Below please find answers to some frequently asked questions. This FAQ page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for medical advice, professional services, or any recommendations by your healthcare provider. Questions concerning you, your procedures, or any other relevant matters can be addressed in an appointment or can be directed to 713.541.0000.

General Questions:

1. Question: Where are you located?

2. Question: What are your office hours?

3. Question: Are you accepting new patients?

4. Question: Do I need to be referred by my family doctor or another referring physician?

5. Question: How do I schedule an appointment with you?

6. Question: Is it okay if I bring a close friend or family member along with me?

7. Question: My family physician has referred me to your practice. Will he or she still be part of my treatment team?

8. Question: If I’m having a GI-related problem, whom should I call, you or my primary care physician?

9. Question: Will you refill all my medications?

Procedure Questions:

1. Question: Should I get screened for colon cancer?

2. Question: How do I prepare for my procedure?

3. Question: Will I be able to drive home after my test?

4. Question: Can I work on the day before my colonoscopy while on a clear liquid diet?

5. Question: What if the colonoscopy preparation solution makes me nauseous?

6. Question: Why is the preparation for an upper endoscopy so much simpler?

7. Question: Will I feel my procedure?

8. Question: Is a colonoscopy as bad as it sounds?

9. Question: When will I be able to go back to work?

10. Question: Can I drink alcoholic beverages prior to my procedure?

11. Question: Why do I need to avoid red or purple liquids?

12. Question: Can I chew gum prior to my procedure?

13. Question: What is the best clear liquid to take?

14. Question: Is there any way that I can make the prep taste better?

15. Question: Should I take my usual medications on the morning of the procedure?

16. Question: Can I wear my dentures?

17. Question: I have been instructed not to take anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners several days before the procedure. What can I take for headaches and pain relief?

18. Question: Can I have a colonoscopy done if I am having my menstrual period?

19. Question: What should I do if I take insulin?

20. Question: What if I take medication for diabetes?

21. Question: What should I do if I take iron?

22. Question: Will I require antibiotics for my procedure?

23. Question: What about doing a virtual colonoscopy?

24. Question: Can I do anything for rectal irritation during the preparation?

25. Question: My bottom is so sore. What can I do?

26. Question: How long does the test take to perform?

27. Question: I already had diarrhea before taking the prep, do I still have to take the laxative?

28. Question: I see yellow color in the toilet bowl and a few flecks. What do I do?

29. Question: I took aspirin or Advil before my colonoscopy. What should I do?

30. Question: What are the potential complications of an upper endoscopy?

31. Question: What are the potential complications of a colonoscopy?

Billing and Payment Questions:

1. Question: What insurance carriers are you participating with?

2. Question: I do not have insurance! What can I do?

3. Question: I have a balance. How do I pay it?

4. Question: How expensive is an endoscopy or colonoscopy and does my insurance cover it?

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General Questions:

1. Question: Where are you located?
Answer: We are located at 7777 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas in Suite #544 in Medical Office Building #1. Please call us if you have any specific questions concerning our location or how to reach our office.

2. Question: What are your office hours?
Answer: We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

3. Question: Are you accepting new patients?
Answer: Yes and we encourage you to make an appointment if you feel that our services are applicable to your situation or if you have been referred to us.

4. Question: Do I need to be referred by my family doctor or another referring physician?
Answer: Not unless your insurance carrier requires a written referral to see a specialist.

5. Question: How do I schedule an appointment with you?
Answer: You can use the “Request an Appointment” button on this website or you can call us at our office at 713.541.0000 during normal business hours. We look forward to seeing you.

6. Question: Is it okay if I bring a close friend or family member along with me?
Answer: Most definitely and, in fact, we welcome the opportunity to answer any questions or concerns your family may have about your health.

7. Question: My family physician has referred me to your practice. Will he or she still be part of my treatment team?
Answer: Absolutely. Our role is not to replace your primary care physician (PCP), but to serve as a highly specialized extension of his or her care. Your primary care physician will be updated and consulted regarding your diagnosis and treatment so that you can receive the best possible care.

8. Question: If I’m having a GI-related problem, whom should I call, you or my primary care physician?
Answer: If your problem is urgent, seek emergency help immediately by dialing 911. If you have a question related to your gastrointestinal condition, feel free to call our offices. General non-gastrointestinal health questions should be directed to your primary care physician.

9. Question: Will you refill all my medications?
Answer: We prefer to refill only those medications having to do with your gastrointestinal tract. Medications having to do with other conditions which have been prescribed by your primary care doctor should be refilled by that doctor.

Procedure Questions:

1. Question: Should I get screened for colon cancer?
Answer: If you are over age 50, have a family history of polyps or colon cancer, or have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, you should be screened. An appointment with us would allow us to better analyze and determine your needs.

