Patient
Education
Welcome to GI Associates, where our commitment lies in optimizing the health of your digestive system.
Explore our educational page, brimming with invaluable resources encompassing a diverse array of subjects such as diets, informative videos, and an extensive compilation of frequently asked questions.
GI Associates Patient Diets
Eating habits can have an enormous impact on how our bodies act and can often cause or worsen conditions related to the GI tract.
Understanding how diet affects your gut health is important if you wish to relieve or even better manage your symptoms. While significant diet changes may seem overwhelming, the experts at GI Associates are happy to work with you to identify the best diet to help manage your symptoms.
GI ASSOCIATES VIDEOS
Educational Resources
GI Associates' videos are a valuable tool for learning and empowerment in the realm of gastrointestinal wellness. They cover everything from digestive disorders to preventive care, promoting patient understanding and collaboration.
GI Associates
FAQs
General Information
GI Associates partners with most major insurance plans in our region and we are proud to participate with Medicare and WI Medical Assistance, as well as welcome referrals from the Veteran's Administration. However, if you do not have insurance coverage or have health insurance that is not accepted or contracted with us, our financial counselor will discuss payment options with you before your appointment.
No referral is needed to be seen by our providers.
COVID-19 testing is NOT required at GI Associates or Aspirus locations. GI Associates continues to monitor COVID-19 activity, vaccination rates and the latest guidance from public health. For questions about Aspirus facility COVID-19 guidelines, please contact the Aspirus COVID-19 Hotline at 1-844-568-0701.
Aspirus’ current COVID policy is to have COVID testing completed within 72 hours of your procedure.
Procedures & Preps
Slow or stop drinking the prep to allow for nausea to pass. When you resume the prep, try to drink as much as you are able, as this will improve the quality of the prep and examination. Sometimes it is helpful to be up and moving around to help the stomach empty.
Ideally, if your arrival time is after 9 am, we would prefer the prep to be completed the morning of the procedure, as directed. However, if there is a concern for travel, it is OK to complete the second half at 10 pm the evening prior to your procedure.
After finishing your laxatives, your stool should be clear or yellow/green liquid. If your stool is
cloudy, liquid brown, has particles in it or formed, call our office.
Yes. You must follow the preparation instructions provided to you. The colon’s average length is 6 feet long. The colon must be completely emptied to help ensure an accurate and thorough examination.
Yes. You must follow the preparation instructions provided to you to help ensure an accurate and
thorough examination.
Yes, it is ok to proceed.
Use of tampon, pad or pessary will not be an issue. It is ok to proceed.
With the exception of any blood thinners or diabetic medications already addressed, you may take any
other necessary prescription medications with small sips of water.
You can expect to be at the facility for 2-4 hours, depending on location. This includes from the
time you walk in the door until the time you leave. The procedure itself does not take this long.
The medication used for sedation will affect judgment, reflexes, and coordination. Sometimes it can
cause short-term memory impairment. Driving or using dangerous equipment after sedation may injure
yourself or others.
No. Due to the sedation given during the procedure, you are considered impaired. The sedation
medication impairs your judgment, reflexes, and coordination. A trusted person must accompany you on
public transit. Public transit drivers are not responsible for your safety and are not included.
Cappuccino is not a clear liquid and therefore is not an acceptable liquid to use for prep. Coffee is OK provided it is black.
