Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 20:38     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Your PCP gives you an order, then you go find a gastro.


But then do you just do a colonoscopy or also need a visit first and then colonoscopy?


A Bhole is a bhole. No need to have a consultation.


But the doctor does the actual colonoscopy, not an unknown staff, right?


If the gastro doc is at a university hospital, she/he may have a resident practicing. You need to explicitly state that you do not want a resident participating in the procedure.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 20:35     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three so far at different facilities (family history of colon cancer) and each time I’ve had a first visit with the gastrointestinal Dr (one time it was a NP) to discuss the procedure and the prep. The procedure occurred on a different date and the doctor discusses the results with you once it’s finished (after you wake up).


TY, then because my plan doesn't require a PCP to see a specialist, it seems like I am better off doing a consult there first with the gastro. Otherwise it's three visits.


PP here. My plan is the same so I just go straight to the gastro. No need to see a PCP first.


One more question. Is there an advantage to doing it in a hospital setting v. free standing? How "worried" would you be about it?


PP again. I’ve done both and didn’t find one better than the other. If you are nervous or don’t do well with anesthesia (or don’t know how you’ll do) then a hospital setting might be a more reassuring choice for your first one.


Idk what to do. See above. I don't love the hospital it would have to be and I am also worried that then an intern would do it rather than a gastro who has done it forever. Also worried about being put under so I have no clue who actually does the procedure.


Maybe make an appointment for the consult at the facility and then see how you feel. Get all your questions answered. You don’t have to schedule the colonoscopy if you decide you’d rather be at a hospital after all. Or vice versa—do the consult with a Dr at the hospital and get all those questions answered. Then you can decide whether to do it there or not. You may not be so torn once you speak with a doctor and get more info about the procedure.

I did ask my Dr once about doing it without anesthesia. It was my second colonoscopy but my first after having kids. My oldest was 2 and the thought of going under kind of scared me now that I’m a mom. He said it was possible but it’s very infrequent and would be very uncomfortable. I don’t remember all of the details but after that discussion and additional research on my own, I decided to go with the anesthesia.


I don't really think talking will help me tbh as I am absolutely terrified. I've had surgery twice (c-section with spinal and breast lump removal with local) but never general and I do not want what people call "a great nap" because it sounds like I might not wake up.


A C-section is way more risky than a colonoscopy. The sedation for a colonoscopy is usually IV and not as heavy as sedation for major surgery.
You also sound like you have anxiety and should talk to a doctor before the procedure.


I needed the c-section so that was different. This feels more optional. And yes, I am really terrified of procedures and new doctors but I don’t think seeing yet another doctor would help!
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 20:29     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:No way I’m doing this, unless my cologuard comes back with terrible results.


Cologuard is a waste of time.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 20:28     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three so far at different facilities (family history of colon cancer) and each time I’ve had a first visit with the gastrointestinal Dr (one time it was a NP) to discuss the procedure and the prep. The procedure occurred on a different date and the doctor discusses the results with you once it’s finished (after you wake up).


TY, then because my plan doesn't require a PCP to see a specialist, it seems like I am better off doing a consult there first with the gastro. Otherwise it's three visits.


PP here. My plan is the same so I just go straight to the gastro. No need to see a PCP first.


One more question. Is there an advantage to doing it in a hospital setting v. free standing? How "worried" would you be about it?


PP again. I’ve done both and didn’t find one better than the other. If you are nervous or don’t do well with anesthesia (or don’t know how you’ll do) then a hospital setting might be a more reassuring choice for your first one.


Idk what to do. See above. I don't love the hospital it would have to be and I am also worried that then an intern would do it rather than a gastro who has done it forever. Also worried about being put under so I have no clue who actually does the procedure.


Maybe make an appointment for the consult at the facility and then see how you feel. Get all your questions answered. You don’t have to schedule the colonoscopy if you decide you’d rather be at a hospital after all. Or vice versa—do the consult with a Dr at the hospital and get all those questions answered. Then you can decide whether to do it there or not. You may not be so torn once you speak with a doctor and get more info about the procedure.

