Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an appointment with one of the surgeons?
Consultation appointments with the surgeons are performed on a referral basis only. Please ask your family doctor or another physician to fax a referral to our office.
I am sick, do I still go to my procedure/surgery?
If you are feeling unwell and unsure if you should be having surgery, or your scope, call our office and discuss it with our staff.
If the office is closed and you are unable to reach anyone before your surgery or procedure, follow these steps:
If you are having sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, or high fever call the OR or Endoscopy Unit and cancel your procedure. (Remember that the colonoscopy preparation will cause diarrhea and potentially some nausea).
If you do not have the above symptoms (sick with cold etc.), please report to the Day Surgery unit as scheduled and you will be assessed there to determine if you are able to have your surgery or procedure done.
I feel unwell after my procedure/surgery, what should I do?
Feel free to call the office and speak with one of the staff members.
If the office is closed and you are unable to reach staff, follow these steps:
If you recently had a gastroscopy or colonoscopy and are experiencing severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, passage of red blood or black stools, or any other concerning symptoms report to the Emergency Department.
If you recently had a surgery and are experiencing rapidly increasing bruising or swelling, fever, pus or large amounts of drainage from the incision, pain that cannot be controlled by medication, or any other concerning symptoms report to the Emergency Department.
When can I return to work after a gastroscopy/colonoscopy?
It is not recommended that you return to work the day of your procedure as you will be sedated and therefore be considered legally impaired for 24 hours. You can return the day after your procedure.
When can I return to work after surgery?
This will depend on the surgery done, your response to the surgery, and the type of work you do. Please discuss this with your surgeon before your surgery or before you are discharged from the hospital. You do not need to be reassessed by your surgeon before returning to work unless specifically advised by your surgeon.
How do I get my insurance forms filled out?
If you require insurance forms to be completed, please drop them off at the office as soon as possible. Understand that due to the physicians’ busy schedules it can take up to 2 weeks for these forms to be completed. Depending on the complexity of the forms there may be a charge associated with their completion.