About Your Endoscopic Procedure

Your physician has scheduled you for an endoscopic procedure for further evaluation or treatment of your condition.

This brochure answers some questions many patients ask. Please read it carefully. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss them with your nurse or physician before the exam begins.

• If you have any questions regarding advance directives our staff will be glad to provide you with information. However, due to the elective nature of the procedures performed in this facility, it is the policy of this facility not to acknowledge advance directives.
• For additional information regarding Advance Directives, ask the reception staff or the endoscopy staff. You may also go on-line to: http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/advanceddirectives.pdf. You are responsible for providing a copy to your physician.
• IMA Endoscopy SurgiCenter is a AAAHC accredited facility and is owned and operated by the physicians of Internal Medicine Associates.

What is Endoscopy?

This is a procedure done by a physician using a flexible fiberoptic instrument that enables examination of the lining of the digestive tract. If the physician sees a suspicious area, he may pass a small instrument through the endoscope and take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for examination by the laboratory. Other instruments can also be passed through the endoscope without causing discomfort including a small brush to collect cells.

The procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist. They are assisted by specially trained registered nurses and technicians.

What Will I Need to do Before the Procedure?

• If you are having a colonoscopy, check with your doctor/nurse about a bowel preparation.
• Check with your doctor/nurse about taking daily medications. If you have diabetes, check about the possible deletion and/or dosage change for your diabetic medication on the day before and the day of your procedure.
• If you take Coumadin or Plavix, please notify the Endoscopy staff. You may have to stop taking this medication prior to your procedure.
• IMPORTANT! You will be receiving sedation for the procedure. It is your responsibility to provide a driver when you have a procedure. Your driver must remain in the building during your procedure. Cabs and public transportation are not allowed.
• Also you should not drive, work, drink alcohol, or exercise the day of the procedure.
• Wear comfortable clothes. You will be changing into a hospital gown.
• Leave valuables at home.

DAY OF THE PROCEDURE

Where Do I Go?

The address of the IMA Endoscopy SurgiCenter is 8895 Broadway. Sign in at the reception area. If you are a new patient, you will be asked to complete registration forms. View map

A nurse will call you up to one week prior to your scheduled procedure. She will obtain a brief medical history, a list of medication(s) that you are presently taking and a list of any medication allergies. She will inquire about your insurance coverage and obtain prior authorization, if necessary. She will also provide you with any other information that you may need prior to your procedure.

When you arrive at the SurgiCenter for the procedure, the nursing staff will ask you to change into a hospital gown. You will be shown an instructional video regarding your scheduled procedure. You will be asked to read and sign an informed consent. The nurse will start an IV through which sedating medication may be given. The nurse will assess your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Feel free to ask questions at any time.

What Happens During the Test?

You will be on a stretcher and wheeled into the procedure room. A monitor will be used to watch your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen level. Your doctor/nurse may give you medication for sedation. After you are sedated, the physician will insert a scope to evaluate or treat your condition. The procedures done in SurgiCenter take approximately 5 to 45 minutes. You will be wheeled to the recovery area when the procedure is over. You will be monitored until you are awake and stable, approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

What Happens After the Procedure?

Before you are discharged, the doctor will talk with you and your driver to give you results and instructions. The doctor will send a report to your referring doctor. You may be forgetful, lethargic, or groggy the remainder of the day. Plan to rest at home. You are responsible to provide a caregiver for the day if you/your family believe it is necessary.

If you have additional questions after reading this information, the doctors or nursing staff involved in your care would be happy to talk with you. The IMA Endoscopy SurgiCenter phone is (219) 736-4660 extension 136, 138, or 140. Our goal is to provide exceptional care to every one of our patients.

All physicians are Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. The physicians are:

• Peter G. Mavrelis, M.D.
• John A. Mirro, Jr., M.D.
• Daniel B. Hurwich, M.D.
• Kumar Venkat, M.D.
• Bassel Shughoury, M.D.
• Omar S. Nehme, M.D.

The nursing staff at the IMA Endoscopy SurgiCenter has been specially trained to assist the physician with your procedure. IMA Endoscopy SurgiCenter physicians and staff encourage your participation in your care. If you or your family have any concerns related to your care, treatment, services or patient safety while under our care, please discuss this with your physician or contact the Clinical Director/Administrator at 219-736-4660 ext. 138. If the issue cannot be resolved at this level, please contact the AAAHC at 847-853-6060; or the Indiana State Department of Health, Director of Acute Care, 2 North Meridian, Indianapolis, IN 46204; or by phone at 866-220-5810; or the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman at 800-MEDICARE, or online at www.cms.hhs.gov/ombudsman/resources.asp

To schedule or cancel a procedure, please call 219-736-4662. Please give us 48 hours notice when cancelling a procedure.