A colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the entire colon for abnormalities. The colonoscope, a long, flexible tube with a camera and light attached to it, is inserted through the rectum into the colon. This allows the doctor to see inside the entire colon and remove any polyps that are found or take samples to be biopsied afterward.
Is a colonoscopy necessary at this stage in your life? It depends. The decision is personal and should be arrived at after a thorough discussion with your doctor. Typically, patients with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding from the rectum, and changes in bowel habits, or those who are over the age of 45, are recommended a colonoscopy.
If you have been advised to have a colonoscopy, your choice of colonoscopy provider is very important. Put your trust in a reputable gastroenterology practice for the procedure. Here are 5 tips for finding the best colonoscopy provider in Brooklyn or Westlake, OH.
1. Check with your insurance company
Most insurance plans will cover the cost of a colonoscopy, as it is a preventive procedure that can save you from disease and expensive treatments later on down the road. Your insurer can provide you with a list of in-network providers in Brooklyn or Westlake who participate in your plan and offer this type of procedure with no out-of-pocket costs for you.
2. Ask your primary care doctor for referrals
Your primary care doctor can make recommendations for gastroenterologists in Brooklyn or Westlake. Your PCP will know which GI doctors participate in your plan, (which can help lower your healthcare costs), and who also provide high-quality gastroenterology services. Your doctor will likely know what type of doctor you prefer, such as temperament, location, and more. As such, they can recommend someone who fits your needs well.
3. Do your research online
With so much information available online these days, patients’ reviews can be incredibly helpful when narrowing down which doctors or facilities offer great care – including those providing excellent colonoscopies. Go on Google and type in “colonoscopy in Brooklyn, OH” or “colonoscopy in Westlake, OH” to get started on your search. When you find a facility you like, make sure to check its online reviews to get a sense of what past patients have to say about their services.
4. Make sure they use state-of-the-art technologies
If you are scheduled for a colonoscopy, it is important to choose a provider that uses cutting-edge technology. This will ensure that you have options for the best possible care and treatment, and have the following advantages:
- Cutting-edge technology results in better images of the inside of the body. This means that your doctor will be able to more accurately diagnose any problems they find during the procedure.
- Newer technologies result in more options for patients who need to be checked for colon cancer. An advanced provider can offer flexible sigmoidoscopy, which examines your rectum and part of the colon, virtual colonoscopy, which uses a CT scanner and X-ray technology to examine the colon, and colonoscopy, which allows the doctor to examine the entire colon.
5. Inquire about experience and training
Once you’ve narrowed down some potential providers based on other factors, make sure to ask them about board certification and their experience level, specifically in performing this type of procedure, as well as their overall training. You want someone who has plenty of both, so you can feel confident knowing they’ll do an excellent job taking care of you during such an important test.
The Best Colonoscopy Center in Westlake and Brooklyn, OH
The gastroenterology doctors at North Shore Gastroenterology are board-certified and recognized as leaders in the treatment of all digestive disorders. We offer many options to screen for or diagnose colon cancer, from fecal tests to the gold standard, which is colonoscopy. We work really hard to make the experience as comfortable as possible for our patients. Trust that we will do the same for you.
To schedule your colonoscopy, call our office today at (440) 808-1212 or use our convenient online request form. We look forward to providing you with the best in GI care in Ohio.