I did ask my Dr once about doing it without anesthesia. It was my second colonoscopy but my first after having kids. My oldest was 2 and the thought of going under kind of scared me now that I’m a mom. He said it was possible but it’s very infrequent and would be very uncomfortable. I don’t remember all of the details but after that discussion and additional research on my own, I decided to go with the anesthesia.


I don't really think talking will help me tbh as I am absolutely terrified. I've had surgery twice (c-section with spinal and breast lump removal with local) but never general and I do not want what people call "a great nap" because it sounds like I might not wake up.


A C-section is way more risky than a colonoscopy. The sedation for a colonoscopy is usually IV and not as heavy as sedation for major surgery.
You also sound like you have anxiety and should talk to a doctor before the procedure.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 20:16     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:No way I’m doing this, unless my cologuard comes back with terrible results.


OP here and I would much, much rather not do it but I am making dh (who has IBS and a million gastro issues) get one so I feel like I need to lead by example.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 20:05     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
No way I’m doing this, unless my cologuard comes back with terrible results.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 20:03     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three so far at different facilities (family history of colon cancer) and each time I’ve had a first visit with the gastrointestinal Dr (one time it was a NP) to discuss the procedure and the prep. The procedure occurred on a different date and the doctor discusses the results with you once it’s finished (after you wake up).


TY, then because my plan doesn't require a PCP to see a specialist, it seems like I am better off doing a consult there first with the gastro. Otherwise it's three visits.


PP here. My plan is the same so I just go straight to the gastro. No need to see a PCP first.


One more question. Is there an advantage to doing it in a hospital setting v. free standing? How "worried" would you be about it?


PP again. I’ve done both and didn’t find one better than the other. If you are nervous or don’t do well with anesthesia (or don’t know how you’ll do) then a hospital setting might be a more reassuring choice for your first one.


Idk what to do. See above. I don't love the hospital it would have to be and I am also worried that then an intern would do it rather than a gastro who has done it forever. Also worried about being put under so I have no clue who actually does the procedure.


Maybe make an appointment for the consult at the facility and then see how you feel. Get all your questions answered. You don’t have to schedule the colonoscopy if you decide you’d rather be at a hospital after all. Or vice versa—do the consult with a Dr at the hospital and get all those questions answered. Then you can decide whether to do it there or not. You may not be so torn once you speak with a doctor and get more info about the procedure.

I did ask my Dr once about doing it without anesthesia. It was my second colonoscopy but my first after having kids. My oldest was 2 and the thought of going under kind of scared me now that I’m a mom. He said it was possible but it’s very infrequent and would be very uncomfortable. I don’t remember all of the details but after that discussion and additional research on my own, I decided to go with the anesthesia.


I don't really think talking will help me tbh as I am absolutely terrified. I've had surgery twice (c-section with spinal and breast lump removal with local) but never general and I do not want what people call "a great nap" because it sounds like I might not wake up.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 19:57     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three so far at different facilities (family history of colon cancer) and each time I’ve had a first visit with the gastrointestinal Dr (one time it was a NP) to discuss the procedure and the prep. The procedure occurred on a different date and the doctor discusses the results with you once it’s finished (after you wake up).


TY, then because my plan doesn't require a PCP to see a specialist, it seems like I am better off doing a consult there first with the gastro. Otherwise it's three visits.


PP here. My plan is the same so I just go straight to the gastro. No need to see a PCP first.


One more question. Is there an advantage to doing it in a hospital setting v. free standing? How "worried" would you be about it?


PP again. I’ve done both and didn’t find one better than the other. If you are nervous or don’t do well with anesthesia (or don’t know how you’ll do) then a hospital setting might be a more reassuring choice for your first one.


Idk what to do. See above. I don't love the hospital it would have to be and I am also worried that then an intern would do it rather than a gastro who has done it forever. Also worried about being put under so I have no clue who actually does the procedure.


Maybe make an appointment for the consult at the facility and then see how you feel. Get all your questions answered. You don’t have to schedule the colonoscopy if you decide you’d rather be at a hospital after all. Or vice versa—do the consult with a Dr at the hospital and get all those questions answered. Then you can decide whether to do it there or not. You may not be so torn once you speak with a doctor and get more info about the procedure.