2. Question: How do I prepare for my procedure?
Answer: Specific preparation instructions will be given to you during you appointment. Each procedure has its own instructions and should be followed very closely so that you can have the highest quality exam and experience.

3. Question: Will I be able to drive home after my test?
Answer: Due to the lingering effects of sedatives given to you during your procedure, you will not be permitted to drive after your procedure. It is also a legal requirement that you have a driver and that you do not drive for the rest of the day.

4. Question: Can I work on the day before my colonoscopy while on a clear liquid diet?
Answer: Most people work the day before their procedures. You will be drinking plenty of fluids with calories in order to give your body the hydration and calories it needs. There is no solid food allowed on the day before your procedure. Once you start the bowel preparation in the evening, generally around 6 PM, you will need to be near a bathroom.

5. Question: What if the colonoscopy preparation solution makes me nauseous?
Answer: If you feel nauseous, slow down the consumption of the prep. If necessary, take a half-hour break when consuming the prep. Some patients find the prep is more palatable when they consume it through a straw and/or when preceded by lemon ice which will improve the taste and numb the palate.

6. Question: Why is the preparation for an upper endoscopy so much simpler?
Answer: The upper GI tract empties within hours of eating and is clear without lavage or flushing. That is why the preparation for an upper GI endoscopy is much simpler and requires only fasting.

7. Question: Will I feel my procedure?
Answer: Intravenous sedation or light anesthesia will be administered to you before and during your procedure. This medicine is designed to remove your pre-procedure anxiety and help with any discomfort caused by the procedure. The majority of patients do not remember much of their procedures, due to the fact that the IV medication also induces a relaxing sleep. The effects of the medication may last as long as 24 hours.

8. Question: Is a colonoscopy as bad as it sounds?
Answer: The colonoscopy has received a bad reputation over the years. Many will attest that the colon cleanse is arguably the worst part of the process. The preparation for a colonoscopy includes 24 hours of clear liquids and a powerful laxative solution that will place you “intermittently” on the toilet the night before the procedure. The procedure itself is often the easiest part of the overall process since most individuals will be given intravenous sedation medications. The procedure typically lasts no more than 30 minutes and often less than 2 to 3 hours will be spent in the outpatient facility before heading back home. One day dedicated to your colon health seems to be a small price to pay for good health. We would be more than happy to discuss any concerns you have concerning this procedure during your appointment.

9. Question: When will I be able to go back to work?
Answer: You should prepare to return to your normal work routine on the morning following your procedure. You should not perform any mentally or physically taxing activities nor sign any legal papers afteryour procedure for the rest of the day.

10. Question: Can I drink alcoholic beverages prior to my procedure?
Answer: We highly suggest you do not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to your procedure, especially since they can cause dehydration.

11. Question: Why do I need to avoid red or purple liquids?
Answer: These colors can persist in the colon and give the appearance of gastrointestinal bleeding. That is why they need to be avoided prior to procedures.

12. Question: Can I chew gum prior to my procedure?
Answer: Yes, but nothing with soft centers or red or purple coloring.

13. Question: What is the best clear liquid to take?
Answer: Gatorade, which comes in many flavors, and chicken or beef broth are excellent choices as they contain electrolytes such as potassium. Avoid red or purple liquids.

14. Question: Is there any way that I can make the prep taste better?
Answer: You can try sucking on hard candy (avoiding the red or purple colors). You can rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash. Citrus sodas, such as Fresca, can be helpful in covering the taste or you can add Crystal Light flavoring to your water. Do not eat or drink anything other than approved liquids while you are drinking the solution.

15. Question: Should I take my usual medications on the morning of the procedure?
Answer: Medications for blood pressure, heart conditions and seizures should be taken the morning of your exam regardless of the color of the pill, tablet or liquid. Please follow the instructions you were given at your office visit or during your nurse assessment. If you are unsure, please call our office.

16. Question: Can I wear my dentures?
Answer: Yes, you may wear your dentures to the procedure suite. However, you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.

17. Question: I have been instructed not to take anti-inflammatory medications or
blood thinners several days before the procedure. What can I take for headaches and
pain relief?
Answer: You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) if necessary.

18. Question: Can I have a colonoscopy done if I am having my menstrual period?
Answer: Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).

19. Question: What should I do if I take insulin?
Answer: Call your doctor's office at least five to seven days before the procedure and ask for instructions.

20. Question: What if I take medication for diabetes?
Answer: Diabetes medication lowers blood sugar. During your prep for colonoscopy, fewer calories are consumed and sugar can drop too low. Modifying diabetic medication will be individualized by the physician at your pre-procedure visit.

21. Question: What should I do if I take iron?
Answer: If you are having a colonoscopy, stop the iron five days before the procedure. Iron can interfere with the colonoscopy preparation resulting in a poorly cleaned colon. You do not need to stop iron if you are having an upper endoscopy only.

