Procedure FAQ

A clear liquid diet is composed of foods with low residue content to minimize the amount of food needing digestion in the intestines. This diet is below the RDA in all vitamin and mineral components, except vitamin C, and can promote deficiency if not supplemented with an absorbable micronutrient preparation. This diet should not be continued beyond two days without protein, calorie, vitamin, and mineral supplementation. A clear liquid diet includes fruit juices (such as apple juice or white grape juice), clear broth, bouillon and consommé, clear flavored gelatin, Popsicles and/or flavored ices, black coffee, tea, carbonated beverages (Coke, Pepsi, or Sprite) and/or powdered drink mixes (must be clear) and salt and sugar.

Acceptable foods in a low-roughage diet include breads, cereals, crackers, chips and pasta with less than 1 gram of fiber per serving (ideally, look for products with zero grams of dietary fibers per serving); white rice, vegetable juices without seeds or pulp, fruit juices with no pulp, milk, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, cream-based soups and sauces (strained), tender meat, poultry, fish, eggs, oil, margarine, butter, mayonnaise, smooth salad dressings, broth-based soups (strained), jelly, honey, and syrup.

Food or drink containing red or purple colored dyes may temporarily cause discoloration of the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract, making it harder for the physician to identify potential problems.

Yes, you may take red-colored medication.

Try taking a 15 to 30-minute break from drinking the prep, then try again.

Try to drink some gingerale, Sprite, or 7-Up that may help settle your stomach.

Try drinking the prep more slowly, but not too slow. You need to finish the prep so you are cleaned out in time for your procedure, or you may need to repeat it.

For Movi or Golytely, YES, you will need a prescription called into your pharmacy.

For magnesium citrate, NO, you will not need a prescription. Everything you will need is sold over the counter.

Yes, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You will be sedated and unable to operate a vehicle safely. If you do not have a driver your procedure will be canceled. You cannot go home by cab unless you have a responsible party with you.

We utilize two facilities that: North Florida Regional Medical Center and The North Florida Endoscopy Center.

Refer to your instructions for the facility you are scheduled at.

Yes, you will need to pre-register.

If you are scheduled at North Florida Regional Medical Center, Endoscopy Suite, 6500 West Newberry Road, the phone number to pre-register is 1-888-821-1632.

If you are scheduled at the Endoscopy Center, 6400 West Newberry Road, Suite 201, the phone number is (352) 333-5925.

Labs are required only if they are ordered by your physician when you were seen in the office.

Your procedure will be canceled.

Yes, a 48-hour cancellation notice of any procedure.

Yes.

Yes. The purpose of the prep is to clean out your bowel so that the doctor may get a clear look into your colon.

You should always check with your insurance to see what it covers prior to having any procedures done.

Please contact your doctor at the office to see how long you should wait. Discuss your issue with your physician.

Refer to your instruction.

Unless you have been instructed to do otherwise by your doctor, DO NOT take your insulin or oral agent the day of your procedure. Take half of your usual dose the day before the procedure.

You will receive at least two bills: one from the doctor and one from the facility.

Please contact our Insurance and Authorizations department.

Yes, Bisacodyl tablets are OK to take unless you have an allergy to red dye.

You may have the Lemon/Lime or Grape flavor.

You will be given intravenous (IV) sedation, not anesthesia. Your doctor will be the one to give the medication. The typical medicines used include (but are not limited to) Versed (Midazolam), Propofol, or Fentanyl.

Yes, if polyps are seen they will be removed if possible and sent to the lab for pathology.

Pathology results are given to the patient within 7-14 days of the procedure, if you have not heard from our office, please call and speak to your doctor.

Most guidelines encourage you to have a baseline colonoscopy at the age of 50. When you should return for a repeat colonoscopy will depend on your family and personal history. Your physician will be able to direct you to the appropriate time frame for your personal health.

The actual procedure takes only 30 to 45 minutes, but there are several steps before and after your procedure. The nursing staff must ensure your records are reviewed and your pre-operative orders are completed. This usually includes starting an intravenous line (IV) in your arm for the administration of medications.

Additionally, after your procedure you will be in the recovery area until you are fully awake and able to drink. Your physician will discuss the findings during your procedure with you and your family member. We have found for most procedures, four hours is sufficient.