Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I park for my appointment?

A: All patient parking is located in the rear of the building. All patient entrances are on the north side of the building and there is signage in the parking lot to direct you.

Q: Why do I have to update my patient information every time I have an appointment?

A: In order to file your claims accurately, we must have your most recent information along with a copy of your insurance card. This will ensure all of your claims are being filed correctly as well as in a timely manner.

Q: How long will I be here for a procedure?

A: You can expect to be at Louisiana Endoscopy Center for 2-3 hours.

Q: What do I need to bring with me for my procedure?

A: Please bring a list of your current medications including over-the-counter medicines, as well as a current copy of your insurance card.

Q: My neighbor recently had a procedure at your office and his prep was different than mine. Why is that?

A: Different physicians prefer different preps for procedures. You should follow the prep exactly as it was prescribed for you. Any question you have should be directed to the scheduler or the physician's nurse.

Q: Will I be able to drive after my procedure?

A: You will not be able to drive if you are having a procedure in which sedation will be given. These procedures include: gastroscopy, colonoscopy, esophageal dilations, and some flexible sigmoidoscopies. If you require sedation for your procedure, then you will need someone to drive you after your procedure is performed. If you are dropped off or your transportation leaves during the procedure, we will need a phone number where they can be reached.

Q: How soon can I drive after my procedure?

A: Patients receiving sedation are recommended not to drive until the next day, at which time they may resume activities as normal.

Q: When can I expect my test results?

A: Biopsies are usually received in 3-7 days. Most blood tests and x-rays usually require 2-3 days to process.

Q: Can my spouse pick up my medical records or call for my test results?

A: Anyone can have access to your records if a Designated Representative Form (DPR) has been completed by the patient. The person designated must be able to prove their identity to the staff.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of my medical records?

A: Click here for the Authorization for Release of Medical Information form. Complete the form and mail or fax to 225-927-1748. Advance notice is required. You may contact a Health Information Management representative at 225-927-1190, Option 4 if you have questions or need further assistance.

Q: Why did I receive two statements from you for my procedure?

A: If you have a procedure performed at Louisiana Endoscopy Center you will receive two statements. One is the facility charge and will be from Louisiana Endoscopy Center, Inc. and the other is the physician's charge and will be from Gastroenterology Associates, LLC or the Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC

Q: Why did I receive a bill from Pathology Group of Louisiana or Laboratory Corporation of America ?

A: When biopsies are taken during a procedure, it must be sent off to be read by a pathologist. If this happens, then you will receive a separate bill for the reading of the biopsy. If you have any questions about that bill, please call the appropriate lab and they will be able to answer any of your billing questions.

Q: I paid what I was told I would owe for my procedure, but now I am getting a bill that states I owe more money for my portion of the bill. Why do I owe more money?

A: We regret that we can only ESTIMATE not PROMISE our patient's cost for medical procedures. There are occasions when the cost of a procedure will be increased from the originally quoted price. This is due to many unforeseen circumstances involved when performing a procedure, like the need for a biopsy or polyp removal.

Q: The money I paid on my procedure is not showing up on my statement. Was the payment I made applied to my account?

A: Yes, the payment you made on your procedure should have been applied to your Louisiana Endoscopy Center account. Once insurance pays on both of your accounts, any credit balance will be applied to your Gastroenterology Associates account. If there is any remaining credit, it will be refunded to you. Please review both bills and call the billing department if you have any questions about one or both of your accounts.

Q: I have been asked to sign a waiver before I have my procedure done. My insurance gave me a precertification number for my procedure. Doesn't that mean my procedure will be paid by my insurance company?

A: A precertification number obtained for your procedure is not a guarantee of payment. Some insurance companies do not pay for screening procedures or routine office visits. Please read your insurance manual or call your insurance company to find out if these are covered by your insurance.

Q: I have received a letter from you stating that my insurance has not paid for my procedure and that you need my assistance with getting it paid. What can I do to help get my procedure paid?

A: As a courtesy and a convenience to you, we are glad to file your claims to your insurance company. However, there are times when we have problems getting payment from your insurance company. After 120 days with no payment made on your account from your insurance company, we will send you a letter requesting your assistance to help us get your claims paid. We ask that you call them and find out why they haven't paid on you claims. Many times they need information from you, but due to certain privacy laws, they are unwilling to discuss what they need with us and will delay payment of your claims until they get the necessary information.

Q: Why do I have to pay upfront for my procedure? I had it done at another facility and I didn't have to pay anything.

A: If you have health insurance, you are required to pay the portion of the balance that will not be covered by your insurance. This will include any outpatient co-payments, coinsurance, or any deductibles that have not been met by the date of your procedure.

Q: Why is my co-payment more for my procedure than the usual co-payment I pay for my doctor's visit?

A: Your procedure is considered an outpatient surgery, so benefits are different. Please review your manual or contact your insurance company for further details.