I did ask my Dr once about doing it without anesthesia. It was my second colonoscopy but my first after having kids. My oldest was 2 and the thought of going under kind of scared me now that I’m a mom. He said it was possible but it’s very infrequent and would be very uncomfortable. I don’t remember all of the details but after that discussion and additional research on my own, I decided to go with the anesthesia.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 19:37     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three so far at different facilities (family history of colon cancer) and each time I’ve had a first visit with the gastrointestinal Dr (one time it was a NP) to discuss the procedure and the prep. The procedure occurred on a different date and the doctor discusses the results with you once it’s finished (after you wake up).


TY, then because my plan doesn't require a PCP to see a specialist, it seems like I am better off doing a consult there first with the gastro. Otherwise it's three visits.


PP here. My plan is the same so I just go straight to the gastro. No need to see a PCP first.


One more question. Is there an advantage to doing it in a hospital setting v. free standing? How "worried" would you be about it?


PP again. I’ve done both and didn’t find one better than the other. If you are nervous or don’t do well with anesthesia (or don’t know how you’ll do) then a hospital setting might be a more reassuring choice for your first one.


Idk what to do. See above. I don't love the hospital it would have to be and I am also worried that then an intern would do it rather than a gastro who has done it forever. Also worried about being put under so I have no clue who actually does the procedure.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 19:36     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three so far at different facilities (family history of colon cancer) and each time I’ve had a first visit with the gastrointestinal Dr (one time it was a NP) to discuss the procedure and the prep. The procedure occurred on a different date and the doctor discusses the results with you once it’s finished (after you wake up).


TY, then because my plan doesn't require a PCP to see a specialist, it seems like I am better off doing a consult there first with the gastro. Otherwise it's three visits.


PP here. My plan is the same so I just go straight to the gastro. No need to see a PCP first.


One more question. Is there an advantage to doing it in a hospital setting v. free standing? How "worried" would you be about it?


PP again. I’ve done both and didn’t find one better than the other. If you are nervous or don’t do well with anesthesia (or don’t know how you’ll do) then a hospital setting might be a more reassuring choice for your first one.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 19:33     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:The GI office gave me the option of a consult first or just the procedure. I did a consult since it was my first one. I did it at the gastro center. They do 20-30 a day. I would rather be somewhere that is very familiar with colonoscopies. It was also very close to a hospital so a quick transfer if necessary.


The hospital 5 mins from us is no longer on our plan. So now our option is well-rated gastro centers very close to us or one hospital I do not love (have been there for other procedures like skin biopsies and gyn concerns and they are busy to the point of factory/barely paying attention). So now I am torn. I am very nervous about it all especially about the anesthesia part.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 19:27     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Mine does a consult first.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 19:23     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
The GI office gave me the option of a consult first or just the procedure. I did a consult since it was my first one. I did it at the gastro center. They do 20-30 a day. I would rather be somewhere that is very familiar with colonoscopies. It was also very close to a hospital so a quick transfer if necessary.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 19:02     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three so far at different facilities (family history of colon cancer) and each time I’ve had a first visit with the gastrointestinal Dr (one time it was a NP) to discuss the procedure and the prep. The procedure occurred on a different date and the doctor discusses the results with you once it’s finished (after you wake up).


TY, then because my plan doesn't require a PCP to see a specialist, it seems like I am better off doing a consult there first with the gastro. Otherwise it's three visits.


PP here. My plan is the same so I just go straight to the gastro. No need to see a PCP first.


One more question. Is there an advantage to doing it in a hospital setting v. free standing? How "worried" would you be about it?


Hospital a must for me. A friend’s mother went in for a routine one and it went sideways and she was dead that night. I personally would never do it in an outpatient setting. It’s a very rare chance, but it’s also why I would only give birth in a hospital.
Anonymous
Post 02/15/2026 18:50     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
I do it at the hospital, but only because I had an abnormal reaction (and developed aspiration pneumonia) with an endoscopy years ago, so they want to be extra cautious.

My husband does his at the practice’s colonoscopy center, and it’s fine.