FAQs
How do I request an appointment?
To request an appointment for a physician consult or a procedure, please call La Jolla Endoscopy Center (858) 453-5200.
How do I cancel a procedure?
To cancel your procedure or for urgent after hours concerns, please call the practice office at (858) 453-5200.
What do I need to bring the day of my procedure?
- Your insurance card(s).
- Driver’s license or photo ID.
- A list of your current medications.
- A portion of your procedure payment (the co-pay or deductible will be due at the time of service).
- Leave valuables and jewelry at home.
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
- Plan arrive at the center 45 minutes prior to the procedure. You should expect a stay of two to three hours total.
- If you’re younger than 18, you must have a parent or guardian accompany you to sign your paperwork. For children younger than 18, a parent/guardian must bring the child’s medical history and physical that was completed by a pediatrician. If you are an adult who is unable to sign the consent, you must have someone with you who is authorized to sign on your behalf.
- Bring the name and phone number of the person (must be 16 years or older with a valid driver’s license) who will be taking you home. You will not be permitted to drive, take a taxi alone or leave the center without an adult chaperone.
Who do I contact about insurance, billing, and financial questions?
If you’re having a procedure our insurance verification department will be contacting you with information related to the amount of your co-pay and/or deductible for your procedure. You may also reach them at (844)210-6742. For endoscopy billing questions please call (855) 213-1081. For anesthesia billing questions please call (866) 809-1220. For physician billing please call the practice office at (858) 453-5200.
Arrival time to the center and procedure time
Your arrival time to the center will be noted on your prep instructions. Your arrival time will be 30-45 minutes before your procedure time. Please read your prep instructions carefully. Your procedure time may vary slightly due to unforeseen events such as physician on call responsibilities and emergencies. We realize your time is important and thank you for your patience when these situations arise.
How long will the procedure take?
Your pre-op stay will be approximately 30 minutes. Both the procedure and recovery should take about 30 minutes each, depending on your specific procedure and your response to the sedation. You should plan to be at the endoscopy center 1.5-2.0 hours.
Why is a driver necessary?
A responsible driver (18 or older) with a valid driver’s license must be available to drive you home if you have received sedation. Sedation may impair your judgment and therefore your ability to drive until the following day. We encourage your driver to stay at the endoscopy center during your procedure or to be nearby and reachable by phone. If you are unable to secure a driver you will need to reschedule your procedure for a time that you have an available driver. For your safety, we cannot release you alone to a taxi or Uber service. A driver is not required if you do not receive sedation.
What should I wear on the day of the procedure?
It is recommended that you wear comfortable, loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
How should I prep for my procedure?
The physician’s office will give you a copy of the prep instructions. Please read them carefully and note the check in time and procedure time. The prep instructions can also be found on our website.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to my procedure?
You must refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to your procedure in order to prevent the risk of aspirating gastric contents into your lungs during your procedure. This complication is very serious and you need to follow our strict instructions as stated in your prep instructions. The center has very clear policies based on safety standards and if not followed your procedure will be delayed or rescheduled. It is very clearly stated on your prep instructions when you must refrain from eating and drinking.
Should I stop my aspirin or blood thinners before my procedure?
Please discuss this with your physician for individualized instructions.
Should I stop my diabetes medication before my procedure?
Please discuss this with your physician for individualized instructions.
Will I be contacted by the center or the practice office before my procedure?
The endoscopy center will attempt to contact you prior to your procedure to review your medical history, your check in and procedure time, prep instructions, etc. In the event that we are unable to reach you, we will review your medical history with you on the day of the procedure. We understand that you have given a medical history to your physician in the practice office but because the endoscopy center is mandated by Medicare and AAAHC regulations we will need to review your medical history in more detail. Thank you for your patience.
If you have questions you can call us at the endoscopy center at (858) 453-7525. We strongly recommend that you read your prep instructions as many of your questions will be answered in that document.
How do I follow up on my pathology results?
If you had biopsies taken during your procedure, your physician’s office will call you with the results in 1-2 weeks.
Can I complete the endoscopy center paperwork prior to arriving for my procedure?
The website has the documents that you will be given to sign on the day of your procedure. You can access the forms in advance by going to the website. You can read, print, and sign the forms and bring them with you on the day of the procedure if you choose to do so.