22. Question: Will I require antibiotics for my procedure?
Answer: Most patients do not require antibiotics for either upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. However, if you have had a heart valve replacement, endocarditis, or any other relevant risk factors, please call our office for instructions at least five to seven days before the procedure for more information.

23. Question: What about doing a virtual colonoscopy?
Answer: A virtual colonoscopy (VC) is a good screening test. However, many insurance carriers do not cover virtual colonoscopy. Also, it is not readily available and can be uncomfortable. In addition, if a polyp is found, you still need a colonoscopy to remove the polyp.

24. Question: Can I do anything for rectal irritation during the preparation?
Answer: Baby wipes or Tucks pads are helpful in soothing irritations caused by the frequent bowel movements induced by the bowel preparation for a colonoscopy.

25. Question: My bottom is so sore. What can I do?
Answer: To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth or moist tissue paper. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H, Desitin or Vitamin A & D ointment sparingly.

26. Question: How long does the test take to perform?
Answer: Most endoscopic exams are completed in 20 to 30 minutes. However, we also need to prepare you for your procedure as well as recover you from the effects of the sedation following your procedure. Generally, you will spend approximately 2 to 3 hours in the outpatient facility.

27. Question: I already had diarrhea before taking the prep, do I still have to take the laxative?
Answer: Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your doctor. Your colon is approximately 6 feet long. The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon clearly. There could be solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated.

28. Question: I see yellow color in the toilet bowl and a few flecks. What do I do?
Answer: If your last bowel movements were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet you should be fine. It is okay if you have some flecks of material. The yellow color is a result of the bile that normally colors the feces. This should not interfere with the exam.

29. Question: I took aspirin or Advil before my colonoscopy. What should I do?
Answer: Generally, you should be off blood thinners, including aspirin, for 5 – 7 days prior to your procedure unless instructed otherwise. However, if you did take your medication and you are “prepped” for your colonoscopy, maintain your appointment and notify your physician at the time of the procedure.

30. Question: What are the potential complications of an upper endoscopy?
Answer: An endoscopy is generally safe. Complications can occur, but are rare when the test is performed by physicians with specialized training and experience in this procedure. Bleeding may occur from a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed. It is usually minimal and rarely requires blood transfusions or surgery. Localized irritation of the vein where the intravenous line was placed and medication was injected may rarely cause a tender lump lasting for several weeks, but this will go away eventually. Applying heat packs or hot moist towels may help relieve discomfort. Other potential risks include a reaction to the sedatives used and complications from heart or lung diseases. Major complications such as a perforation (a tear that might require surgery for repair) are very uncommon. It is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. If you begin to run a fever after the test, begin to have trouble swallowing, or have increasing throat, chest or abdominal pain, let our office know immediately.

31. Question: What are the potential complications of a colonoscopy?
Answer: A colonoscopy is generally safe when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures. One possible complication is a perforation or tear through the bowel wall that could require surgery. Bleeding may occur from the site of biopsy or polyp removal. It is usually minor and stops on its own or can be controlled through the colonoscope. Rarely, blood transfusions or surgery may be required. Other potential risks include a reaction to the sedatives used and complications from heart or lung disease. Localized irritation of the vein where the intravenous line was placed and medications were injected may rarely cause a tender lump lasting for several weeks, but this will go away eventually. Applying hot packs or hot moist towels may help relieve discomfort. Although complications after a colonoscopy are uncommon, it is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. Contact our office if you notice any of the following symptoms: severe abdominal pain, fever and chills or rectal bleeding of more than one half-cup. Bleeding can occur several days after a polypectomy.

Billing and Payment Questions:

1. Question: What insurance carriers are you participating with?
Answer: Please call our office at 713-541-0000 and ask to speak with someone in the billing department to confirm whether we are contracted with your insurance carrier.

2. Question: I do not have insurance! What can I do?
Answer: We have set self-pay fees for office visits and procedures. We feel that everyone who needs to see a gastroenterologist should have that opportunity so please contact us to discuss your options.

3. Question: I have a balance. How do I pay it?
Answer: Please call us during normal business hours and we would be happy to accept your payment! We accept all major credit cards, cash, and personal checks.

4. Question: How expensive is an endoscopy or colonoscopy and does my insurance cover it?
Answer: Most medical procedures are not inexpensive prospects and colonoscopy and upper endoscopy are no exception. The true out-of-pocket cost for any particular patient will depend on their particular insurance plan, remaining deductible, and the procedures indication. Though the total cost of a colonoscopy (including the doctor’s fee, the facility fee, and applicable pathology charges) may be a few thousand dollars. Most patients do not pay more than a few hundred dollars and many pay much less than that or even nothing at all depending on insurance benefits. It is encouraged for patients to check with their insurance company to determine their true out-of-pocket expense.