Having a Colonoscopy at DHS

Whether you have just turned 45 and need a screening colonoscopy or are having Gastrointestinal problems, and your Primary Care Physician has determined that you need a colonoscopy … we will take good care of you here at Digestive Health Specialists, P.A.

Schedule your colonoscopy at one of our five accredited, licensed, and convenient locations: Winston-Salem, Thomasville, KernersvilleAdvance, and King. You do not need a referral. You can request an appointment online or give us a call at 336-768-6211.

To help you manage the process, here is some information you can use as a guideline for the next few visits to our office.

Pre-Procedure Information

After you or your primary care physician have scheduled your appointment, you will be contacted by a nursing staff team member. Our nursing staff will ask questions about your medications and medical history and discuss the prep and procedure information. All of your questions will be answered during this phone call, and a copy of the pre-procedure and procedure information will be mailed or emailed to you. It is important to have your current medications (and dosage) readily available during this phone call. If, during this phone call, the nurse feels that you need to come in for a physician visit or to meet with the nurse, it will be scheduled at that time.

If the nurse is unable to reach you via phone, we will need to reschedule your procedure. Please make sure we have a current phone number to reach you between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm when you call to schedule your appointment. If you have missed a call from our nursing staff, please return their call at 336-768-6211.


Prepping for a Colonoscopy

There are several different prep processes, and a nurse will help determine which is best for you during the pre-procedure phone call. To find out the details behind each of the prep methods, visit the Procedure Preps page on our website. You must follow the prep instructions completely because we will not be able to complete the exam thoroughly if your colon is not properly prepped.

Procedure Preps
Frequently Asked Questions


Procedure

On the day of your procedure, you may have clear liquids up to 3 hours before your procedure. Once you and your driver arrive for your appointment, you will be called back into the procedure area where a nurse will get your vital signs, ask you about your prep, and ask you to change into a gown.

Once you are ready, the nurse will roll your bed into the procedure room and the doctor will come in to talk with you. You will be administered some medication to make you as comfortable as possible and the procedure will begin. In general, most procedures last about 15-30 minutes. Once the procedure is complete, you will be rolled into a recovery area. Once you are completely awake, the nurse will help you get dressed and the doctor will come out to speak to you and your driver. Your doctor will send a report of your procedure to your primary care physician.

Your Driver

You must be accompanied by a driver since we will be administering sedation, after which you may not operate a vehicle.

What do I bring?

  • Insurance card and estimated amount to bring and balances due (if applicable per your insurance carrier)
  • List of updated medications and allergies

How long will it take?

  • The entire visit should take about 2 hours, but you will need to be prepared to take the day of your procedure off from work, due to the medications used during your procedure.

Additional Resources

What is a Colonoscopy?
Colon Cancer Facts
Watch video
Billing questions about your anesthesia