What to expect on the day of your Ion robotic bronchoscopy

It’s helpful for you to understand what robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is and what to expect the day of your procedure. Because every patient is unique, be sure to ask your care team about your particular procedure.

Planning and preparation before your procedure

The most important thing you can do is to talk to your physician about your procedure and ask any questions you might have. Here’s a list of additional ideas to help you prepare.

  • Follow all care team instructions: Your care team will provide a list of important instructions to follow. If you haven’t received a list, ask for one.
  • Check your insurance coverage: To avoid unexpected medical bills, talk to your health insurance provider about your upcoming lung biopsy. Find out what your insurance covers and if you need any preauthorizations.
  • Dress for comfort: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for your appointment.
  • Arrive early: Ask your physician when you should arrive for your procedure and be sure to arrive on time.
  • Get ready for check-in: Bring your identification, insurance cards, a copy of your advance healthcare directive, if needed, and a form of payment to cover any copayments that your insurance may require.

Prepare for your recovery

Your doctor may share a post-procedure checklist, but no two people are alike. Be sure to tell your doctor about your situation—your work and family demands, exercise habits, and activities that are important to you. By being specific, your doctor can let you know what you’ll need to do differently during recovery and when you can expect to get back to normal activities. Here are some questions you can ask.

Care

What kind of care will I need when I get home?

Diet

Will I have any food or drink restrictions and for how long? Are there foods you recommend?

Activity

What activity restrictions do I need to be aware of, i.e., sitting in a chair, lifting, having sex, climbing stairs?

Getting back to normal

How long before I can return to work or resume my usual activities?

Exercise

How long before I can start exercising again?