Capsule Endoscopy in Queens
Looking for a safe, advanced way to diagnose gastrointestinal issues? At Gastroenterology & Nutrition, P.C. in Forest Hills, Queens, we offer capsule endoscopy, a pill-sized wireless camera you swallow for a detailed tour of your digestive tract. Our board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Samuel Davidoff, has over 15 years of experience and has helped hundreds of patients find answers with this innovative camera pill. If you’ve been searching for “capsule endoscopy near me,” you’ve come to the right place. Our Forest Hills office is proud to be a leading provider of capsule endoscopy in Queens
What is Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy, often called the ‘PillCam’ is a miniature camera inside a capsule that you can swallow just like a pill. Once swallowed, the capsule travels comfortably through your digestive tract, taking thousands of high-resolution images along the way. These images are transmitted to a small recorder you wear on a belt. The capsule camera lets us see areas of your small intestine that standard endoscopies or colonoscopies might not reach. In essence, it’s like having a tiny photographer journey through your intestines, painlessly capturing pictures to help diagnose issues.
This technology is revolutionary because it’s minimally invasive (no incisions, no tubes down your throat after the initial swallow) and requires no sedation. You stay awake and can go about most of your normal routine during the procedure. After about 8 hours, the capsule has typically passed through your system. We then collect the recorder and compile the images into a video for analysis. The capsule itself passes naturally with a bowel movement and is disposable. Capsule endoscopy in our Queens clinic is a comfortable outpatient procedure that provides a full-color, 360-degree view of your small intestine, something we’ve never been able to visualize so easily until now.
Patient Safety
The procedure is non-invasive, requires no sedation, and allows you to go about most of your normal activities during the examination day.
When is Capsule Endoscopy Recommended?
Dr. Davidoff may recommend capsule endoscopy for various conditions that affect the small intestine:
Unexplained Bleeding
Locate small intestinal bleeding sources that traditional endoscopy and colonoscopy miss.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Evaluate the extent of Crohn's disease and monitor treatment effectiveness.
Celiac Disease
Assess damage to the small intestine in complicated cases or when biopsies are inconclusive.
Polyps and Tumors
Detect abnormal growths that other imaging methods might miss.
Unexplained Pain
Investigate persistent abdominal pain that remains unexplained after other tests.
Important Note
Not everyone is a candidate for capsule endoscopy. The procedure may not be suitable if you have known intestinal strictures, swallowing disorders, or certain implanted medical devices. Dr. Davidoff will evaluate your specific situation to determine if this is the right diagnostic approach for you.
Benefits of Capsule Endoscopy
Choosing capsule endoscopy offers several key benefits for our patients:
Non-Invasive & Painless
There’s no need for surgery or anesthesia, you simply swallow a capsule. Most patients say it’s no harder than taking a vitamin pill. No pain, no discomfort during the exam, and no recovery time needed.
Comprehensive View
The capsule travels through 21 feet of small intestine, uncovering problems that might be missed by traditional upper endoscopy or colonoscopy which visualize only certain portions of the GI tract. This makes it excellent for finding sources of hidden bleeding, small tumors, or areas of inflammation that other tests can’t easily see.
Convenience
he procedure is done right in our Forest Hills office. After you ingest the capsule, you can leave the office and go about your day with a few easy guidelines to follow. There’s no need to take a day off work for recovery, you’ll be up and about while the capsule does its job. For Queens patients with busy schedules, capsule endoscopy is a low-hassle diagnostic option
No Sedation Risks
Traditional endoscopies require sedation, which can have side effects and requires someone to accompany you. Capsule endoscopy eliminates sedation, so it’s safer for patients who may not tolerate anesthesia and more convenient since you can resume normal activities sooner.
Highly Accurate Diagnostics
Our gastroenterologist can capture over 50,000 images of your digestive tract from the capsule, ensuring that we perform a thorough examination. If you’ve had unexplained symptoms like GI bleeding or chronic abdominal pain, this high level of detail increases the chances of pinpointing the cause.
