Colonoscopy
An endoscopic examination of the colon from the rectum to the ileo-cecal valve using a colonoscope. The bowel wall is observed for abnormalities such as bleeding sites, polyps, inflammation, or tumors during the insertion and withdrawal of the instrument. The direct visualization allows for biopsies, excision of polyps, fulguration of bleeding sites, and photographs.

Electrocautery
An adjunctive procedure to endoscopy which provides three (3) basic effects: cutting, and fulguration and desiccation (coagulation).

Esophageal Dilatation
Dilatation of strictures via the placement of a guidewire past the affected area and the introduction of a semi-flexible polyvinyl chloride taper-tipped dilator over the established guidewire.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
The direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach and proximal duodenum using an endoscope. This procedure allows the physician to diagnose, treat and document abnormalities through the use of biopsy, brush cytology, polypectomy, electrocautery, dilatation, sclerosing of varices, foreign body removal, and photography.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
An examination of the rectum, sigmoid and descending colon, up to 60 cm using a flexible sigmoidoscope or a colonoscope.

Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test
The only noninvasive and nonradioactive breath test that can be used to diagnose, monitor, and ensure that a patient has been cured of an H. pylori infection.

Hemorrhoidal Banding
Under direct visualization through an anoscope, proctoscope, sigmoidoscope or colonoscope, elastic bands are applied over an internal hemorrhoid. Banding may be performed on bleeding or non-bleeding hemorrhoids.

Infrared Hemorrhoidal Coagulation
Cauterization of internal hemorrhoids using an anoscope and infrared probe.

Transendoscopic Biopsy
Using a biopsy forceps during endoscopy, small tissue samples are obtained for microscopic examination.

Paracentesis
Withdrawal of peritoneal fluid for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes using a large-bore needle, syringe, and/or gravity drainage. This service is performed in a hospital setting.

Polypectomy
Removal of a polyp using biopsy forceps, a snare, or hot biopsy forceps and an electrosurgical unit.

Pre-Surgical Colon Tattoo
Submucosal injection of India ink using a sclerotherapy needle during colonoscopy.

Rectal Dilatation
Forceful dilatation of the anus and rectum using a finger, balloon, or taper-tipped dilator.

Remicade Infusion
For treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease, for the reduction of the signs and symptoms in patients who have an inadequate response to conventional therapy. This service is performed in a hospital setting.

Removal of Foreign Body
Endoscopic removal of foreign bodies in the esophagus, stomach or colon.

Remove/Replace Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
A nonsurgical technique for percutaneous placement of a feeding gastrostomy tube using an endoscope. This service is performed in a hospital setting.

Transendoscopic Cytology
Collection of cells for microscopic examination by brushing or washing a particular site.

Transendoscopic Photography
A new generation of a solid state camera using the charge coupled device sensor chip technology provides superior color reproduction photographs. These photographs become a part of the patient's permanent medical record and are a valuable teaching tool for the staff.