How to Prepare for Your Checkup

Preparation for Standard Checkup

Please read the following instructions carefully.

1. Avoid excessive overwork or drinking 2~3days before the day of exam.

2. Fasting: Before your appointment, fasting is necessary; please do not consume any food 12 hours and water 8 hours before the exam. Before your appointment, fasting is necessary. Do not consume any food 12 hours and water 8 hours before your exam. Colonoscopies have different specific requirements for three days before, up to the day of the exam (scroll down to see more instructions).

3. Medication
- Antiplatelet agents (Lowest risk of bleeding/Aspirin, Pletal etc.):
You may continue taking the medication, but be sure to STOP on the day of the exam.
- Other Antiplatelet agents and Anticoagulant (Plavix, Warfarin, Eliquis etc.):
We recommend you to discuss with your doctor about the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular complications from withholding antithrombotic drugs and the time permitted for temporary discontinuation of your medicine.
Without confirmation, further testing may not be performed based on the examiner’s decision. NEVER stop taking medication at your own discretion.
- Diabetes medication: Stop medications and insulin injections the night before the exam.
- Hypertensive medication, Anticonvulsants, Heart medication:
Please take them with a sip of water early in the morning on the day of the examination.
***Any other medications not mentioned above should be withheld during the fasting hours.

4. What to bring on the medical checkup day
- To check your corrected vision, please bring your glasses or contact lenses if you have them.
- For identification, please bring your Passport or Alien registration card (Resident registration card in Korea).
*According to Article 11 and Article 32 of the Narcotics Control Act, it is mandatory to provide your name and resident registration number for Koreans, valid alien registration card or passport for foreigners who have colonoscopy or conscious sedation.
There may be restrictions on examination (colonoscopy or conscious sedation) and prescription if you cannot provide the appropriate identification by the day of the checkup.


5. After the test: Driving any vehicles on your own is inadvisable after sedative endoscopy (please scroll down for more information on preparing for the Gastroscopy (Endoscopy).

6. Only for Women:
- Female patients may not be able to perform the following tests during menstruation; Colonoscopy, Urine test, Pap smear and HPV test (can be tested at a later date).
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please let us know in advance. Mammograms can be performed during menstruation, but not if you were recently breastfeeding.

7. Regarding COVID-19:
- We recommend you wear a mask during the check-up
- Check-up restrictions apply if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within 5 days.

8. No manicures before exams. We need to place the oxygen reader on fingertips so no gel or any polish.

Preparation for Checkup + Gastroscopy (Endoscopy)

Please read the following instructions carefully.

1. Avoid excessive overwork or drinking 2~3days before the day of exam.

2. Fasting: Before your appointment, fasting is necessary; please do not consume any food 12 hours and water 8 hours before the exam. Before your appointment, fasting is necessary. Do not consume any food 12 hours and water 8 hours before your exam. Colonoscopies have different specific requirements for three days before, up to the day of the exam (scroll down to see more instructions).

3. Medication
- Antiplatelet agents (Lowest risk of bleeding/Aspirin, Pletal etc.):
You may continue taking the medication, but be sure to STOP on the day of the exam.
- Other Antiplatelet agents and Anticoagulant (Plavix, Warfarin, Eliquis etc.):
We recommend you to discuss with your doctor about the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular complications from withholding antithrombotic drugs and the time permitted for temporary discontinuation of your medicine.
Without confirmation, further testing may not be performed based on the examiner’s decision. NEVER stop taking medication at your own discretion.
- Diabetes medication: Stop medications and insulin injections the night before the exam.
- Hypertensive medication, Anticonvulsants, Heart medication:
Please take them with a sip of water early in the morning on the day of the examination.
***Any other medications not mentioned above should be withheld during the fasting hours.

4. What to bring on the medical checkup day
- To check your corrected vision, please bring your glasses or contact lenses if you have them.
- For identification, please bring your Passport or Alien registration card (Resident registration card in Korea).
*According to Article 11 and Article 32 of the Narcotics Control Act, it is mandatory to provide your name and resident registration number for Koreans, valid alien registration card or passport for foreigners who have colonoscopy or conscious sedation.
There may be restrictions on examination (colonoscopy or conscious sedation) and prescription if you cannot provide the appropriate identification by the day of the checkup.


5. After the test: Driving any vehicles on your own is inadvisable after sedative endoscopy (please scroll down for more information on preparing for the Gastroscopy (Endoscopy).

6. Only for Women:
- Female patients may not be able to perform the following tests during menstruation; Colonoscopy, Urine test, Pap smear and HPV test (can be tested at a later date).
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please let us know in advance. Mammograms can be performed during menstruation, but not if you were recently breastfeeding.

