Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Questions About Our Practice and Procedures
Below are responses to commonly asked questions by our patients. Should you have additional questions that are not answered below, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (802) 864-7483.
Are you affiliated with UVM Health Network?
No, we are an independent and physician-owned practice. If you are a primary patient of UVM, your PCP will post your VT Gastro visit notes to your MyChart.
Can I drive? Can I go back to work?
YOU CANNOT DRIVE HOME, nor drive the rest of the day. YOU CANNOT WORK the rest of the day.
For your safety, it is preferred that you have a trusted person that can drive you to and from the procedure. The procedure cannot be done if you are not accompanied by a responsible adult driver. Taking a bus, rideshare service, or taxi alone is not considered to be safe and is not authorized.
Do I need to stop at a Registration Desk?
Yes. If your procedure or appointment is scheduled at UVMMC, you will need to stop at the Registration Desk 1 hour before your procedure, even if you are pre-registered. It is located on Level 3 of the Ambulatory Care Center of the University of Vermont Medical Center. You will then be directed to the Endoscopy Suite, located on West Pavilion, Level 4.
If your procedure is scheduled at Green Mountain Surgery Center, please enter the building and report to the reception desk 45 minutes before your procedure appointment time.
How and when do I get results of biopsies?
If you had biopsies taken, you will receive a call, message in our Patient Portal, or a letter in the mail in 2 to 4 weeks with the results. If you have not received the results within 4 weeks, call your doctor’s office to ask for them.
How do I make an appointment?
Your Primary Care Provider (PCP)or referring provider must first send us a complete Appointment Request. Once the request has been approved, your PCP will fax us the required documentation and we will process it. You will then receive a text message/call to begin scheduling your appointment via a secure chat or telephone call.
How do I pay my bill?
You can pay your bill directly through your Patient Portal Account or by clicking the Bill Payment tab at the top of this website. Additionally, you can also call our office and select option 3 for billing.
Please note: You may receive separate bills after your procedure from: Vermont Gastroenterology (Physician Fee), Green Mountain Surgery Center (Facility), Anesthesia Associates of Vermont (Anesthesiology), and Lab/Pathology Bills. Please contact the respective offices regarding the bill that you have received.
How long does the procedure last?
The procedure usually lasts 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the procedure booked.
How long does the procedure take?
The total time you will be in the Endoscopy Suite will be 2 to 3 hours at the University of Vermont Medical Center, and about 1 to 2 hours at the Green Mountain Surgery Center. You must have a responsible adult driver who will be there for discharge instructions and to drive you home.
The procedure cannot be done if you are not accompanied by a responsible adult driver. Taking a bus, rideshare service, or taxi alone is not considered to be safe and is not authorized.
How long is the recovery time?
The recovery time is usually 15 to 30 minutes. You will then be discharged to be driven home by your driver.
How soon can I eat after the procedure?
You may eat at any time after your procedure. You may want to start with a light meal after leaving the surgery center. If that goes well, then you can go back to your regular diet.
How soon can I start taking my regular medications?
Start taking you regular medications when you are tolerating fluids and regular food unless your doctor says not to.
May I eat or drink before my procedure?
Be sure to carefully follow the prep instructions for your specific procedure related to eating and drinking. If you do not follow the instructions, your test may be delayed or rescheduled. DO NOT drink water or any liquids 2 hours before your procedure.
May I have something to eat or drink immediately after the procedure?
The surgery center care team will give you a drink and light snack after your procedure. You may eat additional food at any time after your procedure. You may want to start with a light meal after leaving the surgery center. If that goes well, then you can go back to your regular diet.
Should I continue to take my regular medications BEFORE my procedure?
Some of your medications (such as blood thinners and GLP-1 Agonists) may need to be stopped for a few days before your procedure. In almost all cases, you MUST let us know if you take blood thinners or GLP-1 drugs (Such as: Ozempic, Victoza, Trulicity, Mounjaro, Rybelsus), as these must be held before you have your procedure. At the time your procedure is scheduled, we will discuss with you how to manage these changes. We may need to confirm these with your prescribing doctor. If you are on insulin or other medications for diabetes and/or pain medications, please CHECK with your PRESCRIBING physician for specific instructions. Otherwise, take your regular medications, including inhalers. If you have questions, please call us (802-864-7483).
