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  • You may be, depending on your insurance coverage. Senate Bill 1467 is for preventive screening colonoscopies. Some insurance plans pay 100% of the screening colonoscopy and others only allow $100 or so for preventive screening colonoscopy. You will need to contact your insurance company to see what your benefits are.
  • No. This is dangerous since you will have received narcotics and sedatives during your procedure. You must not mix alcohol and these medications.
  • No. The bowel prep may dehydrate you. It is important to drink plenty of water or clear liquids during your bowel prep to remain hydrated.
  • Yes, you will meet your physician in the office when your medical history and physical is completed.
  • Not any longer. There was a prep on the market a few years ago but it was unsafe for many patients, especially those with high blood pressure, kidney disease, etc. AG physicians have decided not to use this prep any longer to assure it will not adversely affect anyone, especially if you have undiagnosed health problems.
  • No, this is not allowed at our endoscopy centers. The physician will talk with your designated family or friend immediately following the procedure.
  • Should a claim for services be denied, we will assist you in working with your health plan.
  • Definitely. You will need to see the physician in the office within 30 days of scheduling your procedure appointment. The physician will do a history and physical to assure that you are healthy and have no medical problems that may make it unsafe for you to undergo the procedure.
  • Yes. You can view your account information, download bills, and make payments online. Click here to safely and securely make AG bill payments online. Click here to safely and securely make AG bill payments online. https://austingastro.mygportal.com/PP71/Account/LogOn
  • Once your insurance carrier has sent in payment for your visit or procedure, any balances owed will be billed to you. Payment is due upon receipt.
  • An EGD typically takes 20-30 minutes. A colonoscopy typically takes 30-40 minutes. You will be at the endoscopy center approximately three hours from arrival until discharge.
  • The Endoscopy Center accepts most major insurance coverage plans. If you have a screening colonoscopy and no polyps are removed, the fee for the facility will be approximately $1,500 versus approximately $2,750 - $3,000 at a hospital. All of these charges are based on the individual having the procedure. Charges will be discussed with the billing department prior to scheduling a procedure. You will learn exactly what you will need to pay, what your insurance is paying, and if any additional fees may apply prior to your procedure.
  • Most procedures are scheduled within 1-2 weeks of seeing the doctor for your medical history and physical. It may also be sooner that that time period as well.
  • The physician will verbally tell you what was found during the procedure. If any polyps are removed and sent to the laboratory for examination, you will receive that information within 5-7 days following your procedure.
  • Yes
  • Your physician will order tests that he/she feels are medically necessary depending upon your symptoms or previous diagnosis. Should any of these tests be considered not medically necessary, you will be asked to review our Advanced Beneficiary Notice explaining the services ordered, the cost of the services and the reason why Medicare may not consider these medically necessary. Should you choose to proceed with the treatment, you will sign the Notice accepting financial liability for those tests/services.
  • It is the patient's responsibility to remit payment at the time of service. We understand that from time to time circumstances can arise that create a hardship. Please speak with a manager BEFORE your clinic visit or procedure if you will be unable to pay your balance in full on the day of your appointment.
  • For AG, please contact our administrative office at (512) 420-0186. Leave your name, account number, and a phone number where you can be reached during office hours. For endoscopy procedures, please contact our administrative office at (512) 420-0186. Leave your name, account number, and a phone number where you can be reached during office hours. For questions regarding your co-insurance estimate, please contact the office that provided you with the estimate.
  • Austin Gastroenterology has its own pathology laboratory that provides pathology services for patients seen at both Austin Endoscopy Centers as well as those patients seen by our physicians at the Oakwood Surgery Center. Austin Gastroenterology histology laboratory has a highly skilled laboratory staff and board-certified pathologists who provide high quality pathology results. Having an on-site laboratory facilitates direct communication between our endoscopists and the pathologist. The results of this improved line of communication are better coordination of care for our patients and quick results to the physician. Austin Gastroenterology histology laboratory is CLIA certified and contracted with most major insurances.
  • You must first see your primary care provider for your illness. If your PCP feels it appropriate, his/her office will contact your health plan to order a referral. This referral must be on file with our office by the day of your visit. If not, you will be financially responsible for services provided during that particular visit.