7. Regarding COVID-19:
- We recommend you wear a mask during the check-up
- Check-up restrictions apply if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within 5 days.

8. No manicures before exams. We need to place the oxygen reader on fingertips so no gel or any polish.

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About the Gastroscopy (Endoscopy):

- The examination takes about 5-10 minutes.

- If you have dentures, please remove them before the examination. Lipstick must be removed.

- You will take an antifoaming agent before the examination to reduce the nausea caused by air bubbles when the endoscope is inserted. A topical anesthetic is made to your throat. Then your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, etc.) are checked before your veins are secured with a heparinized cap, and then you lay down on the gurney.

- The endoscope is inserted into your mouth to duodenum gradually via, esophagus and stomach to check for abnormalities in the tissues.

- If necessary, a biopsy is taken for the purpose of examination and treatment which will be offered as an add-on with additional payment.

After the Gastroscopy (Endoscopy):

※ Do not drive after the sedative endoscopy.

- You can eat 20 minutes to 1 hour later when the throat anesthesia wears off unless there are specific instructions from your healthcare provider. If it is a sedative (sleep) endoscopy, you will be able to eat after 30 minutes to 1 hour rest.

- After the examination, you may feel like you have something stuck in your throat and your throat may be sore. This is a phenomenon that occurs when you give a lot of strength during the endoscopy. The symptoms are mostly relieved after a day or so.

- You may feel bloated and gassy in your stomach. This is natural, and the discomfort will subside as you release gas.

- You may feel swollen and sore around your ear and jaw joints. These are the symptoms of temporarily blocked salivary glands when force is applied during the endoscopy. Massaging around your chin with a lukewarm towel will help.

Preparation for Checkup + Colonoscopy

Please read the following instructions carefully.

1. Avoid excessive overwork or drinking 2~3days before the day of exam.

2. Fasting: Before your appointment, fasting is necessary; please do not consume any food 12 hours and water 8 hours before the exam. Before your appointment, fasting is necessary. Do not consume any food 12 hours and water 8 hours before your exam. Colonoscopies have different specific requirements for three days before, up to the day of the exam (scroll down to see more instructions).

3. Medication
- Antiplatelet agents (Lowest risk of bleeding/Aspirin, Pletal etc.):
You may continue taking the medication, but be sure to STOP on the day of the exam.
- Other Antiplatelet agents and Anticoagulant (Plavix, Warfarin, Eliquis etc.):
We recommend you to discuss with your doctor about the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular complications from withholding antithrombotic drugs and the time permitted for temporary discontinuation of your medicine.
Without confirmation, further testing may not be performed based on the examiner’s decision. NEVER stop taking medication at your own discretion.
- Diabetes medication: Stop medications and insulin injections the night before the exam.
- Hypertensive medication, Anticonvulsants, Heart medication:
Please take them with a sip of water early in the morning on the day of the examination.
***Any other medications not mentioned above should be withheld during the fasting hours.

4. What to bring on the medical checkup day
- To check your corrected vision, please bring your glasses or contact lenses if you have them.
- For identification, please bring your Passport or Alien registration card (Resident registration card in Korea).
*According to Article 11 and Article 32 of the Narcotics Control Act, it is mandatory to provide your name and resident registration number for Koreans, valid alien registration card or passport for foreigners who have colonoscopy or conscious sedation.
There may be restrictions on examination (colonoscopy or conscious sedation) and prescription if you cannot provide the appropriate identification by the day of the checkup.


5. After the test: Driving any vehicles on your own is inadvisable after sedative endoscopy (please scroll down for more information on preparing for the Gastroscopy (Endoscopy).

6. Only for Women:
- Female patients may not be able to perform the following tests during menstruation; Colonoscopy, Urine test, Pap smear and HPV test (can be tested at a later date).
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please let us know in advance. Mammograms can be performed during menstruation, but not if you were recently breastfeeding.

7. Regarding COVID-19:
- We recommend you wear a mask during the check-up
- Check-up restrictions apply if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within 5 days.

8. No manicures before exams. We need to place the oxygen reader on fingertips so no gel or any polish.

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* Colonoscopies are required to be completed at least 2 weeks before any flight.

* If you're possibly pregnant or menstruating, the examination is not allowed.

In addition to the above steps 1 through 8, please follow the Colon Cleanse instructions below (you will receive one of the three listed below):

Type: Clicool

How to dispense

After putting 1 pack of A and 1 pack of B into the container, pour cold water up to the mark (500 ml) and shake it until dissolved well.

