Before Your Procedure
What to expect before your procedure.
Will I be contacted by the Facility prior to my procedure?
Yes. You will receive an initial call from a scheduling nurse to set up the date & time for your endoscopy procedure. The nurse will obtain a medical history and other pertinent information. Instructions will be mailed to you. If you had an office appointment with a Nurse Practitioner or Physician at Iowa Digestive Disease Center, you will receive instructions at that time. Please call the scheduling nurse at 515-288-6097 with questions or if you have not received your instructions in the mail.
You will receive several automated phone calls reminding you of your appointment and a prompt to confirm or cancel/reschedule your procedure. In addition, Facility staff will attempt to reach you by phone prior to your scheduled procedure.
Can I check in online?
Yes. If you have given us permission, we will contact you via text messaging or e-mail before your procedure. You will be directed to a link that prompts you to verify your appointment and will also give you the option to complete the pre-check in process online.
What tests are required prior to my procedure?
Any pre-procedure testing will be determined by your Nurse Practitioner or Physician and will be communicated to you prior to the date of your procedure.
What should I bring the day of my procedure?
Please bring:
- Photo ID and Insurance Cards (Staff will verify and make copies when you check in).
- Medication list: prescription meds, over the counter medications & supplements/vitamins
- Allergy List: List of any medication, food and environmental allergies.
What should I not bring the day of my procedure:
Jewelry, money, electronics or other valuables. The Facility assumes no responsibility for any valuables.
Can I drive the day of the procedure?
No. You will not be allowed to drive after your procedure or for the remainder of the day. Please arrange for an adult (18 years of age or older) to drive you home. You will not be allowed to take a taxi, paratransit, Uber or any other transportation services unless you are accompanied by a family member or friend. The driver needs to remain in the Facility during your procedure so that they can be available after your procedure to speak to the physician in the recovery area.
What may I eat and drink before the procedure?
Your scheduling nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions prior to your exam. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your procedure may be delayed or cancelled. A clear liquid diet is always indicated prior to prepping for a colonoscopy.
Should I take my routine medications on the day of the procedure?
You will be given instructions regarding medications by your scheduling nurse as directed by your Nurse Practitioner or Physician.
If you are diabetic or if you are taking blood thinners, be sure the scheduling nurse has addressed these medications with you.
What can I do to help ensure that I have the correct procedure?
Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow guidelines regarding the procedure confirmation. You will be asked numerous times to confirm both the procedure you are having and your identity (name and date of birth). We ask that you take an active role in all discussions with your physician and staff regarding the identification process.
What if I think I may be pregnant?
Notify your physician and nurse prior to prepping for your procedure if you may be pregnant. The procedure and sedation medications may be harmful to a developing baby.
How do I know that I am adequately prepped for my procedure?
It is very important to follow the written instructions provided by your scheduling nurse. Preparations for a colonoscopy may begin about 7 days prior to your exam. Read the instructions carefully. If you are having a colonoscopy, you should be passing clear or yellowish liquid from your rectum when your prep is finished. If you are not passing any liquid or the fluid is brown, please call us at 515-288-6097 for additional instructions.
If you are having an upper endoscopy, generally fasting for 6-8 hours before your procedure is adequate. However, please read your instructions to be sure you were not asked to adhere to additional instructions.