Frequently Asked Questions
| Q: | What is a Colon & Rectal Surgeon? |
| A: | Colon & Rectal Surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of colon and rectal problems. In addition to their training in general surgery, they complete advanced training specifically related to the diseases of the colon and rectum. |
| Q: | Do I really need to see a doctor for rectal bleeding? What if it is just hemorrhoids? |
| A: | Rectal bleeding can be caused by many different things. You should not just assume that any bleeding is from hemorrhoids. There are various conditons related to the colon and rectum that can cause bleeding. It is best to be evaluated by a qualified physican in order to receive the correct treatment for your specific need. |
| Q: | Where will my surgery or colonscopy be done? |
| A: | Our doctors do surgeries and procedures at St. Mary's Hospital and Deaconess Hospital Downtown. Also at Surgicare Outpatient Surgical Center and the Evansville Surgery Center. |
| Q: | Do I have a copayment due at my first office visit? |
| A: | If your insurance plan has a copay for office visits or specialists, then yes, your co-payment will be due at the time of service. |
| Q: | Will you file my insurance? |
| A: | We will file a claim with your insurance company after your office visit or procedure. For more specific insurance information, click here or contact our insurance department. |
| Q: | My family doctor wants me to have a colonoscopy. Do I need an office visit at OVCRS before the exam can be scheduled? |
| A: | If you are not having any medical problems, and the exam is recommended because of your age or family history, then no, you do not need an office visit first. We can mail you the necessary paperwork, after you send it back, one of our schedulers will call you to set up the appointment for your colonoscopy. Of course if you prefer to come meet the doctor first we will gladly make you an appointment. If you are having other anal or rectal concerns (hemorhoids, rectal pain etc.) it is recommended that you schedule an office visit prior to the colonoscopy. |
| Q: | What is a colon? |
| A: | Your colon is also known as your large intestines. It is part of the digestive tract. Food is digested in your stomach, it then passes into your small intestines, then into your colon and finally out though your rectum in the form of stool or feces. Your colon stores your bodily waste and helps your body absorb liquid from the food you eat. |
| Q: | What is a colonoscopy? |
| A: | A colonoscopy is an evaluation or test to look at the inside of your colon and rectum. It involves using a flexible tube that contains a small camera to look at the lining of your entire colon. Prior to the exam, you will need to do a bowel prep, which will cause you to use the bathroom. The idea is to clean all of the stool or feces out of your colon so that the doctor can see the lining of your colon during the exam. Click here for more specific information about a colonoscopy and bowel preparation. |
| Q: | Do I need to drink all of the preparation for the colonoscopy? |
| A: | The reason you need to drink the preparation before a colonoscopy is to clean all of the stool or feces out of your colon. That must be done so that the doctor is able to see the inside of your colon during the exam. If you stop drinking the preparation to soon, and the doctor cannot see the lining of your colon, you may need to repeat the exam at a later date. |
| Q: | What is a polyp? |
| A: | Polyps are growths that can occur in the colon and rectum. Polyps are usually small and typically do not give any symptoms. There are several types of polyps. adenomatous polyps, if left in the colon long enough, can turn into cancer. Hyperplastic polyps do not turn into cancer. Removing polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent most colon and rectal cancer. |
| Q: | If the doctor removes a polyp, how long does it take to get the pathology results to know if if is cancerous? |
| A: | The polyp will be sent to the laboratory to be evaluated. It generally takes about 3-5 days for our office to get the results. After the doctor reviews the report, you will be contacted either by phone or mail. |