Atlantic Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center is an outpatient endoscopic facility specializing in colorectal cancer screening and the treatment of various diseases involving the digestive tract. Most of our treatments and procedures are performed at our endoscopy center but on occasion we may treat our patients within the hospital setting.
Our center is licensed, Medicare certified, and accredited by the American Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). These certifications are hallmarks of a higher level of care and dedication to our patient’s safety and clinical wellbeing. We are proud that our endoscopy center was uniquely designed with you and your family member’s comfort and convenience in mind.
Your Healthcare Team
When you arrive you’ll be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our goal is for you to feel relaxed and confident about your procedure and we would like to share with you some of the team members you’ll most likely meet along the way:
Physician
Before we begin your procedure, you will meet with your physician, who is a board certified gastroenterologist. The risks and benefits of your procedure will be discussed and you will be given an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any special needs. During your procedure, the doctor will perform careful examination of the anatomy, that may lead to biopsies being taken or the removal of polyps. Specimens will then be submitted for pathological evaluation. This evaluation will aid in the doctor’s diagnosis and the formation of your treatment plan. After your procedure has been completed, your physician will meet with you again to discuss any findings and recommendations.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
At our facility, we mainly use deep sedation with the drug: Propofol. Deep sedation is provided by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNAs). CRNAs are advanced practice nurses that have been formally trained to provide all types of anesthesia through earned graduate Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees in nurse anesthesia. They are licensed by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the National Board for Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. They are BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified.
Nurse
Our nursing staff is comprised of Registered Nurses (R.N.) and Licensed Practical Nurses (L.P.N.). A registered nurse is present at all times, on the floor of the endoscopy center. A R.N. or L.P.N. will review your medical history, take your vital signs, and start your I.V.. Working directly with your physician, they are focused on your care as well as making your visit as comfortable as possible. Our L.P.N.s are BLS (Basic Life Support) certified and all of our registered nurses are BLS and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified.
Endoscopy Technician
Endoscopy technicians provide a supportive role during patient care at our endoscopy center. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse and your physician. They provide technical assistance to the physician during procedures and are responsible for the maintenance of the endoscopic equipment. All of our endoscopy technicians are BLS certified.