Insurance, Your Doctor, Diagnosing Acid Reflux and Upper Endoscopy

There are a number of options that doctors will generally give to aide them in the diagnoses of gastro esophageal reflux disease, some of them have the ability to sound confusing or difficult to understand. The most popular technique for diagnosing acid reflux is the upper endoscope. Even though this is the most popular, this does not mean that it is necessarily the best for you. Following are answers to a few questions you may have about the procedure.

What is it?

The upper endoscope is a procedure allows doctors to see what is going on inside you with out the use of a scalpel. A tiny camera at the end of a small tube is guided down your throat, past the esophagus and into the stomach. The doctor watches a monitor to see about any irritations or abrasions anywhere along the path.

How do I prepare for it?

As with many medical procedures, especially the ones involving the digestive tract, it is generally recommended that you do note eat or drink for about six hours prior. Of course, the doctor will give you the detailed explanation as to how to prepare, as well as telling you about any other special circumstances. Be sure you are comfortable with the procedure and all your questions are answered before undergoing it. If there is any doubt, don?t do it. Only allow this when you are completely at ease.

What is the recovery time?

The good news about these types of tests is that there is very little recovery time. You will be given a small sedative to relax you before they begin and you need to wait for that to wear off. As it does, notes will be taken as to how your throat is feeling. A chemical gargle may be ordered if your throat is sore and swelling is painful. These side effects won?t last long and you will be back to normal in no time.

When are the results available?

Doctors will vary on how they deliver news. Some will tell you right away what they have seen when doing the upper endoscope, others will wait for official results. The ladder doctor may take up to three or four days to tell the results of the upper endoscope. Check with your insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered under your policy.

Jill Seimer discusses health issues at RefluxLife.com and reported on acid reflux disorder symptoms from her experience with acid reflux and heartburn.