MedStar Health: Endoscopy Center at Silver Spring

Before you arrive

1. Review Instructions from your Physician's Office

• You will be given instructions on how to prepare for your procedure from your physician's office. It is very important to follow these instructions.

2. Discuss Medications

• Be sure to discuss all instructions regarding your pre-procedure medication management with your primary care provider, and/or proceduralist, especially if you take any blood thinners, NSAIDs, or diabetic/diet medications including GLP 1 agonists.

3. Complete Your Pre-Procedure Questionnaire

IMPORTANT: Please complete this at least 1 week before your procedure, but not more than 30 days.

• Our center partners with HST Pathways for financial estimates and clinical assessments.
• You will receive important e-mails and text messages from HST Pathways with details about your procedure and a link to your questionnaire.

4. Review Policies

• Please click the hyperlinks above in the pre-procedure policies section above.

5. Speak with a Center Contact

• A clinical staff member will contact you before your procedure to review your questionnaire and instructions.
• Please ask the staff member if you have questions regarding anesthesia or your procedure.
• If you need any further evaluation or testing before your procedure, the staff member will make you aware.

Please Bring With You

• All your insurance cards
• A valid picture ID (Driver's license, State ID, or other legal identification)
• Credit card or check to pay co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles
• The most recent copy of an Advance Directive (if you have one)

Please Do Not Bring With You

• Please do not bring personal valuables to your procedure as the center cannot accept responsibility for them. Although your personal property is important, the primary concern of the staff is your healthcare needs. 

When you Arrive

• You must be accompanied by a responsible adult over 18 years of age to be discharged and avoid cancellation of your procedure.
• On the day of your procedure, the center staff will confirm that you have a ride available.

Following Your Procedure

• Your nurse will review discharge instructions with you and/or the responsible adult who will be caring for you at home.
• A copy of all instructions will be provided as well as the contact information for your provider’s office for any further questions.

If You Receive Anesthesia or Sedation

• You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
• You will not be allowed to leave alone in a taxi or other transportation service (e.g., Uber)
• It is recommended that you do not drive or make major decisions within 24 hours of your procedure. 
• Please check with the center for the approximate time your ride should arrive for pick up. In some instances, your ride may be asked to wait at the center, depending on the procedure you are undergoing.

Follow-Up Contact

The center will attempt to contact you on the business day after your procedure to ensure you are not experiencing unexpected concerns and that you have the opportunity to ask questions. For minimal disruption, you may receive this communication via text. Should you need to speak to center staff, you can indicate this via text or call the center directly.

Patient Experience Survey

We believe it is important to hear your views on the service and care that you received. Please make sure your voice is heard by completing our simple patient survey. You should expect to receive this survey electronically or on paper via the mail. Your feedback is valuable!

Billing

The center accepts most major insurance plans. If you have any questions regarding whether your procedure will be covered, please contact your insurance company. 

It is important to understand that you will receive a bill from both your physician’s office for their professional services, as well as a bill from the center for use of the facility.

If you received care from an anesthesia provider or had biopsies taken, you will also receive a bill from the anesthesiologists for their professional services and/or the pathology lab.

If you have any questions about billing, please contact your insurance company.