste or solid residue. The instructions must be followed exactly. Any solid material retained in the colon may prolong the procedure or make it necessary to repeat the examination at another time
Will the procedure hurt?
Your physician or a Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), under the supervision of an Anesthesiologist, will give you an intravenous medication to make you feel relaxed. Some people fall asleep and do not remember the procedure when they awaken. The physician will put air into your colon to help visualize the lining and this sometimes causes a cramping or bloated sensation. (Passing this air during and following the exam will relieve any discomfort.)
What can I expect when I arrive at the endoscopy center?
When you arrive at the endoscopy center, you will be asked to change into a gown. The nurse and/or an Anesthesiologist will ask you questions about your medical history and current medication use. Updating this information will make the procedure safe for you. Please be prepared to review your health history at this time. Bring a list of medications and drug allergies, if necessary. Your blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation will be monitored before, during and after the exam. An intravenous (I.V.) needle will be placed in your hand or arm.
What can I expect during the colonoscopy?
The nurse will help you get comfortable on a stretcher. After blood pressure and heart rate monitors are applied you will lie on your left side. Your physician or Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) will give you an intravenous injection of medication. After you become relaxed, the physician will insert the tip of the scope into your rectum and advance it forward into the colon. The procedure takes 20-45 minutes. When your exam is finished you will be taken to the recovery room for observation.
The sedation used during your exam impairs judgment, memory, and equilibrium. We cannot perform this procedure unless we know that you will arrive home safely, so please bring a friend or family member with you:
- Do not drive, operate machinery, make critical decisions, drink alcoholic beverages, or do activities that require coordination or balance for 24 hours.
- Because air was put into your colon during the procedure, you may experience cramping, bloating and expelling large amounts of air from your rectum. This is normal for the first 24 hours.
- You may not have a bowel movement for 1-3 days because of the colonoscopy prep. This is normal.
Except for these restrictions, you may resume your normal diet unless directed otherwise by your physician. Your physician may give you additional instructions at the time of discharge.
What are the possible complications of colonoscopy?
Please be informed that a colonoscopy is never 100% accurate. The accuracy varies with the quality of the prep and the size of the polyp. After the procedure, if you develop any new or recurrent gastrointestinal signs or symptoms, immediately bring it to the attention of your physician.
When performed by a knowledgeable and competent physician, a colonoscopy is a very low risk procedure. Very rarely, bleeding or perforation (tearing of the lining of the colon) may occur. Other risks include a reaction to medication, irritation at the site of the injection, or complications related to other medical problems that you may already have.
- Perforation: Passage of the instrument may result in an injury to the gastrointestinal tract wall with possible leakage of gastrointestinal contents into the body cavity. If this occurs, surgery to close the leak and/or drain the region is usually required.
- Bleeding: Bleeding, if it occurs, is usually a complication of biopsy, Polypectomy or dilation. Management of this complication may consist only of careful observation, or may require transfusions or possibly a surgical operation.
- Medication Phlebitis: Medications used for sedation may irritate the vein in which they are injected. This causes a red, painful swelling of the vein and surrounding tissue. The area could become infected. Discomfort in the area may persist for several weeks to several months.
- Conscious Sedation Medication and Pregnancy: There are risks involved with Anesthesia, especially as it relates to a pregnancy. If there is a question that a pregnancy is possible, a urine pregnancy test will be performed prior to the procedure. If you are breast feeding, do not breast feed for 48 hours.
- Other Risks: Include drug reactions and complications from other diseases you may already have. Instrument failure and death are extremely rare but remain remote possibilities.
YOU MUST INFORM YOUR PHYSICIAN OF ALL YOUR ALLERGIC TENDENCIES AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS.
Although complications after colonoscopy are uncommon, it is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. Go directly to the emergency room and contact your physician if you notice any of the following:
- Chills and/or fever over 101
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain, other than gas cramps
- Severe chest pain
- Black, tarry stools
- Any bleeding-exceeding one tablespoon
What are the alternatives to Gastrointestinal Endoscopy?
Although gastrointestinal endoscopy is an extremely safe and effective means of examining the gastrointestinal tract, it is not 100 percent accurate in diagnosis. In a small percentage of cases, a failure of diagnosis or misdiagnosis may result. Other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as medical treatment, x-ray and surgery are available. Another option is to choose no diagnostic studies and/or treatment. Your physician will be happy to discuss these options with you.
Other Questions
If you have any questions please contact your physician and your doctor will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
What Is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and lower colon (bowel). A soft, flexible tube about the thickness of the index finger is gently inserted into the anus (rectal opening) and advanced or moved into the rectum and the lower part of the colon.
When And Why Is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Performed?
It is most often done as part of a routine screening for cancer for patients over 50 years old.
What Preparation Is Required?