  • Each health plan varies in regards to coverage of colon cancer screenings. Some health plans pay 100 percent for AVERAGE RISK colonoscopies. Average risk means that you have no personal or family history of colon cancer or colon polyps. If you do have a personal history or family history of colon cancer or colon polyps, you are considered as being HIGH RISK, which some health plans do NOT cover at 100 percent. These services will be applicable to deductibles and coinsurances. Bx: Biopsies are considered a lab service. Please check your benefits package to find how these services will be covered. MAC: This is dependent upon your ASA classification. If you are a three or higher, your insurance will most likely cover this service. Please check with your health plan.
  • You will definitely need to bring someone with you to the Center. If you give permission, the doctor will discuss what they found during the procedure with the responsible adult/family/relative/spouse, since you will not remember what you are told due to the medications you received during the procedure. Additionally, you will not be allowed to drive or take a taxi home without a responsible adult with you.
  • Warning signs may include abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation, or diarrhea.
  • This will depend on your physician directions but most patients may resume their normal diet. You may be asked to avoid spicy or greasy foods for the next several hours.
  • There are many variables to this question depending upon the services provided. You will be provided with a co-insurance estimate prior to services being rendered.
  • The physician will remove the colon polyp and send it to the laboratory for an examination.
  • This listing may not include all plans Austin Gastroenterology accepts. Please contact an AG office if your plan is not listed. Aetna ARIA/Physicians Health Choice BCBS Par Plan BCBS PPO BCBS HMO Blue Cigna PPO Cigna HMO First Health Great West HealthSmart Humana ChoiceCare Humana PPO Humana HMO PHCS Seton Health Plan Seton Physician Health Network UniCare Texas True Choice MultiPlan MEGA Life Health Payors Galaxy Accountable Beech Street UnitedHealthcare Traditional Medicare Traditional Medicaid
  • The most important aspect of the colonoscopy is to be able to see the interior lumen of your colon. It is extremely important to have a "clean" colon. The colon prep is a type of laxative that will cause the colon to empty of all debris so the physician may see all of the tissue within the colon. You will receive complete bowel prep instructions when you make your colonoscopy appointment. We also offer a same-day bowel prep option.
  • As a courtesy, AG will file health insurance claims to your health plan. You will be financially responsible for satisfying co-payments, deductibles, and co-insurances. Learn more > https://www.austingastro.com/for-patients/financial-policies/patients/financial-policies/
  • Co-insurance is the percentage that you are responsible for according to your health plan. For example, your insurance covers 70 percent of the allowable fee for a specific service. You are responsible for the remaining 30 percent. This is called co-insurance. Co-insurance is not a co-payment.
  • The flexible sigmoidoscopy (flex-sig) is a short examination of the lower one-third of the colon, while the colonoscopy examines the entire colon. The flexible sigmoidoscopy usually does not involve sedation. The colonoscopy involves conscious sedation so that the patient will be more comfortable during the procedure. The colonoscopy is more accurate for colon cancer screening. The flexible sigmoidoscopy may miss 25 percent of polyps in the screening population of normal risk patients over 45 years of age.
  • Upper endoscopy or EGD (esophagealgastrodudonoscopy), dilation of the esophagus for strictures (narrowing), screening colonoscopies, and therapeutic (removing polyps) colonoscopies are performed at the endoscopy centers. The physicians perform several other procedures in the hospital.
  • You will meet several clinical staff during your visit, including CGRNs (certified gastroenterology registered nurses) and GTSs (gastroenterology technical specialists/endoscopy technicians). You will also meet the front office staff that will check you in and assist you with completion of all needed paperwork. All of our staff have additional training that is GI specific, as well as ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) and BLS (basic life support).
  • Your procedure may be cancelled. It is dangerous to receive sedation if you have had something to eat or drink before your procedure. It will also cause your bowel prep to be ineffective.
  • Our offices will contact your health plan to obtain this information. Please be advised that this information can change on a daily basis, dependent upon any other health claims that have been processed on your behalf from other healthcare providers. We provide this information as an estimate only.
  • The medication that you are given to relax you and relieve any pain during the procedure may cause you to forget events, and may impair your judgment and reflexes. If you attempt to drive it you will be considered "driving under the influence."
  • We do not want you to lose or misplace it. Additionally, it is not allowed if the doctor has to remove a polyp. The physician will use a cautery to assist in the removal of the polyp. This cautery may be dangerous if you keep your metal jewelry on during the procedure.
  • You are awake and able to hear and follow commands but you will not feel any pain.
  • Yes, you will receive pain and sedation medications. For procedures requiring anesthesia, you must have a responsible adult stay with you on the day of your procedure and take you home post-procedure. If you do not have someone to drive you, Austin Gastro has access to several approved and reliable transportation services. These approved transportation companies are: Bright Star Care - (512) 452-9800 Nurses Unlimited - (512) 380-9339 Family Eldercare - (512) 450-0844 Life Made Easy - (512) 459-5631 Halcyon Home - (512) 815-9009 *Needs 24 hours notice
  • No, you will not be kept overnight in the endoscopy center.
  • How do I make an appointment?

