Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Suburban GI in network with my plan?
While we have a list of accepted insurances, you should always check with your plan first. There are many insurance plans and the best way to ensure your insurance will cover your visit is to call and ask.
You don’t take my insurance, can my doctor do an out-of-network referral?
Unfortunately, no. An out-of-network referral doesn’t always mean that the insurance company will ultimately approve the visit. If we do not accept your insurance, we will ask your PCP to refer you to an in-network provider to ensure you do not end up with the total bill.
My insurance company says screening colonoscopies are covered. Can you make sure that’s how you bill it?
While we schedule routine colonoscopies as colonoscopies without collection (or screening colonoscopies), we cannot predict what will occur during your procedure. If samples have to be taken or polyps removed, the procedure will ultimately be billed as a colonoscopy with collection/biopsy (diagnostic).
Can I take my medications on the day of my procedure?
You can take your normal medications at least 3 hours before your procedure unless it’s an anticoagulant (blood-thinner) or medication for diabetes. If you are a diabetic and take meds for it, please check with your PCP or your endocrinologist whether you should take your meds. If you take any anticoagulants, you will have been asked to stop several days before your procedure (the number depends on which medication you take); we have checked with your prescribing doctor to make sure they agree with you holding off. If you use any injectable medications for diabetes or weight loss (e.g., Trulicity, Ozempic, Wegovy, Bydureon, Byetta, Saxenda, Victoza, Adlyxin, or Mounjaro), please hold off for 1 week before your procedure. If you use Rybelsus, please hold off the day before and the day of your procedure.
Can I take Advil/Motrin/Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs the week before my procedure?
No, please hold off taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) the week before your procedure, including over-the-counter medications like Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naproxen, Aspirin, as well as prescription NSAIDs like Diclofenac, Voltaren, Meloxicam, Celebrex, etc. You may take Tylenol for pain. If you take Aspirin 81mg for your heart, you may continue to take that daily.
How long will the procedure take?
The procedure itself (upper endoscopy or colonoscopy) should take about 30 minutes, but you should plan to be here for about 2 hours from the time you are dropped off until the time you are picked up. If you are having both an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy, you should expect to be here about 2.5 hours from drop off to pick up. Your ride will be notified by the Endoscopy staff when you are ready to be picked up.
At what age are screening colonoscopies recommended?
Generally speaking, screening colonoscopies should be done starting at age 45. If you have a parent or sibling who got colorectal cancer before they were 55, you should have your first colonoscopy 10 years before the age they were diagnosed. You may be referred for a colonoscopy if a parent, sibling, or child has a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with cancer.
Do I have to start the low-fiber diet 5 days in advance?
Can I start later? For best results, you should start the low-fiber diet 5 days in advance. However, it can be started no later than 4 days in advance. Our goal is to make sure you have a successful prep so that the doctor can see your colon clearly.
Can I put Crystal Light in my Golytely/Gavilyte?
Yes, as long as they don’t contain any red, blue, or purple coloring.
What types of sedation do you use for procedures?
The procedure will be completed with sedation (moderate or deep). The type of sedation will be determined on the day of the procedure. If you have any type of sedation during your procedure, you must get a ride home.
Can I have my procedure in Southborough?
I’ve been booked at Marlborough Hospital, but my friend had it done at Southborough. Can I have my procedure in Southborough? Some patients are booked at Marlborough Hospital due to medical conditions for their safety. If you have been booked at Marlborough, it is because your medical history or medical conditions make a hospital setting safer for you. If you would like to discuss the specifics of your booking, please call our office.
Do I need a referral?
Unless you have Medicare or a PPO plan, you likely do. Your primary care provider (PCP) will need to send us an insurance referral with an authorization number.
My doctor referred me to you, is that what referral means?
Not necessarily. Your doctor may have only sent us a request to schedule an appointment, which they often call a referral. We consider this an order. A referral is through your insurance company. Your PCP needs to notify your insurance company that the PCP is asking for you to receive care from an in-network specialist and give a reason for the visit (a diagnosis — suspected or confirmed).
The prep makes me nauseous, what can I do?
Can I take nausea medication because of the prep? The best way to avoid nausea during the prep is to drink it slowly and with water. If in the past a certain prep has made you nauseous, we recommend a different prep. There are a few to choose from.
Can I take multivitamins during the week before my procedure?
If they contain iron, you should hold off the week before your procedure. If they have red food coloring, please don’t take them the day before your procedure.
Can I put sugar in my coffee or tea?
Yes. While you are on a clear liquid diet, you may not use cream or milk, but sugar is okay.
If I have my period, can I still get the procedure?
What should I do? You can have your colonoscopy or endoscopy while you have your period. You don’t have to wear any specific hygiene product; we will provide one if needed.
The instructions say I have to start the prep at 5 pm. Can I start later?
The prep should be started at 5 pm, but if necessary, it can be started at 6 pm. It should not be started any later and should be started as close to 5 as possible. Our goal is to make sure you have a successful prep so that the doctor can see your colon clearly.
Can I take Miralax & Dulcolax for my prep?
Our doctors prefer not to use Miralax and Dulcolax as a prep option. If you have a specific issue regarding the prep choices, please call our office to discuss your options. Our goal is to make sure you have a successful prep so that the doctor can see your colon clearly.
Can I take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or medical transport home from my procedure?
No. You must have a ride who can get you into the house and help you out. The Endoscopy suite will not release you to a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or medical transport.
Where are procedures done?
Our doctors do procedures at two Endoscopy suites. There is the UMass Endoscopy Suite at 28 Newton St, Southborough, MA, and Marlborough Hospital at 157 Union St, Marlborough, MA.
I’ve booked an office visit but it’s not for a while. What should I do?
Unfortunately, our providers are booking far out, and we do add patients to the cancellation list. While you wait for your appointment, we recommend reaching out to your PCP for care. If you feel you are too sick or in too much pain to see a provider, you may also visit your local Emergency Department for immediate care.