Question 1

What should I do if I cannot tolerate my colon prep?

Accepted Answer

Please call our office in Madera at (559) 673-4000, or our Fresno office at (559) 299-9395, and one of our nurses will walk you through the next steps. You're not alone — prep is the toughest part of the procedure for many patients, and we'd much rather help you get through it than have you give up. If you're calling outside business hours, our answering service will forward your message to the physician on call. Don't wait until the morning of your procedure to reach out — call as soon as you have trouble.

Question 2

Am I allowed to take my regular medications before my procedure?

Accepted Answer

Your prep instruction sheet contains specific medication directions for your procedure. As a general rule, most medications are best held until after your procedure — but there are important exceptions. Blood thinners, diabetes medications, and certain blood pressure medications often require specific timing adjustments. If you have ANY uncertainty about a particular medication, please call our office at (559) 673-4000 — it's better to ask than to guess. Bring a complete list of your current medications (including over-the-counter and supplements) on the day of your visit.

Question 3

How long will my procedure take, and how long will I be at your facility?

Accepted Answer

The procedure itself is generally 15 to 30 minutes. After the procedure, we keep you in our recovery room for approximately 45 minutes to ensure your sedation has worn off and you are stable. With check-in, prep, the procedure itself, and recovery, most patients are at our facility for about 1.5 hours total. Please plan to spend the rest of your day at home resting. You will not be permitted to drive, return to work, or make important decisions for the remainder of the day after sedation.

Question 4

May I bring children under the age of 16 with me to the Endoscopy Center?

Accepted Answer

We respectfully ask that adults scheduled for procedures NOT bring children under the age of 16 to the Endoscopy Center. This is for everyone's comfort and safety — our pre-procedure and recovery areas are designed for adult patients, and we want you to be able to focus on your own care without the additional concern of supervising a child. If you have childcare needs and aren't sure how to manage your visit, please call us in advance and we'll do our best to help you plan.

Question 5

Will I be sedated for the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our nursing team administers what is commonly called 'twilight sedation' — a level of sedation that keeps you comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Your vital signs are continuously monitored by trained clinical staff, and your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Most patients have little or no memory of the procedure itself.

Because of the sedation, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you afterward. You should not drive, operate machinery, sign legal documents, or make important decisions for the rest of the day. We recommend planning a quiet, restful evening at home.

Question 6

At what age should I get a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

The American Cancer Society currently recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin regular screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, certain inflammatory bowel conditions, or other risk factors, your physician may recommend starting earlier. The best person to help you make this decision is your primary care physician or one of our gastroenterologists. If you're not sure whether you should be screened, give us a call at (559) 673-4000 and we'll help you sort it out.

Question 7

What insurance do you accept, and how do I verify my coverage?

Accepted Answer

We accept Medicare and a wide range of major insurance plans. Because insurance coverage varies by plan and by procedure, we encourage you to call our office before your appointment so we can verify your specific coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs. Many preventive procedures — including routine colon cancer screening — are covered at little or no cost under most insurance plans. Call us at (559) 673-4000 and we'll walk you through it.

Question 8

What should I bring with me on the day of my procedure?

Accepted Answer

Please bring: (1) your photo ID, (2) your insurance card, (3) a list of all current medications including over-the-counter products and supplements, and (4) any pre-procedure paperwork our office sent you. You will also need to have a responsible adult driver present to take you home after sedation. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Leave valuables and jewelry at home. If you have any questions about what to bring or expect, please call us at (559) 673-4000 — we want you to feel prepared and at ease.

Gastroenterologist in Madera — Exceptional Endoscopy Care

Advanced Endoscopy Procedures in a Comfortable, Outpatient Setting

Specialized Endoscopy Services

Diagnostic Exams

Biopsies

Polyp Removal

Stent Placement

Acid Reflux Treatment

Cancer Screening

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Akhtar

Dr. Khurshid

Dr. E. Akhtar

Dr. Rahim

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