    You can make an appointment by going to Enter URL here or by finding your preferred location on the locations page and calling or filling out the Appointment request form.

  • Do the HIPAA requirements apply to non physician staff ?

    Yes, everyone working in the office must follow these rules.

  • Can my physician discuss my care with a close family member or friend as we have been doing in the past?

    Yes, HIPAA allows your physician to disclose your health information to family members and friends involved in your care as long as you do not object to the disclosure.

  • Can my physician discuss my case with other providers and/or staff in the office?

    Yes, as long as your physician is discussing only the information needed to accomplish a legitimate function (like treatment or payment for your treatment). This is called the “minimum necessary” standard under the Privacy Rule.

  • Can my physician still fax records?

    Yes, your physician may fax your health information as long as reasonable safeguards are used.

  • Can my physician still use a sign-in sheet and/or call my name in the waiting room to announce my "turn"?

    Yes, your physician may still have you sign your name at the time of registration or announce your name in order to call you to an exam room.

  • Does HIPAA allow my physician to share my health information to market goods and services?

    HIPAA prohibits the selling or disclosing of your private health information.

  • Does HIPAA prevent physician offices from reporting patients to collection agencies?

    No. Under HIPAA, collection activities are considered legitimate payment functions, and disclosures of “minimum necessary” data to collection or credit agencies to receive payment are possible.

  • Does HIPAA still allow parents the right to access their children's records?

    Parents of children 17 years and under generally have access to their child’s health information. However, HIPAA usually defers to state law in recognizing certain confidential relationships.

  • If my physician is referring me to another physician, can this physician have access to my records before I enter his/her office for the first time?

    Yes, HIPAA does not prohibit the physician from accessing your health information to prepare the process for seeing you for the first time.

  • Will the doctor's office still leave message reminders at my home?

    Yes, unless you object to having the office contact you at your home, such as with appointment reminders, your physician will continue to leave message reminders and communications with you as necessary to provide quality service.

  • What insurance does SAGA accept?
    • Aetna — All Products
    • AmeriGroup — All Products
    • BCBS — All Products
    • Beech Street
    • Cigna –– All Products
    • Community First
    • Bravo/Elder Health
    • First Health/Coventry
    • Great West
    • HealthSmart
    • Humana/ChoiceCare — All Products
    • Molina
    • Multiplan
    • National Healthcare Alliance
    • SA Military Treatment Facility
    • Superior
    • Tricare
    • Unicare –– All Products
    • United Health Care (PacifiCare/Secure Horizons) — All Products
    • WellMed
    • Wise Provider Network/ Innovative (Toyota Plant)

    If you do not see your insurance provider listed, please contact SAGA at 210-242-0025 for more information.

  • Does SAGEC offer financing?

    Financing is available for procedures at San Antonio Gastroenterology Endoscopy Centers through CareCredit (as listed above).

    If you have questions on billing please call 855-258-9497.

  • Does SAGEC/SAGA accept credit cards, cash, or checks?

    Yes, credit cards, cash, and checks are accepted.

  • I already had my procedure, where do I pay my bill?

    Please read your bill very carefully. Bills for physician fees, which include office, procedures, anesthesia, and pathology will be marked with San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates (SAGA). Bills for the facility will be marked with San Antonio Gastroenterology Endoscopy Centers (SAGEC).

    You may pay your bill on the Bill Pay Page (Pago de Facturas). If you have questions about paying your SAGEC (facility) bill or want to set up a payment plan, please call 855-258-9497. If you have questions or need clarifications regarding your benefits as they apply to your procedure, please call 855-335-9572. If you have questions about paying your SAGA (physician fees, pathology, anesthesiology) bill, please call 210-271-0606.

  • What if I change insurance carriers?

    As the patient, you are responsible to provide SAGA/SAGEC with accurate insurance information for billing purposes prior to your procedure, as many insurances may require prior authorizations or referrals from your primary care physician that take time. If these are not obtained prior to the procedure, your procedure may not be covered by your insurance carrier. Please let us know if you anticipate a change in your insurance plan when booking your procedure.

  • What is CareCredit?

    CareCredit is a credit card that is used for medical purposes at participating providers. San Antonio Gastroenterology Endoscopy Centers accepts this as a form of payment for procedures.

    How do I apply for CareCredit?
    Visit the CareCredit website: https://www.carecredit.com/ and click “Apply”. Under “Select a doctor or business by name,” type “San Antonio Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center.” You may also contact the business office at 210-404-2942 this option is available for procedures ONLY.

  • What payments will be due when I arrive for my appointment?

    All co-pays, deductibles, and payments are due at the time services are rendered. These are determined by your insurance carrier. Contact your insurance provider to obtain this information.

    If you are not using insurance, the full amount of your bill is due at time of service. Financing options must be arranged and approved before services are rendered. If you have questions about payment, please contact the SAGEC financial coordinator at 855-335-9572.

  • What conditions do you treat?

    We treat all of the conditions located on our conditions page. For more information about whether a specific office treats a condition you can filter by the desired condition on the locations page to find the nearest office to you that treats it. If you are already on your desired location page you can see the list of conditions at the bottom of the page.

  • What type of services and procedures do you offer?

    We offer all of the procedures located on our procedures page. For more information about whether a specific office offers a procedure or service you can filter by the desired procedure on the locations page to find the nearest office to you that offers it. If you are already on your desired location page you can see the list of procedures at the bottom of the page.

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