4 Office Park Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-353-6158
910-353-7257
Clinic FAQs
What are your office hours and phone number?
The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 5:00pm, and 7:30am to 12noon on Fridays except Holidays. Please listen closely to the prompts to avoid unnecessary delays. Office appointments and Procedure appointments are scheduled by different departments. If it is necessary to leave a voice mail, please leave your full name, telephone number and the nature of your call. We will return your call as soon as possible.
Do I need to be referred by my physician?
Most of our patients are referred by their physician. In certain circumstances however, we will see you without a request from your physician. If your insurance is an (HMO, POS or other Managed Care Provider) you may be required to obtain a referral from your primary care physician.
What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?
Bring a list of the medicines you are currently taking and the bottles. It is important for the physician to know the exact dosage you are taking. We will need to make a copy of your insurance card and referral form ( if your insurance requires one). Copays are collected at check in. We accept cash, check, Mastercard, Visa & American Express.
Who do I call with questions regarding my statement?
For billing inquiries please call our billing department at 910-353-6158.
How do I get refills on prescriptions?
Please call your pharmacy for prescription refills. The pharmacist will send us an electronic request for your medications.
What is your cancellation policy?
As a courtesy to our practice and those patients needing an urgent appointment, we require that you call during office hours to give a 48 hour notification for office appointments and a 72 hour notification for procedure appointments.
Endoscopy FAQs
The prep is making me feel nauseated. What should I do?
If you are feeling nauseated, try drinking the prep more slowly. Walking and other activities usually decrease nausea. It is important that you continue to drink the solution if possible. Without a clean bowel, the doctor will not be able to see the inside of your colon to complete the examination. If you do vomit, wait 30 minutes and begin drinking the solution again. If you continue having difficulty please call our office or page the MD after office hours.
Can I have the colonoscopy if I am on my menstrual period?
Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).
Will I be given antibiotics prior to my procedure?
Most patients do not require antibiotics before their endoscopy procedures. Your physician will let you know, but please ask if you are concerned.
How long will my procedure take?
Patients should allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours from the time they arrive until they leave the facility. Each patient responds differently to the medications and this means that some patients may take slightly longer to recover. Procedures may also take longer than initially planned, prolonging your stay at our facility.
How long will I have to wait for the results of my procedure?
The doctor will speak with you before you go home and give you preliminary results. If biopsies were taken or polyps removed, it will take 10 to 14 days to receive the results from the lab. Our office will call you if there is any cause for concern on the biopsy result. We will also send your result to your individual "patient portal". Please make sure to sign up for this.
Will the procedure hurt?
Patients having an endoscopy procedure receive I.V. Propofol which provide deep sedation and a painless procedure. We also use Carbon Dioxide gas during a colonoscopy which is quickly absorbed preventing post procedure bloating. Many patients have no recollection of their procedure afterward. Our goal is to make your experience at our facility very comfortable.
Is it necessary that I have a driver for a sedated procedure?
Yes. It is essential that you have an adult driver (18 or older) to take you home after the procedure. You will be sedated and should not operate any machinery for 12 hours after your procedure, including an automobile. If you do not have a driver, your procedure may be rescheduled.
I have been instructed not to take anti-inflammatories or blood thinners several days before my procedure. What can I take for headaches and pain relief?
You may take Tylenol as directed.
I am drinking the prep and now having loose, watery stools. Do I need to drink the rest of the prep?
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated.
Is it necessary that I have a driver for a sedated procedure?
Yes. It is essential that you have an adult driver (18 or older) that remains with you after the procedure. You will be sedated and should not operate any machinery for 12 hours after your procedure, including an automobile. If you do not have a driver, your procedure may be rescheduled.
How long should I continue to drink clear liquids while prepping for my procedure?
It is important to continue drinking clear liquids until 2 hours prior to your procedure to eliminate dehydration.
I am diabetic. What do I do if my blood sugar drops while prepping for my procedure?
You may drink apple juice, regular soda or a beverage that contains sugar. You may also have glucose gel or tablets to raise your blood glucose.
Should I take my regular morning medicines the day of my procedure?
Call our office if you are on Coumadin, Plavix or other blood thinners. If you have diabetes do not take your diabetic medicines on the day of your procedure, and the night before if you are having a colonoscopy. All other oral medications, inhalers and nebulizers should be taken if due, 4 hours prior to your procedure. Do not skip any doses of your blood pressure medicine. Bring along all your medications to the endo center