I had been putting off a colonoscopy for about a decade. I didn't realize the age had been lowered…read moreto 45 for your first baseline procedure. I thought it was a rite of passage at 50 years old. Even then, I skipped the procedure because the Covid lockdown was in full effect and all anyone ever talks about is the horrible preparation for the procedure. I opted for the poop-in-a-box instead of the real deal. After the Covid lockdown was lifted, it became impossible to ignore this. Plus, since I wasn't working, I actually had time to deal with the preparation.
The administrator that handled my case was very professional, empathetic, but also very persistent. She was not going to let me back out, and frankly I needed this dedicated individual to answer my questions and keep me on target to completion. She was available to answer my questions, no matter how ridiculous or improbable or mundane they might of seemed. Generally she didn't answer the phone, but she was always good about calling me back and giving me the time and attention I needed. The procedure only happens on Mondays and Thursdays. I had to book several weeks in advance. When I got Covid and wanted to cancel, she wouldn't let me. When I told her my fears about the preparation solution, she offered me tablets instead of the unusual tasting liquid. When I had trouble getting the prescription tablets filled at my pharmacy, she rerouted my prescription to a pharmacy that was able to fulfill my request and mail them to me. When I shared my fears about being on a low fiber diet in the days leading up to the procedure, she calmly offered suggestions and helped me come up with a working meal plan. I never did meet this woman, but she is the only reason I was able to get through this procedure successfully.
The clinic staff are separate from the administrative people, so you will have to fill out forms again while you wait in the lobby. Once your name is called, the people in the procedure area are all old hats at this. They will go through everything at lightening speed. In fact, since I was without food, water, and sleep, I couldn't think clearly, and consequently, I had trouble understanding them when they spoke so quickly. If there was one thing I would change, it would be asking the staff to slow down just a little. Also, share the medical history from the administrative forms I previously filled out with the procedure staff so that I don't have to do it from memory in a tired and unfueled state. Other than that, everyone was very kind and professional. Despite my fears, they took good care of me.
The final report was provided that answered all of my questions. The doctor and nurse did talk to me after the procedure to let me know how everything went, but when you are coming out of anesthesia, it is hard to remember the details. The report had colored pictures of my colon. It was well diagrammed so that you could identify the different internal parts. This report was also sent digitally through the secure portal with the final notes and biopsy results.
Depending on your insurance, there may be separate costs for facility charges, anesthesia, and any special tasks that are performed during the procedure, like removing polyps. Because of this, it might be hard to get an exact cost up front. Afterwards, you might be receiving multiple bills from different entities. I hate this! It really should be coordinated and provided to the patient on one bill to rule them all, but such is the status of healthcare in America.
Thankfully I don't have to return for a decade. Hopefully in that time, the medical profession will find new ways to screen for colorectal cancers that aren't so invasive or anxiety producing. If not, well, I would certainly trust this establishment with my care again.
