Low volume bowel preparation for colonoscopy: randomized, endoscopist-blinded trial of liquid sodium phosphate versus tablet sodium phosphate.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the colon-cleansing effectiveness, ease of consumption, and side effect profiles of two commercially available preparations of sodium phosphate: liquid Fleet Phospho-soda and Visicol tablets.

Methods: Outpatients undergoing elective colonoscopy were sequentially randomized to one of two preparation groups: liquid: 45 ml at 7:00 PM, 45 ml 3 h before colonoscopy; or tablet: 20 tablets at 7:00 PM, 20 tablets 3-5 h before colonoscopy. Subjects rated preparation tolerability on a 5-point Likert scale.

Revenue enhancement for the practice and the endoscopic ambulatory surgery center.

Gastroenterologists, like all physicians, are attempting to control more of the services they provide by developing programs that enhance quality of care and practice revenues, reduce physician stress, and improve the physician's quality of life. Many opportunities exist to accomplish these goals, including those discussed in this article. The overriding feature of any such activity, however, must always meet the criteria of improving patient care.