For Patients : Hillsboro Medical Center

For Patients

You may receive these forms prior to your appointment. If you want to complete the paperwork ahead of time, download and fill out these forms.

Digestive Health

Endoscopy

What happens once my Primary Care Provider (PCP) places a referral to a Gastroenterology specialist?

A member of our team will contact you to schedule your gastroenterology appointment. We can also be contacted at 503-681-4310, option 2. Listen to other options if you need to speak directly with Digestive Health clinic staff.
If your PCP refers you specifically for a procedure, such as screening colonoscopy, the referral is processed by the endoscopy scheduling nurses via Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC). They will contact you within a week of receiving the referral and ask you a few health questions to ensure this is the best option for you. You may also reach them at 503-681-1675.
Referrals expire after 1 year.

What do I need to do once I am scheduled for a Colonoscopy?

Ask a friend or family member to transport you home and take responsibility for your safety at discharge. Your friend or family member may also accompany you home on public transportation or in a ride service. Estimated time of stay for the procedure is 2-2.5 hours.
You will be sent detailed pre-procedure instructions via mail or MyChart.

What does the “Prep” involve?

For a successful colonoscopy, your colon must be clean to allow visualization of any abnormalities. A laxative (“prep”) prescription will be sent to your pharmacy.
Follow the instructions we provide, not the instructions that come with the laxative. You will drink the first dose around 4 hours before bedtime, and the second dose 4 hours before you leave home the day of your procedure. The second dose removes fluids that your body has made overnight.
There will be several pages of laxative instructions, but you will only need to read the page of instructions specific to your prescription.
If weeks have passed between being scheduled and picking up your laxative, the pharmacy may say they don’t have it. Let them know how much time has passed so they can look for the prescription.

If I didn’t exactly follow dietary restrictions, does my procedure have to be cancelled?

It is very important for your safety that you follow all instructions and that your stomach is empty before any procedural sedation.
Do not swallow anything but your own saliva within 2 hours of your procedure. However, if you accidentally ate nuts or seeds, your procedure may still be performed.

What if the pharmacy tells me my laxative prescription isn’t covered, or it is too expensive?

Follow the instructions you received for Miralax. This can be purchased over the counter. Generic substitutions are okay.

What if I become nauseated or vomit while drinking my first dose of prep?

Pause for 20-30 minutes and resume drinking at a slower rate if able.
If no bowel movements result from taking the prep, your procedure will need to be cancelled.
You may call the Endoscopy unit at 503-681-1872 (messages left after 5:30 p.m. will be heard at 7:00 a.m. the following morning).

How much will I need to pay for my Colonoscopy?

This will vary depending on your insurance coverage, deductible and out of pocket status and diagnosis. What may begin as a preventative screening colonoscopy billing code may convert to a diagnostic billing code if polyp removal or other interventions are needed during the procedure.
Insurance verification is included in our scheduling process, but please contact your insurance for questions about your out of pocket costs.
If you are uninsured, please call our patient Financial Services department at 503-681-1012 with questions and to make payment arrangements.

What is your cancellation policy if I am unable to meet my scheduled appointment or procedure?

Please provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellation of clinic appointments.
Due to diet and medication adjustments required, a minimum of 5 days’ notice is requested for procedure cancellations.
We ask that you assist us in serving our patients efficiently by making every effort to avoid the need for rescheduling your procedure.
Insufficient notice of cancellation or multiple cancellations and reschedules may result in closing your referral and notifying your Primary Care Provider.