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Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have concerns about your procedure. Here are answers to questions our Forest Hills patients frequently ask.
What does a gastroenterologist do, and when should I see one?
A gastroenterologist is a doctor specializing in the digestive system (esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas). You should see a gastroenterologist if you have persistent digestive symptoms such as frequent heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits (chronic constipation or diarrhea), blood in your stool, difficulty swallowing, or if you are due for a colonoscopy (for cancer screening or polyp removal). Essentially, any ongoing issue related to digestion that isn’t resolved by primary care deserves a specialist’s evaluation. Our clinic can promptly perform necessary tests (like endoscopy or ultrasound) to diagnose the issue and get you on the right treatment.
How should I prepare for my appointment or procedure?
For a regular office consultation, there’s not much you need to do to prepare, just bring your ID, insurance card, a list of any medications you’re taking, and any prior relevant medical records or test results. It’s often helpful to write down your symptoms (how long you’ve had them, what triggers them, etc.) and any questions you want to ask, so we make sure all your concerns are addressed.
For specific procedures such as colonoscopy or endoscopy, we will provide you with clear, written preparation instructions well in advance. For example, a colonoscopy typically requires a bowel prep the day before (a special laxative solution and a clear liquid diet). We know that sounds daunting, but we give you detailed steps and tips to make it as easy as possible. You’ll also need to arrange for someone to accompany you to drive you home afterwards due to sedation. Rest assured, our staff will walk you through all prep steps when scheduling your procedure, and we’re just a phone call away if you have any prep questions. Following the prep instructions closely is important for a successful, accurate procedure.
Does your clinic accept my insurance and what are the payment options?
We accept most major insurance plans, please call us to verify your specific plan. For any services not covered by insurance or if you’re a self-pay patient, we will inform you of the costs upfront. We strive to be transparent and work with patients to arrange payment plans if needed. Our goal is to ensure you get the care you need without unexpected bills. Our billing staff can answer any detailed questions about coverage and costs.
Will the procedure be painful?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about procedures like an endoscopy or colonoscopy. The good news is these procedures are very routine for us and we take extensive measures to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free. You will receive sedation (a mild anesthesia through an IV) administered by a qualified anesthesia professional, so you won’t feel pain or even be aware during the procedure. Most patients wake up with little to no memory of the exam. You might feel groggy for a short time after, but our team will monitor you until you’re fully awake and provide post-procedure care instructions. If at any point during any exam you feel discomfort, we stop and address it. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We encourage you to discuss any anxieties with Dr. Davidoff beforehand. He will explain exactly what to expect to put your mind at ease. Patients often tell us afterwards that the anticipation was worse than the actual procedure, which they breezed through comfortably.