How to prep: For AM examinations

8 pm - Day before the examination: Take 500 ml of the dispensed Clicool in 250 ml doses for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals. Take 500 ml of Clicool prepared the same way. Drink an additional 500 ml of water.


4 am - Day of the examination: Take Clicool with the same way as the evening before the day of the examination. Lastly, take one sachet of Gasocol.


③ Empty your bowels before arriving to your appointment. This process must be completed at least 1 hour before the beginning of the colonoscopy.

How to prep: For PM examinations

6 am - Day of the examination: Take 500 ml of the dispensed Clicool in 250 ml doses for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals. Take 250 ml of the dispensed Clicool 500 ml for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals.

8:30 am - Day of the examination: As you did at 6:00 am, take 250 ml of the dispensed Clicool 500 ml for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals. Take 250 ml of the dispensed Clicool 500 ml for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals. Drink an additional 1 liter of water. Lastly, take 1 sachet of Gasocol.

③ Empty your bowels before arriving to your appointment. This process must be completed at least 1 hour before the beginning of the colonoscopy.

Type: S Colon
How to dispense

After putting 1 pack of A and 1 pack of B into the container, pour cold water up to the mark (500 ml) and shake it until dissolved well.

How to prep: For AM examinations

8 pm - Day before the examination: Take 500 mL of the prepared S Colon over 30 minutes (250 mL every 15 minutes), then take another 500 mL of S Colon the same way. Then drink an additional 500 mL of water.

4 am - Day of the examination: Take 500 mL of the prepared S Colon over 30 minutes (250 mL every 15 minutes), then take another 500 mL of S Colon with the same way. Take 1 sachet of Gasocol. Drink an additional 500mL of water.

③ Empty your bowels before arriving to your appointment. This process must be completed at least 1 hour before the beginning of the colonoscopy.

How to prep: For PM examinations

6 am - Day of the examination: Take 500 mL of the prepared S Colon over 30 minutes (250 mL every 15 minutes), then take another 500 mL of S Colon with the same way.

8:30 am - Day of the examination: One and a half hour later, take 500 mL of the prepared S Colon over 30 minutes (250 mL every 15 minutes), then take another 500 mL of S Colon with the same way. Take 1 sachet of Gasocol. Drink an additional 1 liter of water.

③ Empty your bowels before arriving to your appointment. This process must be completed at least 1 hour before the beginning of the colonoscopy.

Type: Suclear

 

Medications:
If you have any of the following conditions, please let us know before the examination.

  • Glaucoma, hyperplasia of prostate
  • Kidney disease
  • Hypertension, diabetes and Heart disease (angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia)
  • Hemorrhagic diseases and other hematologic diseases
  • Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
  • Respiratory disease (bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease)
  • Allergic disease
  • Hypersensitivity reactions to medications, severe snoring, or apnea.
  • Taking aspirin, Warfarin (Coumadin), Ticlopidine, Plavix, etc.

In case of failure to take or loss of colonics medication:

  • As medicine is difficult for storage and management due to its nature, return is not accepted because of possible tampering and spoiling.
  • (*Ministry of Health and Welfare’s A Guide to Drug Returns in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services Benefits 65720-634).
  • (*However, it may be different for corporate and entities depending on the conditions of the contract).
  • Re-purchase of medicine due to lost or failed taking incurs KRW 20,000 as self-payment.

*Polyps larger than 0.7cm(including vascular polyps, infiltrative edges, etc.) may not be removed due to complications(Biopsy may be performed).

There may be restrictions on examination (colonoscopy or conscious sedation) and prescription if you cannot provide the appropriate identification by the day of the checkup.

After the Colonoscopy:

※ Do not drive after the colonoscopy.

- Rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour after the examination before returning home.

- You may eat right away after the examination unless you have any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.

- You may have remaining abdominal discomfort due to the air injected into you during the examination. In this case, you need to walk to let out the gas or hold a pouch of hot water against your abdomen. It is also helpful when you get on your knees with your upper body and head lowered and your hands stretched out and your hips raised.

- You may feel dizzy or vomiting due to the painkillers and sleep inducers administered before the examination. However, they will be mitigated in about 2-4 hours.

- You may experience bleeding, black stools, bloody stools, dizziness, tachycardia, night sweats, or severe abdominal pain after the biopsy.

Preparation for Vision Assessment

Examination Time: The exam takes 2 hours and includes vision, cornea, glaucoma, and retina tests.

Lens Usage Suspension:

  • Soft lenses: Stop wearing 3 days prior.
  • Hard lenses: Stop wearing 7 days prior.
  • Orthokeratology (dream lenses): Stop wearing 14 days prior.