Comfort for the Patient
For many, capsule endoscopy is less intimidating than a traditional scope. There’s no gag reflex triggered and no hospital-like setting. You’re just wearing a sensor device and going about your day. Patients who have anxiety about procedures often feel much more at ease with the PillCam approach.
Our Capsule Endoscopy Procedure in Forest Hills
When you choose Gastroenterology & Nutrition, P.C. for capsule endoscopy, you’re in good hands. Here’s how the process works at our Forest Hills office from start to finish:
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Before your capsule endoscopy day, our team will give you simple prep instructions. Generally, you’ll need to start fasting the night before (typically no food or drink after 8 to 9 PM) so that your GI tract is clear for imaging. We may also ask you to avoid iron supplements or certain foods a day prior, as residue can obscure the camera. Unlike a colonoscopy, usually no intensive bowel prep (like drinking a gallon of solution) is required. A clear liquid diet and maybe a laxative the night before is often enough. We’ll go over your medications to see if any need to be adjusted briefly.
On the morning of the procedure, you’ll come into our Forest Hills clinic. We’ll have you wear a small recording device around your waist. It's lightweight and will capture the images transmitted by the capsule. Next, you’ll swallow the vitamin-sized capsule with a bit of water. This is quick and painless. Once you swallow the PillCam, the active part of the test begins, but you won’t feel anything as it moves through you.
You’ll hang out in our office for about 15-30 minutes just to ensure the capsule passed successfully into the small intestine. After that, you’re free to leave and carry on with normal light activities for the next 8 hours or so. We’ll give you a few guidelines: avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting during the recording period, and do not go near strong electromagnetic fields (like an MRI machine) while the capsule is in you. You’ll also have instructions on when you can resume eating (usually a few hours after ingestion, you can have a light meal unless otherwise directed).
As the capsule travels, it’s taking pictures constantly, typically 2 frames per second. You won’t notice anything except perhaps the feeling of the recorder on your belt. There is no sensation from the capsule itself. After approximately 8 hours, the capsule’s battery expires and it stops filming. By this time, in most cases, it will have moved into your colon. You’ll return the recording device to our office at the end of the day. (Don’t worry about retrieving the capsule. We don't need it back; you will pass it naturally, usually within 24 hours.)
After the Capsule: Results and Follow-Up
Once we have the recorder back, Dr. Davidoff will download all the images and compile a video of your gastrointestinal tract. He will carefully review the footage, which can take a little time given there are tens of thousands of images. We typically have results ready within a few days of your procedure. As soon as we’ve analyzed the video, we’ll schedule a follow-up with you (in person or via phone) to discuss the findings.
If the capsule endoscopy identifies any abnormalities such as areas of bleeding, inflammation, polyps, or signs of conditions like Crohn’s disease, we will explain those in detail and outline the next steps. Next steps could include further testing (in some cases a targeted endoscopy or biopsy might be needed based on what we saw) or direct treatment plans for the diagnosed condition. Because capsule endoscopy provides such a comprehensive look, it often gives a definitive answer when other tests have been inconclusive.
You might wonder, “What if the capsule finds something urgent?” The good news is that most findings (like small intestinal ulcers or polyps) can be managed in a timely manner; true emergencies are rare. If we did see a critical issue, our team would contact you promptly. We prioritize your health above all. In the vast majority of cases, patients tolerate the capsule endoscopy extremely well and are just relieved to finally see inside the small intestine. We will also coordinate with your primary care physician or referring doctor (if you were referred) to ensure everyone is on the same page about your care.
Finally, we’ll encourage you to continue normal activities after the test. Since there’s no sedation, you can even drive yourself home the same day you swallow the capsule. There’s no recovery period, another benefit of this procedure. We’re here to answer any questions at your follow-up, including reviewing the images with you if you’re curious to see what the inside of your intestines looked like!
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Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have some questions before undergoing capsule endoscopy. Below, we’ve answered a few common FAQs for our Queens patients:
What conditions can a capsule endoscopy detect?
