Preparing for your procedure
Q: How do I complete the registration for my procedure?
A: You will need to complete the DHCH patient registration packet prior to your procedure. If your physician’s office did not provide you with a packet you may print one by clicking here. Please be sure to complete the packet in its entirety and bring it with you to your procedure. If you have any questions, give our office a call at 631-385-8677.
Q: I’ve already filled out paperwork in my doctor’s office, why is additional paperwork required?
A: While we work very closely with your physician’s office, the Digestive Health Center is a separate entity from your doctor’s office, therefore we require our own records and evaluations.
Q: How will I find out what time my procedure is scheduled?
A: Two days before your scheduled procedure date, a member of our team will call you and provide you with the time your procedures it scheduled for. They will also tell you what time you need to arrive at the facility. In addition, they will review a few key pieces of information with you regarding your procedure preparation.
Q: Why must I arrive earlier than my scheduled procedure time?
A: There will be a pre-admission assessment conducted by a member of our nursing team and the Anesthesiologist. In this process could take anyone where 45 minutes to an hour. Being on time for this will help deter any possible delay times for your scheduled procedure.
Q: Who do I contact regarding Anesthesia to ensure they are in network with my insurance company?
A: If you have questions regarding Anesthesia please contact North Shore-LIJ Anesthesiology at (914) 666-8866. Anesthesia is not billed by the center and therefore we do not have the answers to your questions.
Q: Who provides the directions for the preparation for my procedure?
A: The direction for the preparation your procedure will come directly from your physician’s office. If you have any questions on the directions you received, please contact your physicians office directly to discuss.
Day of your procedure
Q: What do I bring with me the day of the procedure?
A: On the day of your procedure, please remember to bring your insurance card(s), a driver’s license or valid photo ID for identification purposes, our completed registration pack, a full and complete list of any medications you take, and any financial patient responsibility such as a copayment amount.
Q: What do I wear on the day of the procedure?
A: The day of the procedure you should wear comfortable clothing. You will be changing into a procedure gown upon being admitted into Digestive Health Center. With this in mind, wear something that is easy to take off and put back on.
Q: Can I brush my teeth or chew gum in the morning of my procedure?
A: You can brush your teeth the morning of your procedure but please try to avoid swallowing any additional or unnecessary water. Please refrain from using any mouthwash. Please refrain from chewing any gum.
Q: Can I use deodorant the morning of my procedure?
A: Yes, you may apply deodorant the morning of your procedure.
Q: Can I wear makeup, nail polish, or perfume/cologne?
A: Please do not wear any make-up, dark nail polish or perfume or cologne on the day of surgery. Many people question the nail polish. Darker nail polish interferes with the pulse ox we put on your finger which informs the clinical team of your oxygen level.
Q: Can I wear my contacts the day of my procedure?
A: Please do not wear any contacts. If you wear glasses, you are required to wear you glasses on the day of your procedure. Contact lenses are not permitted.
Q: Can I wear my jewelry on the day of my procedure?
A: Please refrain from wearing any jewelry or bringing any valuables with you on the day of your procedure. Please be advised that the center is not responsible for any lost valuables, including jewelry, wallets, cell phones, etc. Please leave all items of value at home or with the person who is bringing you home following your procedure.
Q: Which of my medications should I take?
A: It is very important that certain medications are taken before surgery, while others should be avoided. You should disclose any and all medications with your physician. Your physician will direct you on which medications you should continue taking and which medications you should stop taking in preparation for your procedure. If you have any questions regarding your medications, please contact your physicians office.
Q: Does someone need to accompany me to my procedure?
A: Yes. After any type of anesthesia or sedation you are not permitted to operate a motor vehicle for at least twelve hours and will need to have someone drive you home. At the time of registration, our team will ask you to provide the contact information for your identified companion to bring you home. Please note, you will not be permitted to take a Taxi/Uber/Lyft home alone. You must have someone with you to accompany you and watch over you after your procedure. Without an identified person, you will not be able to proceed with your procedure and it will be cancelled and rescheduled.
After your procedure
Q: When will I be able to eat after the procedure?
A: Following the procedure while the patient is in the Recovery Unit the patient will be given a snack and beverage to eat while they recover and wait to be discharge.
Q: When will I speak with my physician?
A: After recovering from the anesthesia, your physician will meet with you to discuss how the procedure went and answer any questions you may have.
Q: If I had a biopsy, when and how will I get my pathology results?
A: If you had a biopsy, your pathology will be processed by Northwell Health Labs. It will take approximately 7 to 10 days to get your results back. Your results will be shared with you from your physician’s office, not Digestive Health Center. If you do not hear from your physician by 10 days, give their office a call and request your pathology results.
Q: When will I be able to resume normal activities?
A: Each patient will be given specific instructions outlining when they can resume normal activity following their specific procedure. If you experience any difficulty, please contact your physician’s office directly. For the first 24 hours following surgery, do not engage in any strenuous activities, do not drink alcoholic beverages, or make any critical decisions.
Q: Will anyone from the Digestive Health Center follow up with me?
A: Yes. Each patient will be contacted the next day (procedures on Friday will be contacted Monday morning) by a nurse on our clinical team to follow up on how your recovery at home has progressed.
Q: How can I provide feedback on my experience as a patient at the Digestive Health Center?
A: Patients will receive a patient satisfaction survey either by mail or email after their procedure. The survey will ask for your feedback regarding various areas/departments of the surgery center. Please be honest as your feedback is extremely valuable to us and allows us an opportunity to identify our strengths and areas of opportunity to provide a better patient experience.
