FAQ

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Is there a booking or cancellation policy?

To confirm your appointment time and date a valid credit card will be required to preauthorize payment for a portion of the procedure which may appear on your credit card statement as a sale this preauthorized amount will either be reimbursed or cancelled by your credit card provider within 28 days from the date of the authorization as the actual billing or invoicing of the procedure is done on the day of your appointment. In the event you have to cancel your procedure for emergencies, or any other reason you credit card will be charged for the entire amount and you will have 60 days to rebook your procedure at no cost with the exception of additional procedures performed on top of the basic procedure charged. The patient may transfer this credit for a procedure to a family member or friend, who would wish to have a procedure done within the 60 (sixty) day time period of the original booking.

 

14006143 Canada Inc. – Endovision Endoscopy reserves the right to change prices without notice.

Do I Need a Colonoscopy?

A member of my family has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Am I at greater risk?

Children, siblings and parents of those with colorectal cancer are at a two to four times greater risk of getting colorectal cancer themselves, and need to start screening years earlier than the general population (a colonoscopy should be the first consideration in this case). Consult your doctor.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a short procedure in which an optical camera is used to detect any signs of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon.

Why not just get a virtual colonoscopy?

If you are healthy, conventional colonoscopy is strongly suggested, and considered to be the gold standard. Virtual colonoscopies can also have some inherent disadvantages that should be considered:

– If polyps are discovered, a standard colonoscopy will be required anyways to remove them.

– Virtual colonoscopies are done by a CT scan; the long term radiation effects of mass screening with CT is not fully known.

– Unlike conventional colonoscopies, air will be injected in to the colon, which can cause mild to severe discomfort.

– Virtual colonoscopies are not as reliable in detecting polyps smaller than 6mm.

Why Endovision?

Can you describe the facilities at Endovision?

Endovision is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in a 5000 sq. ft. facility featuring a relaxing, spa-like environment. You can find more information on our Facilities page, and more photos on the Welcome page.

Why should I choose Endovision?

Endovision is one of North America’s premier colonoscopy and endoscopy clinics, with experienced physicians and equipment rated to the highest North American and European safety standards.

We see a limited amount of patients per day in order to guarantee the time and attention each patient deserves.

At Endovision Clinic, we do not require a referral from your family doctor. We firmly believe every person should have the right to access the medical attention they need in a timely fashion.

Our patients meet with our team before their procedures in order to have any of their questions answered. Afterwards, patients will meet with the doctor in order to receive the results of their procedure. Pathology results may take 4-6 weeks, depending on laboratory assay periods.

Prevention

How often should I have a colonoscopy?

If you have had a colonoscopy and have been diagnosed with colon polyps, you should have a colonoscopy every 3 years. If you have no polyps then you should have a colonoscopy every 5 years. If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, you should discuss when you should have your next colonoscopy with your doctor.

Doesn’t colon cancer only happen to senior citizens?

Colon cancer can strike at any age – and recent studies indicate rates are rising in younger populations.

What is screening, and why is it important?

Screening is the process of attempting to detect an ailment before symptoms appear. A colonoscopy screens for colorectal cancer, and can avoid the patient ever becoming a cancer victim in the first place.

What sort of diet can help prevent colon cancer?

The risk of developing colon cancer can be reduced by making some simple dietary improvements. Always consult your doctor to be sure any dietary changes are right for you.

– eat less red meat

– avoid processed meats with nitrates

– maintain a high-fibre diet

– decrease consumption of fried foods

– reduce alcohol intake

– stop smoking

– exercise

– watch your weight

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor and discuss the option of a colonoscopy:

– sudden changes in bowel habits

– narrowing of the stool

– blood in the stool

– severe and/or chronic constipation

– abdominal pain

Procedure

Are there any age limits for a colonoscopy?

Our services are offered to the adult population; we do not offer colonoscopies or gastroscopies to children. Our patient population ranges from 18-80 years old. Procedures for patients younger than 18, or past the age of 80 will be done so at the discretion of our medical team. If you have any serious medical conditions, or are pregnant, we may require a letter from your doctor stating that your medical condition is stable enough to have the procedure(s) done.

Do I need to bring anything with me to the procedure?

Please bring with you:

– a list of your medications and allergies

– your Consent Form

– If you have an ostomy, bring your supplies with you, should you need
to change.

– contact information for the responsible adult who will be taking you home

– the name and fax number of your referring physician

What do I need to do to prepare for my procedure?

The colon will need to be cleansed before the procedure; this starts up to seven days in advance of the appointment. See the full instructions here.

How long do I have to stay after the procedure?

If you have sedation, you will be resting for approximately thirty minutes or until the sedation wears off. Once you are ready to leave, you will be escorted to the doctor’s office to receive your written report and discharge instructions. At this time you will be able to ask the doctor any questions you may have about the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

An average colonoscopy takes 20-40 minutes depending on the anatomy of your colon.

Will I be able to drive after the colonoscopy or gastroscopy procedure?

If you do not require sedation, you will be able to drive. If you require sedation, you will not be able to drive up to six hours following the procedure; you should have someone bring you and drive you home, or we can make arrangements to call a taxi for you.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

– An RN will take you to an interview room to review your medical history.

– Your escort and the nurse will discuss your safe transportation home. You will return to the waiting area. Your escort may wait in the waiting room when you are taken to the procedure area.

– We will provide for your safety, security, and comfort by placing you in a private bay where you will get undressed and keep your belongings.

– A member of the clinical staff will take your blood pressure and help you prepare for the procedure.

– Your physician will visit with you prior to your procedure and review your history, plan your care, and answer any questions you may have. You will be wheeled to the procedure room on your stretcher bed. There is a technician and a Certified Registered Nurse in the procedure room to assist the physician.

– After the procedure, you will be able to ask the physician any questions you may have.

– Once ready to leave, you will be released with your escort to continue your day.

General Questions

How much does it cost?

Please call for an accurate quote, depending on your individual needs. Our clients find our prices well worth it, compared to other private clinics and the hassle and wait times necessary in the public system.

Will I receive any documentation?

You will receive personalized follow-up instructions and a copy of your procedure report prior to leaving our facility. We also send a report out to your referring doctor the same day.

What if I can’t make my appointment?

Please see our cancellation policy.

What happens if I require colonoscopy on an urgent basis?

We can accommodate this request quickly and expeditiously.

Does private insurance cover the colonoscopy or gastroscopy procedure?

It depends on your insurance provider since every policy is different.

Are the procedures tax deductible?

Please consult with your tax consultant or Revenue Canada.