Will you accept the federal exchange insurances offered as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (informally known as Obamacare)?

Yes. We currently accept several insurances offered through the Affordable HealthCare Act Marketplace. The following plans offered through the Affordable Care Act that we accept are as follows:

Cigna- did not create a separate product/network for the affordable healthcare act, and we currently accept Cigna insurance

Humana- Network X is accepted

BCBS- Networks P and S are accepted. Please note: we do update insurance companies that are accepted with our providers occasionally. If you are unsure if your insurance is accepted or have a question about this, please contact the office.

How do I get refills for my medication?

Please have your pharmacy send us a fax with the medication you need to have refilled. Please allow 1-2 business days for this process to be completed. Please note: do not completely run out of your medication before a refill is requested, as you may miss your scheduled dose before a refill is authorized.

Also, as a general rule, patients must have a yearly follow-up with our clinic before refills will be given. Please note: some medications require more careful monitoring (eg azathioprine, Humira, Pegasys), and therefore we may need to see the patient in the office more frequently than yearly.

When can I get my test results?

Please allow 5-7 Business days for us to get your labs back and review them. Please note: some specialized labs may take 7-10 business days to get back.

My health insurance covers screening colonoscopies, so why did I get a bill for my colonoscopy?

A distinction between screening colonoscopy (preventative) and medical colonoscopy (for bleeding, anemia, diarrhea, etc) is made by your provider during your office visit. Health Insurance companies cover the cost of screening exams differently than they do for medical exams. Please contact your insurance company for further explanation of your health benefits.

Do you take my insurance?

We are pleased to announce that we accept most major commercial insurance plans as well as Tricare for Life and Tricare Prime. Our doctors also accept Medicaid, Americhoice and Amerigroup.

Please note: if your insurance requires a referral, you and your referring doctor will be responsible for ensuring that your referral is obtained prior to your office visit.

How do I contact you with questions if I don't have access to the patient portal or I have lost my portal login information?

Please email us at info@ghatn.com. We respond to emails same business day or at the latest, next business day.

What happens if I miss my scheduled appointment?

Our policy for missing scheduled appointments (either by way of not showing up for your scheduled appointment, canceling your appointment, or rescheduling) is if you miss three scheduled clinic visits, we may ask you to find an alternative GI provider.

Will I be put to sleep for my procedure?

Intravenous sedation will be administered to you before and during your procedure. The sedation is intended to keep you comfortable during your endoscopic exam. However, many patients will have no recollection of the procedure because of the "amnesia" effect of the sedatives. The effects of the medication may last as long as 24 hours.

Will I be able to drive home after my test?

Due to the lingering effects of sedatives given to you during your procedure, you will not be permitted to drive after your procedure. You may safely resume driving the morning following your test.

When will I be able to go back to work?

You should prepare to return to your normal work routine on the morning following your procedure. We advise that you not plan to perform any mentally or physically taxing activities for at least 12 hours after completing the exam.

How long does the test take to perform?

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 hours in our ambulatory surgery center.

Will I have pain or discomfort after the test?

Colonoscopy is generally a painless procedure. Occasionally, patients will have retained air in the colon that can lead to temporary abdominal distension and cramps following the exam.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD) is generally painless also. You may experience a sore throat after the procedure. This is usually will resolve in a day or two. You may want to use a throat lozenge or gargle with warm salt water. You may also experience some gas, abdominal cramping and bloating.

What happens if you find polyps during my colonoscopy?

Because many polyps have cancer potential, they are removed from the colon wall when found during colonoscopy. Catheter based techniques allow for removal of polyps through the scope.

How often will I need to have a colonoscopy?

The frequency of colonoscopy is determined by an individual's risk for colon cancer. This is influenced by family history and the presence or absence of colon polyps on your initial or subsequent exams.

When will I know the results of my test?

Your physician will be able to tell you the results of your procedure. It will be important for you to have someone with you to hear this information. If biopsies or specimens are taken to submit for pathology it will take 5-7 days to get the results. The physician or his nurse will call you with these results as soon as they are reviewed.

What are NSAIDS?

NSAIDS stands for non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug. Aspirin and ibuprofen are examples of NSAIDS. They are most commonly used to treat acute and chronic conditions of which pain and inflammation are symptoms.

What are probiotics? How can they be helpful?

Probiotics are microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast which can help to keep the balance of good bacteria in our digestive systems, and ultimately help to improve health. There is also evidence from studies which suggests that probiotics may be helpful in strengthening the immune system.

How should I prepare for my colonoscopy?

You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for colonoscopy; be sure to read and follow these instructions. One very critical step is to thoroughly clean out the colon, which, for many patients, can be the most trying part of the entire exam. It is essential that you complete this step carefully, because how well the bowel is emptied will help determine how well your doctor can examine it during colonoscopy.

Various methods can be used to help cleanse the bowel, and your doctor will recommend what he or she prefers in your specific case. Often, a liquid preparation designed to stimulate bowel movements is given by mouth. Additional approaches include special diets, such as clear fluids, or the use of enemas or suppositories. Whichever method or combination of methods is recommended for you, be sure to follow instructions as directed.