FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

Yes. It’s always a good idea to get a referral from a healthcare professional. But you can also arrange an appointment directly with us, e.g. if you don’t have a GP and would like to have a screening examination, or you have an acute condition affecting your anus (e.g. thrombosis), or you would like to obtain a second opinion. Please note that your ability to choose a doctor may be restricted by your contract with your health insurer.

By which time can I cancel an appointment at the latest?

It is important for us that patients cancel appointments well in advance so that we can give the appointment to someone else. You can cancel a gastroscopy or colonoscopy up to 2 working days before your appointment, all other appointments up to 24 hours beforehand. If you wish to cancel your appointment, please let us know via e-mail or leave a message on our answering machine (not possible when the practice is closed for holidays). If you cancel your appointment too late or do not turn up for your appointment without letting us know in advance, we reserve the right to charge you for the cancellation. This of course does not apply if you fail to show because of an unforeseeable event (such as illness, an accident, etc.).

When do I need to come to an appointment on an empty stomach?

If you are having an endoscopy (gastroscopy or colonoscopy) or an ultrasound examination, and for blood samples if this has been agreed. You do not need to have an empty stomach for an anoscopy (examination of the anus).

Should I take the medicines I take every day on the day when I am having an endoscopy and/or ultrasound?

Take into account the time before a procedure during which you need to have an empty stomach.
An empty stomach also means that you should not take any medication.

Do I need to stop taking blood-thinning medication before a gastroscopy or a colonoscopy?

If you are taking blood-thinning medication, phone us at least one week before your appointment so that we can discuss whether and when you should stop taking the medicine.

I have medicines that I inhale. Should I stop taking them before a procedure?

Medicines that you inhale should not be interrupted but should be used as normal, particularly on the day of the procedure.

I have sleep apnoea (OSAS) – what should I do?

If you have sleep apnoea, call us at least one week before your appointment so that we can discuss what precautions need to be taken.

Can I smoke before a procedure?

Smoking reduces the uptake of oxygen into the body, and this can be dangerous if you are sedated (in an induced deep sleep). Smoking impairs the assessment of organs during ultrasound examination and produces false results in breath tests. You must therefore not smoke from the evening before a procedure.

Can I drive after a procedure carried out with sedation (induced deep sleep)?

No. You must not drive a vehicle for 12 hours after a procedure during which you were sedated. Get someone to pick you up or use public transport.

When are “file review in the patient’s absence” or a “phone consultation” billed to the patient?

File review: For activities during which we study your case while you are not present. For example, when considering whether or not a blood sample, a tissue sample or a procedure performed elsewhere requires further attention or action.

Phone consultation: We charge for a phone consultation when we send you information by e-mail or text message because the current health insurance tariff (Tarmed) does not yet cover specifically these technologies.