FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Procedure
Medical Records
Research
Insurance
Procedure
How long does the procedure take?
A colonoscopy normally takes 30 minutes and an upper endoscopy normally takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Will I be "put to sleep" for my procedure?
No. The Endoscopy Center does not use general anesthesia. You will have sedation for your procedure. Our goal is that you are very comfortable and safe before, during and after your procedure.
Must I drink the entire contents of the prep for colonoscopy?
Yes. It is very important to drink the entire prep even if you are having clear watery bowel movements to ensure the colon gets cleaned thoroughly.
What can I do to make the prep for colonoscopy more tolerable?
Refrigerate the prep before drinking, try to drink it through a straw, or you may use Crystal Lite® (no red or purple) to flavor the prep.
Is it normal to be cold or have chills after drinking the prep?
Yes. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration which can cause chills.
What if I get nauseated or vomit the prep?
Call Asheville Gastroenterology at (828) 254-0881 if you vomit the prep.
When will I get the results of my procedure?
You will speak with your physician before you go home and you will get preliminary results at that time. Biopsy results are returned to Asheville Gastroenterology within days of your procedure, you will receive a letter in the mail regarding your biopsy results.
Can my family be with me after the procedure?
Yes. We want your family to be present when your physician talks with you in the Recovery Room.
How will I feel after the procedure?
It can vary from being sleepy the remainder of the day to ready to go out to eat as soon as you leave the office.
When can I resume normal activities?
You can resume driving, working, exercising the day following your procedure.
Does Asheville Gastroenterology close when it snows?
Not usually. We make every effort to be open. You may call (828) 254-0881 before coming to confirm the office is open.
Medical Records
How do I contact the Medical Records Department?
To contact the Medical Records Department call 828-254-0881 and select Option 8. You may also send an email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
How can I obtain a copy of my medical records?
To obtain a copy of your medical record you will need to sign and date a Medical Records Release form. This form may be mailed or faxed to you or you may come into the office to sign the release. Your records may then be mailed or faxed to you or you will receive them at the time you come into the office to sign the release.
Can anyone else receive my health care information?
Each patient will receive an AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE HEALTH CARE INFORMATION form at the time of their visit to Asheville Gastroenterology Associates office, and this will outline with whom medical information may be shared. This form is signed and dated and is good for five (5) years and will not be changed unless a new form is completed.
I have a form to be filled out by my doctor. How do I get his form completed?
All forms for completion and signature by an AGA physician are to be directed to the Medical Records Department. The staff of the Medical Records Department will work with the physician to complete these forms. (Note - some forms will be deferred to the patients primary care physician)
Does my referring physician receive my report?
Yes. A copy of your office note is automatically sent to the physician that referred you to Asheville Gastroenterology Associates.
Research
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about new medicines, devices or therapies or new ways of using existing treatments. In addition, clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective.
What are my rights in a clinical trial?
Participating in a clinical trial is strictly voluntary and it is the patients right to elect to participate or not or withdraw at any time.
Who oversees trials?
An Asheville Gastroenterologist physician, referred to as a Principal investigator oversees the trial.
How does a patient qualify for a trial?
There are certain requirements which must be met to be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. The requirements are based on such factors as age, gender, type and stage of a disease and previous and current treatments, and other medical conditions. Medial insurance is not required to participate in a clinical trial.
What can I expect?
As a participant, you may be asked to take an investigational drug as directed, com e to office visits, and have labs, diagnostic tests and EKG's as directed.
Will my care be affected?
Your care will not be affected if you elect or do not elect to participate.
Regulations?
The trials AGA participates in are FDA regulated research trials.
Are you interested in a list of current trials and descriptions?
Contact the Research Department at (828) 254-0881 for more information.
Insurance
We work with your insurance company to determine your co-pay.
Why did I get two statements when I had my procedure?
When you have a procedure at Asheville Gastroenterology Associates two separate fees are billed: (1) a professional fee for the physicians' services; (2) a facility fee for us of the surgery facility. The professional fee is billed under Asheville Gastroenterology Associates and says "this is your doctors bill" at the bottom of your statement. The surgery facility is billed under The Endoscopy Center and says "this is your facility bill" at the bottom of the statement.
Will my procedure be filed as being done in the doctor's office?
No. The Asheville Gastroenterology physicians do not perform endoscopy services in the doctor's office. The endoscopy services are performed in The Endoscopy Center which is a free standing ambulatory surgical center, which is located in the same building as Asheville Gastroenterology Associates.
What is the cost of my procedure?
We can only give you a baseline price for your procedure. The baseline cost of your procedure does not include the removal of biopsy or polyps. The price is subject to change if biopsy or polyps are removed. For a colonoscopy the baseline price for the professional service, Asheville Gastroenterology, is $638.00 and for the surgical center, The Endoscopy Center, is $576. For a gastroscope (EGD) the baseline price for the professional service, Asheville Gastroenterology, is $422.00 and for the surgical center, The Endoscopy Center, is $485.00.
Will my insurance cover my procedure?
Some insurance plans have exclusions for outpatient surgical procedures or have different out-of-pocket expenses based on the location where the procedure is performed. Deductibles may apply. Your office visit co-pay will not apply for a procedure. We strongly encourage you to call your insurance carrier to confirm your benefits before the procedure.
Do you participate with my insurance?
We participate with the following insurance companies at this time but it is subject to change: BCBS, BCBS State, Care Partners, Cigna, City of Asheville, MedCost, Medicare, Medicaid, Mission Hospital, Owen Manufacturing, Primary Physician Care, Project Access, Sisters of Mercy, Toe River Project Access, UHC, Well Path (Coventry and First Health) and WNCHC.
Why did I get a bill from Mission Hospital Lab when I had my lab done at Asheville Gastroenterology Associates?
Asheville Gastroenterology Associates and/or The Endoscopy Center does not have a laboratory in the office. As a convenience to our patients Asheville Gastroenterology Associates and/or The Endoscopy Center provide space for Mission Hospital to have a laboratory drawing station on site. The patient may seek to have their lab tests done at any laboratory of their choice. Patients are encouraged to determine if their insurance participates with the Mission Laboratory prior to having their lab test completed.