FAQ
Billing Questions:
Q: Does the doctor take my insurance?
A: We are contracted with most major insurance companies
Q: Does the office see patients in HMOs?
A: Yes. We do see patients from HMOs. We will need a referral from your primary care physician.
Q: How is my insurance billed?
A: We do bill your insurance as a courtesy to our patients.
Q: Does insurance pay for a colonoscopy?
A: Most commercial insurance companies, HMOs and PPOs pay for screening, diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies.
Q: Will insurance pay for my surgical procedure?
A: Yes. Depending on your level of coverage insurance companies pay for the majority of your procedure or surgery costs.
Q: Can I pay out of my own pocket?
A: Yes. A payment plan can be arranged with her billing coordinator.
Appointment & Scheduling Questions:
Q: Can I be seen quickly for my symptoms?
A: Most patients can be seen the same day or within forty-eight hours.
Q: If I need surgery, how long we’ll have to wait?
A: Most patients do not wait to have surgery or a procedure more than two weeks
Q: Will I be seen by my surgeon after surgery?
A: Yes. You will be seen after your surgery to address any questions, refill prescriptions and check for any problems.
Questions About Your Doctor:
Q: Is my doctor experienced?
A: Your doctor is fellowship- trained and board certified in treating diseases of the colon rectum and anus with surgery. This means he has the experience needed to deal with these diseases. Ask your surgeon is he board certified.
Q: Will I be able to have a consultation with my doctor in person?
A: Yes. The doctor you will take time to explain your diagnosis, how the diagnosis was determined and give you a treatment plan individual to your needs and desires. Bring family for support and so that they may ask questions.
Q: Does my doctor come to my neighborhood?
A: Efficiency demands that the doctor serve only certain locations. This allows your doctor to give you the attention and time you desire.
Q: Can the doctor give second opinions?
A: Yes. Second opinions are a patient’s right. Often clients feel more comfortable if they get information from another surgeon.
Q: Will my doctor see me after my inpatient surgery or during my hospitalization?
A: Yes. It is a surgeon’s duty to see his patients after surgery. It is your right to be seen by your surgeon. Your surgeon may assemble a team of different specialist’s to help address your unique postoperative needs.
Other FAQ:
Q: Why are you getting these studies?
A: Your surgical team has found that you have either fecal incontinence (also known as anal or stool leakage) or constipation related to the pelvic floor (difficulty evacuating stool). In order to give you a treatment plan, tests must be performed. These tests study the anatomy and physiology of the way you defecate or pass stool.
Q: What will happen at my tests?
A: Please arrive for your testing about 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. A medical assistant will check you in at the front desk at the office and escort you to the diagnostic suite.
You will be given a medical gown and asked to lie comfortably on your left side on an examination table. The testing will be performed by your medical provider (doctor and / or assistant.) You will be asked to perform various maneuvers with your anal canal and pelvis (rest, squeeze and strain down or push.) An ultrasound may be done. The testing takes about 30 minutes to perform. The tests are not painful.
Q: What is an Anal Manometry?
A: A thin catheter is placed in the anus and rectum. A computer measures the pressures of the anal canal to see if the anus is weak or strong. Also, the catheter is used to see if you can relax the anus (sphincter) appropriately. A balloon is used to test the anal and rectal reflexes.
Q: What is Rectal Sensation Testing?
A: A balloon is placed in the rectum. It is slow and gently inflated to see if you can sense it and that the nerves that allow you to feel stool work correctly.
Q: What is anal Electromyography (EMG)?
A: Sticky electrodes with wires are placed around the outside of the anus. A computer measures the nerve signals. You are asked to squeeze and relax the anus. This procedure tests your muscle control.
Q: What is an Anal Ultrasound?
A: A probe the size of a finger is placed in the anus. Sound waves are used to take a picture of the anal muscles just like weather radar. A computer records the pictures.
Q: What is defecography?
A: A defecogram or proctogram is a special X-ray test that studies the anatomy of defecation or passing stool. It can be done with a special X-ray machine that takes movies of the patient passing contrast (a special liquid) from the rectum or using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The team at DDC feels that magnetic resonance imaging is superior and Dr. Winston has actual presented his findings at an international conference on the subject.
Q: What is a colonic transit test?
A: A special pill is given to the patient and X-rays are taken to determine if the gut or intestines are slow. This test looks at whether the colon is the cause of constipation. A radiologist performs the test with simple, painless X-rays.
Q: How do I prepare for the test at the center?
A: You may eat a light breakfast the morning of your procedures. You may take all of your medicines as scheduled.
Please take two Fleet® enemas the morning of your procedures. Empty your rectum of the enemas before arrival. Fleet® enemas are available over-the-counter at any grocery store or pharmacy.
You may drive yourself to and from the tests. You will not need sedation. Feel free to bring someone along like a family member or friend if you like.
Q: Are the complications from the testing?
A: Complications of the procedures are very, very rare. The testing is very safe. Potential complications can include light bleeding from the rectum or rectal damage.
Q: What happens after my procedure?
A: Immediately, after your procedure your doctor may review the results with you and give you an opinion and / or treatment plan. A family member or friend is welcome to come with you to participate in this aspect of the visit.
You may drive yourself home and go about your normal activities as soon as you are done with the procedures.
Reports will be sent to your referring doctor and any other doctors you chose.
Other tests or X-rays may be ordered depending on what is found during your testing in the office. Your doctor will discuss this with you. The office may schedule these additional test or X-rays before you leave the office.