FAQ

·  Do I need a referral?

Yes, for either consultation or procedure, you will need a referral from a Medicare recognised referrer (such as a General Practitioner)

• Will I be charged an out of pocket cost?

Our practice is a no GAP facility if you are privately insured. You will pay your health excess fee (as agreed in your contract with your health insurer) to the hospital on the day, this is an amount charged by your health insurer and is dependent upon policy type.

If you are uninsured, but pay to go “privately”, there is a facility fee (charged by the facility). There will be a cost for the proceduralist (call our rooms for a quote) and there may be an anaesthetist charge. You will be informed at the time of booking, and this must be paid prior to your procedure going ahead. If you do not pay, your procedure will be cancelled. Receipts will be emailed to you, and the claim will be submitted to medicare on your behalf by both us and the anaesthetic group. You will need to pay the facility fee to the hospital/day surgery on the day of your procedure.

· How do I know if I am insured or not?

You must have Private Health insurance with Hospital cover, and have been in the fund for over 12 months, with the same level of cover. You will need to contact your fund to check you are covered for the procedure. Your health fund may want to know the item number associated with your procedure – common procedures are:

• Gastroscopy 30473
• Colonoscopy 32222
• Endoscopic Ultrasound 30692

For further queries, please give us a call and we can provide you with the item number/s relevant to your procedure so you can contact your fund.

· When does my preparation start?

** The preparation for your procedure will start the day prior, you will commence clear fluids from 7.00am the day before for your Colonoscopy procedure.  Clear fluids may continue until 2 hours prior to your procedure time. This timing is dependant upon the proceduralist as their preferred preparation varies slightly (This means a small meal on the day before, prior to 7.00am is acceptable for some proceduralists). 

· What are clear fluids?

Clear fluids are any liquid that you can pour into a glass and see through, and has no floaties or sediment in it.

· What should I do if the preparation is making me sick?

If you can’t keep the preparation down, try sipping the prep and alternating with lemonade or clear apple juice. If your problem is more severe, please contact your local emergency department for advice.

· Can I drink alcohol whilst on the diet?

You may have 1 standard beer or 1 glass of white wine on the day prior. Please do not consume alcohol after taking bowel preparation solution.

· Will I get to speak to the doctor before my procedure?

If you have booked for direct access endoscopy (no prior rooms consultation) the doctor will speak to you before your procedure. They will go through your symptoms and you will have the chance to ask any questions.

· How long will I be at the hospital for?

On the day of your procedure you will be kept for a minimum of 4 hours. You must have someone to pick you up. You will not be allowed home if you live alone or are opting to catch public transport, this includes Ubers and Taxis.

· Why can’t I drive after my procedure?

You will be sedated for the procedure and will still be affected by the medication until the morning after the procedure. Insurance companies will not cover you in the event of an accident within 12-hours of an anaesthetic sedation. It IS NOT a full General Anaesthetic.

· Do I need a script for my preparation (PREPKIT / PLENVU)

The bowel preparations reccomended by our office do not require a script. You may purchase these products from your local pharmacy. You may need to provide your license or personal details, as these preparations are Category 3 (Pharmacist only) medications.

· Do I need to bring my consent with me on the day?

Yes, all patients will need to bring the consent with them on the day of their procedure. We do not need these before your procedure.

· What medications are safe to take prior to my procedure?

The medications we are concerned about are ANY blood thinning medication, Iron, Fish oil and diabetic medications. If none of these apply to you, you are safe to take your usual medications within the time limits of your fasting times.

· What if I think I am pregnant prior to my procedure? What if I am breastfeeding?

Please notify staff, your procedure can be cancelled. If you have a confirmed pregnancy you will be cancelled until after the birth of your baby. If you are still unsure we can postpone this procedure until you feel comfortable in going ahead with your procedure. Information regarding protocol for breastfeeding patients, can be obtained upon request. Please email our rooms reception@gastrocaregc.com.au.

· What if I have my period?

You may proceed if you feel comfortable to do so. If you are bleeding, it is advisable to use a tampon if you can.

· What might a colonoscopy detect?

Colonoscopy can detect abnormalities in the colon and rectum, such as polyps, that may lead to colorectal cancer. Early detection and removal of polyps will reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer. Other findings include inflammatory changes such as those found with Crohn’s disease or colitis.

Some indications for colonoscopy include investigation of abdominal pain, bloating, altered bowel habit, diarrhoea, constipation, bleeding per rectum and anal pain.

· Will I be awake during the colonoscopy procedure?

A specialized anaesthetist will employ a technique called conscious sedation. This will render you comfortably asleep for the procedure. It is highly unlikely you will have any recollection of the procedure. It is NOT a general anaesthetic.

· How long will I need off work?

Most people are fine to return to work the day after the procedure. We can supply a medical certificate for the day of the procedure and the day before the procedure. Please email us before your procedure and this can be arranged for you. Please email reception@gastrocaregc.com.au

· When will I have my results back from my procedure?

Your doctor will speak to you after your procedure. You will take home a typed report for your records, and your GP will receive the same report on the day of your procedure. If samples are taken for pathology results may take a week to return to your GP.

· What is the recall guideline for me?

          Industry Guidelines for patient recall when the patient has no symptoms. A procedure for surveillance only

          You may need a recall procedure if you are up to 75 yrs old.

          If you are between 75 & 80, your individual situation will be reviewed clinically.

           If you are over 80,no recall is required.