Frequently Asked Questions
Cancellation Policy
Strand GI Associates
How to Cancel your Appointment
If you need to cancel your appointment, please provide 24 hours notice to us so that we can provide other patients with an appointment. This time will be reallocated to patients with an urgent need. Please call 843-449-3381 and press option 1 then option 2 for existing patient appointments. You may need to leave a detailed message including your name, date of birth, and appointment date and time.
Late cancellations will be considered as a no-show.
No-Show Policy
A no-show is someone who misses an appointment without canceling. No-shows inconvenience those individuals who need access to medical care in a timely manner.
Failure to present at the scheduled appointment time will be recorded in the patient’s medical record and tracked. Please note that three no-shows will terminate your relationship with the physician and you will have to find another physician for your gastroenterology care.
Effective June 1, 2021 we will charge $35 for no-shows and late cancellations for office visits and $150 for endoscopic procedure appointments.
This amount must be paid before another appointment will be scheduled.
Strand Endoscopy Center
How to Cancel your Appointment
If you need to cancel your appointment for your procedure, please call scheduling at 843-839-0795 or 843-839-0796 at least 48 hours prior.
Business Office Questions
Why am I receiving more than one statement?
You will receive more than one statement for the same date of service. Statements may be sent by:
- The physician who performed the procedure
- The endoscopy/ambulatory surgery center where you had the procedure
- A pathologist/laboratory, if a biopsy of a polyp or tissue sample was needed
- Anesthetist, if anesthesia services were provided during your procedure
How much will my visit or procedure cost?
The cost for your visit or procedure will depend on what service(s) you receive. The cost of procedures will have additional cost including physician fees, anesthesia, and pathology; please contact 843-492-2733 for more information.
You may request a quote for the facility (Strand GI Endoscopy Center) fee from our Patient Account Representative at 843-.839-2582.
Screening vs. Diagnostic Colonoscopy
If you are not experiencing any symptoms (including, but not limited to, diarrhea, rectal bleeding or abdominal pain), which lead your doctor to recommend a colonoscopy, then your procedure is likely to be considered a screening procedure. However, if you have at least one symptom or complaint, the procedure can no longer be considered screening due to insurance guidelines. Please remember each insurance plan has different guidelines. For questions regarding YOUR insurance benefits, please contact your insurance carrier. Here are some questions to ask of them:
- Do I have screening or preventive care benefits?
- Is there a benefit cap on my screening or preventive care benefits? If so, what is it?
- Will my colonoscopy be covered under my screening or preventive benefits?
- My colonoscopy will be performed at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). Are associated facility charges covered under my screening or preventive benefits? If not, what out-of-pocket expenses might I incur?
- What benefits do I have for pathology and lab charges? Are these covered under my screening or preventive benefits?
- What benefits do I have if my colonoscopy is not considered screening?
My insurance plan told me that you coded my procedure incorrectly and they won‘t pay. Why won’t you change my diagnosis (ICD) code?
Strand GI Endoscopy Center strives to be consistent and compliant with the federal coding regulations set forth. We are not able to change coded charges in order to manipulate payment methodologies set forth by insurance companies.
Billing Questions
Should I bring my insurance information with me on procedure day?
Yes, please bring your health insurance card(s) and a photo ID.
Why is there more than one charge for my endoscopic procedure?
When a procedure is performed, there will be charges for the physician’s service, as well as a facility charge. There will also be charges for the anesthesiologist and possibly from the pathology group associated with the facility.
Will I receive a separate bill for pathology?
You may receive a separate bill for pathology depending upon your insurance.
Should I call my insurance company to let them know about the procedure?
It is your responsibility to call your insurance company to confirm coverage of your procedure and that your precertification number (if required) is on file. Precertification does not guarantee payment of services have been reviewed for medical necessity. If your question is not listed here, please do not hesitate to phone us at (843) 839-2581 or (843) 839-2582.
Clinical Questions
Is there any way that I can make the prep taste better?
You can try sucking on hard candy or a lemon or lime. You can rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water. Also you may add lemonade Crystal Light into the mixture.
Why avoid red or orange liquids?
Red or orange liquid can temporarily stain the colon and possibly impair the exam.
One of the medications I was instructed to take the morning of the procedure is red. Can I take it?
Medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, and seizures should be taken the morning for your exam regardless of the color.
I feel like vomiting and don’t think I can drink any more. What should I do?
It is important that you continue drinking the solution if at all possible. Without a clean bowel, the doctor will not be able to see the inside of your colon to complete the examination. If you do vomit, wait 30 minutes, and begin drinking the solution again. If not improved, call us (if after hours contact the physician on call number 449-3381). Have a phone number of a pharmacy that is open, in case we need to call in a prescription.
I drank a lot of the solution and haven’t gone to the bathroom yet. What should I do?
Keep drinking. Most people have a bowel movement after an hour; some patients may take 2 hours or longer.
I am taking the prep and am now having loose, watery stools. Do I still need to drink the rest of the prep?
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated.
I already have diarrhea before taking the prep, do I still have to take the laxative?
Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your doctor.
I see yellow color in the toilet bowl and a few flecks. What do I do?
If you have drank the entire solution or if your last bowel movements were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet, you should be fine. It is OK if you have some flecks of material. The yellow color is a result of bile that normally colors feces. This shouldn’t interfere with the examination.
My bottom is so sore. What can I do?
Avoid rubbing when cleaning the area. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply VaselineTM, Preparation HTM, or DesitinTM liberally.
Why do I need a driver? Why can’t I take a taxi home?
The sedation you are given makes it unsafe for your to operate a vehicle or any type of machinery. You need a trustworthy individual to ensure that you make it into your home safely. In addition, you need someone that we can give instructions to after the procedure since you will most likely not be able to remember these after anesthesia.
Does the person who will be driving me home after my procedure need to stay while I’m having the procedure done?
Yes, following the procedure, the physician will speak with the family member/driver with your permission.
Can I chew gum or suck on candy?
Yes, but nothing with a soft center or red color.
Can I brush my teeth?
Please do.
Can I wear my dentures?
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy suite. However, you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
Can I have the colonoscopy done if I am on my menstrual period?
Yes, the procedure can still be performed.
Can I wear my jewelry and rings?
You need to remove all jewelry except wedding rings in the event of possible cauterization during your procedure.
What should I wear on the day of my procedure?
Wear clothing that is casual and easy to put on and take off. Socks can be worn because the clinical area remains cool.
How long will I be at the Endoscopy Center?
The total time allowed for your procedure visit should be 2 hours.
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
Alcohol is a blood thinner. If you drink alcohol, it is strongly suggested that you drink only a moderate amount (1-2 alcoholic beverages per day) for 5 days prior to your procedure.