The day of my procedure, should I take my regular medications?
If you are on insulin or other medications for diabetes and/or pain medications, please CHECK with your REGULAR physician for specific instructions. In almost all cases, you MUST let us know if you take blood thinners or GLP-1 drugs (Such as: Ozempic, Victoza, Trulicity, Mounjaro, Rybelsus), as these must be held before you have your procedure. Your scheduler will also provide you instructions at the time of scheduling. Otherwise, take your regular meds and inhalers with a sip of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
What about jewelry?
For safety during the procedure, all jewelry should be removed before you come to either the University of Vermont Medical Center or the Green Mountain Surgery Center. This includes earrings, rings, necklaces, and body jewelry. Vermont Gastroenterology and the Green Mountain Surgery Center are not liable for any valuables/jewelry that are lost during an appointment.
What happens if I don’t follow my prep instructions?
It is extremely important that you review the prep instructions well in advance of your appointment, and follow them to properly prepare for the procedure. This enables your doctor to perform an effective and comprehensive examination. Patients that are unprepped for their procedures will need to be rescheduled and may incur additional charges.
What happens if I need to reschedule my appointment?
We understand that plans change! To allow us to effectively accommodate other patients, we ask that you please contact us at least 48 hours before your appointment. Preferably, you can text us directly via the original text message you used when scheduling your appointment, email us at scheduling@vtgastro.com, or you can call us at: (802) 864-7483. This will allow us to get you rescheduled for a new appointment slot.
Please Note: If you no-show or cancel your appt with less than 24 hours notice, you will be required to pay an Administrative Rebooking Fee in order to be rescheduled.
What if I have questions after I get home?
If you have any concerns after your procedure, please call the number on your discharge instructions.
Day of your procedure, you may call the Surgery Center until 4:00 PM. After 4:00PM or day after, you may call our office.
What kind of medicine will I receive?
After you arrive in the procedure room and have talked to the doctor, you will be given medication to make you sleepy. The goal is to make you comfortable. Most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure because of these medications.
What should I bring with me?
Bring your insurance card and photo ID. You should also bring any forms that you completed that were not sent to us yet. Some patients also find it helpful to bring their medication list for the nurses at check-in. If you use inhalers, bring them with you.
What type(s) of insurance do you accept?
We accept all major insurance plans (Medicare, Medicaid, BCBS VT, United Health Care, Cigna, Aetna, VA Health Insurance, Tricare, MVP, etc.), and we also offer self-pay options. Your scheduler will verify your coverage at the time of scheduling. Additionally, be sure to bring a copy of your insurance card to your appointment.
What will happen when I get there?
A nurse will ask you questions and take your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. An IV line will be placed so you can get fluid and medications during your procedure. Waiting times may vary from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your needs and any delays.
When should I arrive for my appointment?
For Procedure Appointments, you should arrive 45 mins BEFORE your appointment time at the Green Mountain Surgery Center.
For Office Appointments, you should arrive 15 minutes BEFORE your appointment time at our main office on 875 Roosevelt Hwy, STE 132.
When should I arrive for my procedure?
You should arrive for check-in 45 minutes before your scheduled procedure appointment time.
When will I go to the procedure room and who will be with me?
Once the doctor is ready, you will be taken to the procedure room. Your doctor and nurse will be with you. No family or friends will be allowed in the procedure room.
Where are you located?
Our main offices are located at: 875 Roosevelt Hwy, STE 132, Colchester, VT.
The majority of our procedures take place at: Green Mountain Surgery Center, 593 Hercules Dr., Colchester, VT.
Will I need pain medicine after I am discharged?
No. It is normal to have mild cramps and bloating over the next 24 hours, but pain medication should not be needed after your procedure.
Procedure Information & Prep Instructions
For procedure-specific directions and information, please visit our “Procedures” page.
875 Roosevelt Avenue
Suite 132
Colchester, Vermont 05446
Phone: (802) 864-7483
Fax: (802) 660-4337
info@vtgastro.com