Austin Endoscopy Center

I had my esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) here today with Dr. Chad Long from Austin Gastroenterology. The staff is extremely professional and pleasant, explaining each step of the way. I am a physician myself, and I was very impressed that the whole visit is very smooth, from the check-​in, through the procedure, and the discharge to go home with my responsible driver. Everything went as described and I felt fine afterwards.
Having personable staff who are great at making people feel comfortable in a situation that may be anxiety producing for many is a real benefit.
Dr. Long is very easy-​going and helpful. He listened to my concerns, explained everything clearly, with all of my options, and proceeded as planned.

This is associated with Austin Gastroenterology, so if you see one of the doctors there, this is where you’ll come if you need to have any outpatient procedure.
I have nothing but good things to say. They were professional, which is mighty important when you are doing something no one wants to do. They were on-​time (I signed in and was in my seat about 2 minutes before they ushered me back.) Everyone told me their names, let me ask questions, and told me exactly what they’d do.
When I awoke from a blissful slumber, my husband had all the information and they were quick with the juice. I don’t want to do this procedure again, but let’s face it, I’ll probably have to; this is where I’ll go.

Outstanding professional, compassionate, and friendly staff. Quick sign-​in. They kept us apprised of our status constantly. The medical staff was efficient, friendly and helpful. Offered us snacks and drinks. A very positive experience. Especially recognizing Nurse Rachel, who saw us through for my wife’s procedure from beginning to «end.» Sorry …

Scoped from both ends. They were professional and thorough. Clean bill of health too! Thanks staff!

I had a horrible experience with nursing staff at Austin Endoscopy Center. First, I got a call on the way to the clinic asking if I was on my way. The nurse said they finished up early and they could take me sooner. I said we would be there on time (1 hour ahead of procedure) so he said, «Great, we can rush you right through.» When I got there, two nurses entered and said, «Don’t be alarmed, we’re like the pit crew, we’re going to get you all set very quickly.»
(I didn’t understand why they were in such a rush since I was there 1 hour ahead of my procedure start time.)
When it came time to insert the IV, one nurse said to another nurse, «I may have some trouble. If I do, can you poke her?» I felt this was insensitive language to use. Especially since I have trouble getting blood drawn and get very anxious. Sure enough the female nurse had trouble finding my vein so the male nurse did it. But he inserted the needle into my forearm and I have a huge bruise there now.
I asked them why they were rushing and said they were making me very nervous. My heart rate was quite high and they realized they were stressing me out and then slowed down. After that, the female nurse treated me in a very caring manner but why didn’t they do that from the beginning?
Did they have too many appointments to finish that day? When I asked why they were rushing, they said they weren’t rushing. But why did they say they were going to «rush me through» three times? (on the phone and twice in person)
I found out that a friend of mine was rushed home after her procedure. I wish I had known she had a bad experience before I went there. Rushing is never a good idea when it comes to medical care — whether it’s during the prep or during a procedure. I will not go back to this clinic again and want to warn others about this place.

I have been to the Shoal Creek location 3 times.
Great experience each time … they even deal well with me (and I am a «more difficult» patient. Okay, yeah, they just give me more versed … ;-)
I had a great experience with Dr. John J. Ziebert, MD!

Austin Gastroenterology is the same place associated with Austin Endoscopy Center. I had a horrible experience with Dr. Stassen, although his nurse practitioner Jessica Ranheim is wonderful.

Barium, Revisited (The Day after my visit to AEC)
If you DO decide to visit this wonderful establishment, it would be best to clear your calendar for the FOLLOWING day as well. This fact is left out of the glossy patient prep materials they so thoughtfully provide.
[Thoroughly gross scatological humor warning]
Here’s the deal: Left undiluted, Barium has a tendency to solidify in the digestive system, useful if you’d like a post-​mortem plaster cast of your colon, but not a good idea if you ever want to eat (or shit) again. So, strangely unhungry after the tests, I began drinking lots of water, & eating Ry-​Krisp for a little solid food. About two hours after I got home, I discovered that in addition to being «radio-​opaque» barium is also a damn good laxative.
The rest of the following day was spent alternating between ingesting water & shitting glow-​in-​the-​dark uranium-​enriched poo. Unmolested by the best efforts of my digestive system, the leaden institutional green slurry had become heavyweight identically shaded green turds, though roughly doubled in quantity. I swear I must have shat a gallon of that stuff, despite only drinking a quart or so.
I discovered that barium also befuddles the flushing mechanism of my «low-​flow» toilet. Ten times heavier than ordinary shit, «ghost poo» appeared again & again after flushing, nuclear turds returning unscathed from an unsuccessful trip out of the bowl. I am far more familiar with my digestive output than I ever hoped to be. Eight to ten hours later I was still producing barium, wondering if I am subject to a nuclear non-​proliferation treaty.
Cottonelle moist wipes – take me away!