Bring Glasses: Bring your current glasses if you use them.

No Self-Driving on Examination Day: Retinal tests may cause near vision discomfort and light sensitivity. Use public transportation.

Pregnant Women: Tests and surgeries are not recommended during pregnancy as results may be inaccurate. Wait at least 3 months postpartum or after breastfeeding.

Additional Notes: If eye or retinal conditions are detected during the exam, proper treatment is advised before re-testing.

Vision Correction Pre-Surgery Guidelines

Surgery Time: The procedure takes 1–1.5 hours. Surgery itself lasts about 5 minutes, but pre-surgery detailed exams add time.

Lens Usage Suspension:

  • Soft lenses: Stop wearing 7 days prior.
  • Hard lenses: Stop wearing 14 days prior.
  • Orthokeratology lenses: Stop wearing 30 days prior.

No Self-Driving on Surgery Day: Driving is not allowed. Bring an escort or use public transportation.

No Makeup: Avoid all makeup except for basic skincare (lotion/toner). Avoid strong fragrances like perfume or hairspray.

Comfortable Clothing: Avoid hooded tops or skirts; wear comfortable clothing as the procedure is performed lying down.

Day Before Surgery: Get adequate sleep and rest. Avoid heavy drinking.

Vision Correction Post-Surgery Guidelines (Various Procedures)

2DAY LASEK

  • Post-Surgery Eye Drops: Use prescribed antibiotics, artificial tears, anti-inflammatory drops, and painkillers as directed.
  • Symptoms: Watery eyes, foreign body sensation, mild redness, and difficulty opening eyes. Pain levels may vary between eyes.
  • Protective Lenses: Avoid rubbing eyes or excessive blinking to prevent lens dislodgement. Use artificial tears as needed.
  • Hygiene: Avoid water contact until protective lenses are removed. After removal, normal washing and shampooing are allowed.
  • Makeup: Sunscreen and skin makeup are allowed after lens removal. Avoid heavy eye makeup for 1 week.
  • Sunglasses/Protective Glasses: Use for 2–3 months to protect against UV and irritation outdoors. Not needed indoors.
  • Exercise: Light exercise is okay after lens removal. Avoid strenuous activities for 1 week.
  • Swimming/Water Activities: Allowed after lens removal.
  • Additional Notes: Perms and dyeing are allowed 2 weeks post-surgery. Light drinking is fine after lens removal.

SMILE LASIK

  • Post-Surgery Eye Drops: Use prescribed antibiotics and artificial tears as directed.
  • Precautions: Do not rub eyes for 2 weeks.
  • Symptoms: Eye discomfort, tearing, and sensitivity may occur, along with dizziness or headaches.
  • Hygiene: Shower below the neck on the day of surgery; avoid water contact with eyes. Face washing and shampooing are okay from the day after surgery.
  • Makeup: Skin makeup allowed the next day; eye makeup is fine after 1 week.
  • Perms/Dyeing: Wait 1 week.
  • Exercise: Avoid vigorous activity for 1 week.
  • Swimming/Water Activities: Wait 1 month.
  • Sauna/Hot Baths: Wait 1 month.

Lens Implantation

  • Precautions: Avoid rubbing eyes or heavy lifting for 1 month.
  • Hygiene: Avoid water contact with eyes for 2 weeks.
  • Sleep: Use a protective eye shield and avoid sleeping face down.
  • Makeup: Skin makeup after 2 weeks; eye makeup after 1 month.
  • Shower/Bath: Gentle showers allowed after 3–4 days; avoid public baths and saunas for 1 month.
  • Perms/Dyeing: Wait 1 month.
  • Exercise: Light exercise is okay after 1 week; avoid vigorous activity for 1 month.

Cataract Surgery

  • Precautions:
      • Avoid touching the operated eye for 1 week.
      • Visit the clinic daily for 3 days post-surgery.
      • Avoid heavy lifting or lowering your head for 1 month.
    • Hygiene: Cleanse the face with a damp cloth excluding the eyes for 2 weeks. Wash hair with head tilted back for 2 weeks.
    • Sleep: Avoid lowering your head or sleeping face down. Use a protective shield for 1 month.
    • Shower/Bath: Gentle showers allowed immediately; avoid saunas for 1 month.
    • Exercise: Walking is okay after 3 days; avoid intense activities.
    • Perms/Dyeing: Wait 1 month.
    • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol intake to prevent inflammation.
    • Sunglasses/Protective Glasses: Use outdoors for 2–3 months to avoid UV damage and irritation.