Western Baptist Hospital provides patients with information on what to expect when undergoing an upper G.I.

What is an Upper G.I. Exam?

An upper G.I. examination is a diagnostic procedure that uses a contrast agent called barium and x-rays to obtain clear pictures of your upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach and small intestine (small bowel). The upper G.I. can detect problems with your upper digestive system. This procedure helps your doctor identify these problems with minimal risk and discomfort to you.

How Do I Register for the Exam?

Western Baptist Hospital's Express Check program makes registering for outpatient tests in our Diagnostic Imaging department fast and easy. To take advantage of the program, follow these simple steps:

1. As soon as your physician schedules your Upper G.I., call our pre-registration area at (270) 575-2979. Pre-registration clerks are available 24 hours a day seven days a week to take your phone call. Even if you are scheduled for a test or procedure the same day, it is still to your advantage to call ahead to begin the registration process.
2. Be ready to provide the registration clerk with the following information:
   • your medical record number, if you are familiar with it and you have registered at Western Baptist before;
   • your date of birth;
   • your social security number;
   • your home address;
   • the specific tests or procedures the physician has ordered; and
   • your insurance card.
3. If the clerk is able to complete your paperwork in this phone call, he or she will tell you that you are eligible for Express Check.
4. When you prepare to come to the hospital, make sure you bring your physician orders and your insurance card with you.
5. When you arrive at Western Baptist, proceed directly to the Express Check receptionist, who will copy your insurance card, have you sign a consent form and send you to Diagnostic Imaging.

You may also pre-register online by clicking here.

If you do not take advantage of the Express Check program, plan to arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to complete the registration process.

How Do I Prepare for the Exam?

To prepare for the upper G.I., you will be asked not to eat or drink anything, including chewing gum, for eight to 12 hours before the exam so your stomach and upper tract are completely empty. You may brush your teeth, but avoid swallowing any water. If you have questions about the preparation or procedure, please call your physician or Western Baptist's diagnostic imaging department at >(270) 575-2600.

What Will the Exam Be Like?

The upper gastrointestinal or G.I. exam will be performed by a radiologist or a radiology physician's assistant. These individuals specialize in the study of imaged tests, such as x-rays, ultrasound, CT, etc. to assure the most accurate results from your examination.

For this exam, you will change from your clothing into a hospital gown. A technologist will gently position you on a special tilting table with a fluoroscope (an x-ray machine combined with a television monitor). You will be asked to drink a liquid barium mixture while the radiologist watches the barium flow through your digestive tract. In addition, "spot films" will be taken of the areas your doctor wants to study. You will be asked to turn and hold several positions while these spot films and larger, additional x-rays are taken.

How Long Will the Exam Take?

Time will vary significantly, depending on the nature of the study and other factors. Average time for an upper G.I. is 30-40 minutes. If you are also scheduled for small bowel x-rays, the time will be considerably longer. For small bowel x-rays, the barium you drink is followed through 22 feet of your small intestine by taking an abdominal x-ray every 30 minutes until the barium has reached the colon. This usually takes a minimum of 60 minutes. Everyone's digestive system is different, so your study may take longer or maybe less time.

What Happens after the Exam?

After the exam, you may be free to return to your normal activities and usual diet unless told otherwise by your physician. It is normal for the barium to give a whitish color to your stool for the next day or two.

Barium may cause constipation. You will need to increase your water intake and maybe take a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia. If you have trouble with constipation normally, you should consult your physician.

After your study is completed, the radiologist will interpret your films and send a written report to your physician.

Important Information

Inform the technologist if you may be pregnant. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, a pregnancy test will be ordered before the exam.

If you have questions about your bill, please call Patient Accounts at the appropriate number listed in our phone directory. The radiologist's bill is separate from the hospital's.

For More Information

For more information on Western Baptist Hospital's diagnostic imaging services, please call (270) 575-2600.

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