Call (970) 363-5431 to schedule a telehealth or in-person appointment in Avon. Call (970) 363-5376 for clinical questions.
Colorado Mountain Medical (CMM) welcomes patients experiencing a wide array of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and hepatitis, among others. CMM providers perform colon cancer screenings as well as gastroenterology procedures including colonoscopy, GI endoscopy and hemorrhoid banding.
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
What Is a Colonoscopy & When Should You Get One?
A colonoscopy, also known as a lower GI endoscopy, is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This exam of the colon is performed while using a flexible tube about the size of your ring finger. A tiny camera at the tip of the tube provides a live view of the colon. During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist will check your colon for any irritated tissues, or polyps, and look closely for any other issues.
If you’re 45 or older, it’s time for a colonoscopy. Early detection of colon conditions including colorectal cancer saves lives. If you're a child of the 80's or older, call Colorado Mountain Medical today to schedule this important screening.
If you’re 45 or older, it’s time for a colonoscopy. Early detection of colon conditions including colorectal cancer saves lives. If you're a child of the 80's or older, call Colorado Mountain Medical today to schedule this important screening.
Preparing for Your Colonoscopy or Other GI Procedure
Preparing for a colonoscopy or other GI procedure is the most important thing that patients can do to help ensure that it is successful. Without good preparation, or “prep,” the gastroenterologist doing the procedure could have difficulty seeing the colon clearly. Begin by reading the details below, and then download and read the appropriate preparation packet for your procedure.
Please complete your registration with Vail Valley Surgery Center’s One Medical Passport:
- Please make sure you have had your annual wellness visit with your primary care provider prior to having your colonoscopy or other GI procedure and that you have a physician's order for the procedure you would like to schedule.
- You must have an adult (friend or relative) drive you home for and after your colonoscopy or other GI procedure. Not having a driver will result in procedure cancellation, as you may not go home alone, by taxi or by bus.
- For those with an artificial heart valve, pacemaker, internal defibrillator, or a diagnosis of heart failure, please consult with your cardiologist and our clinical team at (970) 363-5376. A cardio clearance may be required.
- If you are taking any anticoagulants, please discuss management with your prescribing physician.
- If you have had a joint replacement within the past 6 months, please consult with your surgeon regarding specific instructions.
- If you are diabetic, have a history of kidney disease or history of incomplete procedure preps, please notify our office, as you may require a different colonoscopy preparation—these alternatives can include Clenpiq, Suprep or Nulytely. Please call (970) 363-5376 to discuss with our clinical team.
- Please adhere to dietary guidelines outlined in your colonoscopy prep or other GI procedure prep instructions.
Please complete your registration with Vail Valley Surgery Center’s One Medical Passport:
- Go to VailValleySurgeryCenter.com
- Select the “Patient Resources” link on the home page
- Select the “Online Check-in” link
- Select the “One Medical Passport - Edwards” link
- Select “Register”
- Complete the registration and medical history screens; select finish to submit your Medical Passport
- If you need help with this process, please use the "Help" link at the bottom of the screen. You may also reach out to the Edwards Surgery Center for help at (970) 569-7412.
Colonoscopy and Other GI Procedure Instructions
A good bowel prep is essential for an accurate and successful procedure. Please select the appropriate option below for instructions that will help maximize the ease, safety and success of your preparation. These instructions also include forms that you will need to complete and bring with you to submit prior to your colonoscopy or other GI procedure. Plan to read the entire packet TWO WEEKS prior to the procedure so you can prepare.
A Team Approach
Colorado Mountain Medical's Team Approach Makes Getting Care Convenient & Quick
If you are having difficulty getting an appointment with a physician at Colorado Mountain Medical, consider scheduling with an Advanced Practice Provider (APP). APPs are Physician Assistants (PAs) or Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are essential members of your physician’s team. Due to their specialized training and credentials, APPs help manage the majority of cases while collaborating closely with physicians. APPs and physicians share caseloads to improve patient access and provide the same great quality of care that your physician would provide.
Allisa Corsbie is a gastroenterology Advanced Practice Provider (APP) at Colorado Mountain Medical who works with physicians Dr. Dolan and Dr. Laird. To learn more about the training, credentials and level of medical care offered by different types of providers, please visit our Choosing Your Provider page.
If you are having difficulty getting an appointment with a physician at Colorado Mountain Medical, consider scheduling with an Advanced Practice Provider (APP). APPs are Physician Assistants (PAs) or Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are essential members of your physician’s team. Due to their specialized training and credentials, APPs help manage the majority of cases while collaborating closely with physicians. APPs and physicians share caseloads to improve patient access and provide the same great quality of care that your physician would provide.
Allisa Corsbie is a gastroenterology Advanced Practice Provider (APP) at Colorado Mountain Medical who works with physicians Dr. Dolan and Dr. Laird. To learn more about the training, credentials and level of medical care offered by different types of providers, please visit our Choosing Your Provider page.
