Endoscopy
703-504-7844
Endoscopy Services at Inova Alexandria Hospital offers quality diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to patients who have gastrointestinal and pulmonary disorders.
What You Need to Know to Prepare for Your Endoscopy
Procedure
We look forward to caring for you. We want to make your arrival, visit and discharge as convenient
and comfortable as possible. Before you arrive, it is important that you
understand our policies.
Preregistration Information
The registration office may call you before your procedure to preregister
you. You will need to provide insurance information and other pertinent
data. Some insurance companies require pre-authorization before procedures,
and may impose a monetary penalty if you do not follow their rules. Ask
your insurance carrier about these requirements.
Preparation for Colonoscopy Only
If you have any problems with your prep for colonoscopy, call your physician.
You may experience a feeling of being cold. Excretion on the morning of
the exam should be light yellow and free from solid matter.
When to Arrive
Come to Endoscopy Services one hour before your procedure time and sign
in at the registration desk at the end of the endoscopy hall.
What to Bring
- photo ID
- insurance card or cards
- a list of medications with dosages and how often you take the medication
- telephone number of adult driver or escort taking you home
- if you have a living will or advance directive, bring a copy for your record. (We can make a copy when you arrive.)
- your physician's name
- your physician's phone number
Parking Information
Free parking is available in the Howard Street lot directly across from
the hospital's Patient Entrance. If necessary, you may park in
the paid parking lot next to the Visitors' Entrance, and we will
validate your parking ticket for this visit. Proceed to Endoscopy Services
to the left of the Visitors' Entrance.
Discharge and Discharge Instructions
Your procedure and recovery time will take about two hours.
Because you will not be able to drive until the next day, an adult must drive you home or accompany you in a taxi to help ensure your safety after you leave the hospital. If you do not have someone to accompany you, your procedure will be cancelled. We will ask you for your driver or escort's name. Make sure your driver knows to pick you up at Endoscopy Services by the Visitor's Entrance.
Endoscopy Services closes at 5:30 p.m.
When you are ready to go home, a nurse will review your discharge instructions and give you a copy.
Going Home
A staff member will escort you to the Endoscopy Services pickup area
at the Visitor's Entrance where your driver or escort can pick
you up.
Important Reminder
For your safety, you must have a responsible
adult escort you home or your procedure will be cancelled.
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