The rectum and lower colon must be completely emptied of stool (feces) for the procedure to be performed. Your doctor or his/her staff will give you instructions regarding the cleansing routine to be used. If the area to be examined is not totally clear, the doctor will not be able to perform an effective examination. Be sure to follow your doctor’s preparation instructions.
Most of your medications can be continued as usual. However, drugs such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and blood thinners are examples of medications whose use should be discussed with your doctor prior to the examination.
What Can Be Expected During The Procedure?
You will be awake during the procedure. Occasionally, your doctor may give you some light sedation. The procedure is usually well tolerated and rarely causes discomfort. The inside of the colon has few nerve endings; therefore, it is unusual to feel the scope moving within the body. Air is injected to distend or widen the passage. This may cause a feeling of pressure, gassiness, bloating, or cramping during the procedure. You will lie on your side while the sigmoidoscope is advanced through the rectum and lower colon. The lining of the intestine is examined carefully and biopsies can be taken if necessary. The procedure usually lasts for five to fifteen minutes. If there is extreme discomfort, you should tell your doctor and the procedure will be terminated.
What Happens After Sigmoidoscopy?
Your doctor will explain the results to you and discuss any findings. You may have some mild cramping or bloating from the air that was placed into the colon during the examination. This should quickly improve with the passage of gas. You should be able to eat and resume normal activities after leaving the doctor’s office.
Are There Complications Of Sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy and biopsy are safe when performed by physicians with appropriate training and experience in endoscopic procedures. Complications are rare, however, they can occur. They include bleeding from the site of a biopsy or a perforation, which is a tear through the lining of the bowel wall. It is important to contact your doctor if you notice symptoms of severe abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, fever, chills, or rectal bleeding equal to more than half a cup. Bleeding can occur up to several days after a biopsy.
Patient Rights & Responsibilities
The patient has the right to expect the following actions from his/her Physician and Endoscopy Center staff:
The patient has the right to respectful care given by competent personnel. The patient will always be called by his or her proper name unless directed otherwise by the patient.
The highest priority will be given to the patient’s personal needs and requests.
The patient has the right to quality care and services delivered pursuant to high professional standards that are continually reviewed and consistently maintained.
The patient has the right to medical services without discrimination based upon age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, sex, national origin, handicap, disability or source of payment.
Any patient who does not speak English shall have access, where possible, to an interpreter.
The patient has the right to expect that the Center will be managed in a fashion that encourages efficiency and ensures the patient’s comfort and safety.
The patient has the right to expect emergency procedures to be readily available and implemented without unnecessary delay.
The patient has the right to privacy concerning his or her own medical care. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are considered confidential and shall be discussed discreetly with the patient.
Having respect for the patient’s privacy will include these procedures: the patient will change into their gown in a restroom, Procedure Room or curtained admitting area. All questions regarding the patient’s medical condition and history will be confined to areas that ensure the most confidentiality, e.g. within the confines of the Procedure Room or at the patient’s bedside in the Recovery Room. The cubicle curtains are always drawn between patients in the Recovery and Admit areas, and completely around the patient if he/she chooses to redress at their Recovery Room bedside.
A patient has the right to have records pertaining to his/her medical care treated as confidential except as otherwise provided by law or third party contractual arrangements. No information will be disclosed to third parties without patient approval and/or notification.
Any information given to other offices or insurance companies is done with the patient’s knowledge and approval. The patient has the right to refuse the release of their medical records.
All Physicians and employees sign a statement of confidentiality that is kept in their credentialing file.
The patient has the right, upon request, to be given the name of his/her attending physician, the names of all other physicians directly participating in his/her care, and the names and functions of other health care personnel having direct contact with him/her.
The patient has the right to request information regarding their providers’ credentials.
The patient has the right to know what Center rules and regulations apply to his/her conduct as a patient.
The patient has the right to full information in layman’s terms, concerning diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, including information about alternative treatment and possible complications (Consent, Discharge Instructions, Patient Education handouts). When it is not medically advisable to give the information to the patient, the information shall be given on his/her behalf to a responsible person. Except for emergencies, the practitioner shall obtain the necessary informed consent prior to the procedure.
The Center shall provide the patient, or designee of the patient, upon request, access to information contained in his/her medical records, unless the attending practitioner specifically restricts access for medical reasons.
If an emergency arises, and the patient is transferred to another facility, the responsible party shall be notified. The facility to which the patient is to be transferred shall be notified prior to the patient’s transfer.
The patient has the right to examine and receive a detailed explanation of his/her bill for services.
The patient has the right to expect that the Center will provide information for continuing health care requirements following discharge and the means for meeting them. The patient will be informed of his/her rights at the time of registration.
The patient has the right to actively participate in decisions about his/her care.
A patient may refuse to participate in a research project. A patient may refuse to continue in a program to which he/she has previously given informed consent.
