Colonoscopy with Upper Endoscopy (EGD) and
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Instructions

A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the colon (large bowel) for abnormalities by inserting a flexible tube with a camera on the tip into the anus and advancing slowly through the rectum and the entire colon.

An upper endoscopy/EGD is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube/scope with a light and camera at its tip is used to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (beginning of the small intestine) for abnormalities.

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please call at least 2 business days in advance to avoid a $100.00 charge.
Please call 404-778-3184 with any schedule changes.

COVID Testing

*All patients that are scheduled for upper endoscopies (EGD, EUS, ERCP), upper motilities (EMS), and breath tests that are not FULLY VACCINATED* must have a negative COVID test.

*Fully Vaccinated* patients can be considered up to date on vaccination if they completed their primary vaccine series within the last 2 months OR they have had the new bivalent booster at any time (anyone boosted since September 1, 2022).

Test Selection

• For outpatient cases and procedures, any COVID test performed by a provider within 72 hours of the case is acceptable, including both laboratory/clinic-performed antigen testing and PCR testing.
• If ordering testing in the Emory system, results may take up to 48 hours to return, so please plan accordingly.
• We are not yet accepting home test results, given variable quality and test performance.

Test Result Management

• If a patient tests positive for COVID and the case or procedure is elective, in most cases it should be postponed for at least 14 days.
• Please bring test results or vaccination records with you.

These guidelines are updated periodically as conditions evolve. Depending on how far out you were scheduled, you may have received different instructions at time of scheduling. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

For Those on Diabetic Meds

• Discuss with your diabetes physician the clear liquid diet required and see if you need to adjust your insulin.
• If you are taking canagliflozin (Inovokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), or empagliflozin (Jardiance), HOLD for 3 days prior to the procedure.
• If you are taking ertugliflozin (Steglatro), HOLD for 4 days prior to the procedure.

For Those on Blood Thinners

• Warfarin (Coumadin), Heparin, Plavix, and Pradaxa must be stopped 5 days prior to the procedure.
• Eliquis and Xarelto must be stopped 2 days prior.
• Lovenox must be stopped 24 hours prior.