Capsule endoscopy is especially useful for detecting issues in the small intestine. It can identify sources of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding (for example, from small ulcers or vascular malformations), and it’s excellent for finding small tumors or polyps in the small bowel. It’s also used to diagnose or evaluate Crohn’s disease in the small intestine. The camera can show areas of inflammation, ulceration, or narrowing that help confirm a Crohn’s diagnosis or monitor its activity. Additionally, capsule endoscopy can detect damage from celiac disease (like scalloping of the intestinal walls) if it’s advanced, and it may occasionally find parasites or other unusual lesions. In short, if you have persistent abdominal pain, anemia, or positive fecal blood tests with no answer yet, this capsule can often find clues in the part of the GI tract that other scopes can’t reach. It’s not typically used for the colon or stomach (since we have other tools for those), but primarily for that middle section of your GI tract.
Is capsule endoscopy safe?
Yes, capsule endoscopy is considered very safe. The capsule is single-use and passes through your system naturally. Complications are extremely rare. One possible risk is capsule retention meaning it gets stuck in the intestine. This is uncommon (estimated in about 1-2% of cases, usually in patients who already have a known stricture or blockage). We assess your risk factors beforehand. For example, if you have Crohn’s disease or a history of bowel surgery, we might do an X-ray or patency capsule (a dissolvable test capsule) first to ensure there’s no obstruction. In the rare event a capsule doesn’t pass, it can be removed endoscopically or surgically, but again, this is very unlikely for most patients. There’s no radiation (unlike some other imaging tests), and no sedation related risks. You might worry about swallowing it but the capsule is smooth and about the size of a large vitamin; almost everyone can swallow it with water without issues. We’ll be right there with you to coach you through it. Overall, capsule endoscopy has a long track record of safety and has been approved by the FDA for about 20 years. Our Queens gastroenterologist will only recommend it if he truly thinks the benefit outweighs any minimal risk for your specific situation.
Do I need a referral, and will my insurance cover capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is a specialized test, so often insurance will cover it if it’s medically indicated for instance, if you have GI bleeding or suspected Crohn’s that other tests haven’t explained. Our office will work with your insurance to get any necessary authorizations before the procedure. Many patients are referred to us by other physicians specifically for capsule endoscopy; however, you do not necessarily need an outside referral if you’re coming to us directly. Dr. Davidoff can evaluate you and determine if capsule endoscopy is appropriate. We’ll then handle the insurance approval process on your behalf. It’s always a good idea to double-check with your insurer about coverage, but rest assured, our staff has experience obtaining approvals for this test. If by chance you are paying out-of-pocket, we will discuss the cost upfront (capsule endoscopy typically ranges from about $1,000 to $3,000 depending on insurance and facility, as an estimate) and any payment plans available. We also accept most major insurance plans at our clinic. In summary: no referral is needed to see us. We welcome patients who find us on their own and we’ll help ensure your capsule endoscopy is covered or affordable. Feel free to call our office with your insurance details and we can verify benefits for you.
Insurance Coverage
We understand you may have concerns about your procedure. Here are answers to questions our Forest Hills patients frequently ask.
Not seeing your insurance provider? Call our Forest Hills office at 718-261-0900 to verify coverage.
Schedule Your Capsule Endoscopy in Forest Hills, Queens
If you’re in Queens whether Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, or anywhere in the NYC area and need answers for persistent GI symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Gastroenterology & Nutrition, P.C., we combine experience, technology, and a patient-first approach to get you the care you deserve.
Remember, early diagnosis is key. Capsule endoscopy can reveal issues that might go undiagnosed for years with conventional methods. By acting now, you’re taking a proactive step toward better digestive health and peace of mind.
Ready to schedule your capsule endoscopy? Our Forest Hills office offers prompt appointments for capsule endoscopy consultations and procedures. Call us at 718-261-0900 to speak with our friendly staff, or request an appointment online through our website contact form. We’ll find a convenient slot for you and guide you through any preparation steps.
Same-week appointments available at our Forest Hills office. Most insurance plans accepted.