The patency capsule is an ingestible and dissolvable capsule intended to ensure that things move normally through the GI tract (i.e., it is “patent” or open). It is typically used to determine if it is safe to proceed to a capsule endoscopy test (a procedure that is used to look at your small intestine for conditions such as chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, small bowel polyps, and suspected Crohn’s disease). An x-ray will be performed 24 hours following ingestion of you capsule to ensure that it has moved through the entire small bowel.
Preparation follows a short, structured timeline leading up to the day of your test. You’ll make brief dietary adjustments beforehand, fast overnight, swallow the capsule during your visit, and complete follow-up imaging afterward if needed. Detailed instructions and exact timing are provided below.
If your insurance requires a referral or prior authorization, our billing office will make every effort to obtain it before services are rendered. If you choose to proceed without required authorization, insurance may deny coverage. If you are a Medicare patient, you may be asked to sign an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) acknowledging financial responsibility if insurance does not pay. If you are enrolled in a commercial insurance plan you will be asked to sign a non-covered services form.