D.O.T. Physicals:

RMIM is certified by the FMCSA National Registry to perform high-quality D.O.T. Exams, consistent with federal guidelines.

Rocky Mountain Internal Medicine is proud to offer a certification in physical D.O.T exams to anyone who is trying to renew or apply for a commercial vehicle license (CVL). Since May 21, 2014 drivers are obligated to obtain a D.O.T. physical from a certified medical provider who appears on the National Registry. Rocky Mountain Internal Medicine is certified by (FMCSA) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to perform D.O.T. Physicals. Commercial vehicle drivers are obligated to undergo a physical exam each year with means of obtaining their certification, and should take a copy of their physical exam with them while they drive a commercial vehicle. For more information visit FMCSA, by clicking here.

• A treadmill stress test records the heart’s electrical activity (rate and rhythm) during exercise.
• During the test a cardiologist and a technician are present.
• Electrodes will be placed on the chest the same as for an electrocardiogram (EKG).
• The patient will be asked to walk on a motorized treadmill.
• The speed and incline of the treadmill will be gradually increased.
• The doctor will be looking for changes in the EKG pattern and any symptoms that the patient may experience.
• The test will be stopped if the patient becomes too tired or has any symptoms such as chest pains.
• The test will last about 30-45 minutes.
• This test must be ordered by a dotter.

Why is a Treadmill Stress Test done?

• This test will help the doctor evaluate the patient’s cardiac condition related to:
  • Irregular heart rhythms.
  • If there is a decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the heart with exercise.
  • How hard the heart can work before symptoms develop.
  • How quickly the heart recovers after exercise.
  • The patient’s overall level of cardiovascular conditioning.
  • What the patient’s exercise target heart rate (THR) should be.

What preparation is needed?

• The patient must have nothing to eat except water 4 hours prior to the test.
• No caffeine or smoking at least 4 hours prior to the test.
• It is important for the patient to ask their doctor:
  • How to adjust insulin and food intake prior to the test if he or she are diabetic.
  • If he or she should take his regular medications the morning of the test.
  • If he or she is on a Beta Blocker, can he or she stop taking this medication 72 hours before the test as this is recommended for best results.
• Do not apply lotions, oils, or powers to the chest area.
• Wear comfortable clothing (shorts or pants with a shirt or blouse) and walking or jogging shoes.

For more information about our Sleep Study services,
please visit our associated website at:

www.AuroraSleepCenter.com

What is a sigmoidoscopy?

A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that is performed to examine the lower part of the colon.

Who should have this procedure?

This procedure may be done if a doctor suspects or knows a person has:

• Colorectal polyps (small growths on the walls of the bowel or colon).
• A tumor in the colon or bowel.
• Bleeding from the bowels (known as gastrointestinal bleeding).
• Certain types of colitis or inflammation of the colon.
• A twist in the lower bowel that is blocking the bowel or causing pain.
• This procedure is also done to screen for colon cancer in healthy persons starting at age 50. It may be done before age 50 if a person has risk factors, such as family history of colon caner.

How is the procedure performed?

Before the procedure, the bowel must be cleaned out to allow a good view. If too much stool is in the lower colon, the doctor will be unable to see the inside walls of the bowel. A person will be asked to stop eating at least 8 hours before the procedure. Laxatives and an enema are often given before the procedure to help clear the bowel. This preparation is very important. If the instructions are not followed, the procedure may have to be repeated.

The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is performed in the office. The person may be given a medication to help him or her relax. Before the procedure, the person changes into a hospital gown. He or she then lies on an exam table in a special position. During the exam, a sigmoidoscope is used to allow the doctor to see the inside of the bowel. Sigmoendoscopy uses a special tube with a light and camera on to the end of it.

The anus is lubricated and the endoscope is passed through it into the rectum. This is somewhat uncomfortable and may cause an urge to defecate. Puffs of air through the tube are used to help open up the colon. This makes it much easier to get a good view of the tissues.

During the procedure, the doctor can also:

• Remove any colorectal polyps.
• Take a sample of tissue to be examined in a lab.
• Straighten out a loop of twisted colon.

What happens right after the procedure?

Most people handle the procedure very well and have no problems. It can be uncomfortable, but it is not usually painful. However, after the procedure, a person may notice the following:

• Gas pains.
• Slight rectal bleeding, especially if tissue samples or polyps were removed.
• Drowsiness if anesthesia was used. In this case the person must be driven home by someone else.

The doctor will usually talk to the person right after the procedure about what he or she found. If samples of tissue or polyps were removed, it may take several days for the results to come back. These results will be discussed at a follow-up visit.

What happens later at home?

A person should call the healthcare provider if there are any signs of problems after the procedure, such as:

• Increasing abdominal distress.
• Fever and chills.
• Frequent bloody bowel movements.
• Severe bloating and an inability to pass gas.

There is a small risk of bleeding or infection. In rare cases, a small hole may be made in the bowel. This may need to be treated with antibiotics or sometimes surgery. An allergic reaction to medications given for relaxation may also rarely occur.

We offer a wide variety of radiological imaging, and offer discounted pricing to self-pay patients. Please call us for specific questions.

If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, please be sure to let your technician know PRIOR to undergoing any radiology procedure.

Select a type of imaging to learn more about it:

• CT Scanning
• DEXA Bone Density
• MRI
• Nuclear Imaging
• Ultrasound
• X-Ray