A patient has the right to refuse drugs or procedures, to the extent permitted by statute, and a practitioner shall inform the patient of medical consequences of the patient’s refusal of drugs or procedures.
Patients may also change Physicians, at their own discretion.
Patients have the right to express grievances or offer suggestions to improve care. Their comments are solicited through the Patient Questionnaire, which is explained during the discharge process from the Center.
The patient has the responsibility to do the following:
The patient is asked to provide current information for the registration process and to be as clear as possible in giving their medical history prior to the procedure.
The patient is encouraged to ask any and all questions of the physician and staff in order that he/she may have a full knowledge of the procedure and aftercare.
The patient is responsible for following any directions given pre-procedure, (e.g. the colon prep) and any written instructions given at discharge.
The patient is responsible for the payment of services if they have no insurance coverage, and the insured patient is responsible for that portion of the bill deemed by the insurance company to be their co-pay, deductible or remaining responsibility.
Financial Responsibility
The Center was established to meet the special needs of patients with gastrointestinal complaints or diseases. It is an “Ambulatory Surgery Center” specially designed for the practice of Gastroenterology — no other medical procedures are performed here. The physicians providing services at our facility are Board-certified in Gastroenterology and Colorectal Surgeons and our clinical staff are trained professionals experienced in caring for our patients. The mission of the Center is to provide quality care in a specialized outpatient setting. Each patient will have our utmost careful and personalized attention.
By law, we are required to notify you that some of the physicians performing procedures here have a direct financial interest/ownership in this center.
In order to ensure that our patients understand their financial responsibility and our payment policies, we ask that you take a minute to read the following and discuss any questions you may have with our billing representative.
- The fee that we charge for our services is intended to cover the cost of operating this facility including equipment, staff, rent, supplies, etc. You will also receive a separate bill from the physician’s office for their professional services, as well as the anesthesiologist, certified nurse anesthetist, and possibly the laboratory for any pathology services. The facility, anesthesiologist, certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), laboratory and physicians’ professional office are all separate legal entities providing separate and distinct services.
- As a courtesy to our patients, insurance claims will be submitted on the patient’s behalf to the insurance company specified during the registration process as long as we have the complete name and address of the insurance company, the subscriber’s name, social security number and birth date, and the group number and any other required pre-authorization for the procedure.
- All co-payments and deductibles will be billed by Physicians Endoscopy Billing Department as required by the contract between the patient, the insurer and our center.
- Some insurers require precertification, preauthorization or a written referral. It is the patient’
- We recognize that there may be times when full payment is not possible. Patients covered by insurers that our center has not contracted with or any patients without insurance are expected to pay a minimum of 50% of the procedure fee at the time of service and a minimum of one-third of the remaining balance over the three months following the date of service.
If you are having financial difficulty or have any questions, please contact our Billing Office to discuss your account at 1-866-363-6226. Payments are expected to be paid monthly and will be monitored. Non-payment of accounts after three months may result in referral to an outside collection agency that could impact the patient’s credit record.
Forms & Brochures
Anesthesia Consent
Informed Consent for Endoscopy
Privacy Notice
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THISS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY. This notice is provided in two layers: This top layer briefly summarizes how we handle your health information, and the bottom layer provides further details of our privacy policies and procedures.
HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION. We use health information about you for treatment, for administrative purposes, and to evaluate the quality of care that you receive. For example, your health information may be shared with other providers to whom you are referred. Information may be shared by paper, mail, electronic mail, fax, or other methods. We may use or disclose information without your authorization for several reasons. But beyond those situations, we will ask for your written authorization before using or disclosing your health information. If you sign an authorization to disclose information, you can later revoke it to stop any future uses or disclosures.
YOUR RIGHTS. In most cases, you have a right to look at or obtain a copy of your health information that we use to make decisions regarding your care. If you request copies, we may charge you a cost-based fee. You also have the right to request a list of certain types of disclosures of your information that we have made. If you believe that your health information is incorrect or that information is missing, you have a right to request that we amend the existing information or add the missing information.
OUR LEGAL DUTY. We are required by law to protect the privacy of your health information, provide this notice about our privacy practices, follow the privacy practices that are described in this notice, and to seek your acknowledgement of receipt of this notice. We may change our privacy policies at any time. Before we make a significant change in our privacy policies, we will change our notice and post the new notice in the waiting area. You can also request a copy of our privacy notice at any time. For more information about our privacy policies, please contact the person listed below.
PRIVACY COMPLIANTS. If you are concerned that we have violated your privacy rights, our privacy policies, or if you disagree with a decision we made about access to your health information, you may contact the person listed below. You also may send a written complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The person listed below can provide you with the appropriate address upon request.
If you have any questions or complaints, please contact the administrator at 718-548-7900.