Direct access to endoscopy is offered to referring doctors. This allows patients to proceed directly to either a gastroscopy, colonoscopy or capsule endoscopy without delay. Generally this can be facilitated within 2-weeks. James does not charge a gap for endoscopic procedures.
Direct endoscopy access is offered to lower risk patients without major chronic co-morbidities or anaesthetic risk factors under the age of 75. If you are unsure whether your patient is suitable for this simply send the referral through and we will organise a consultation if required. Accepted indications for direct access endoscopy include the following:
GASTROSCOPY INDICATIONS
- Unexplained upper GI bleeding (haematemesis, melaena)
- Unexplained iron deficiency
- Unexplained recent dyspepsia in patients <50 years old with alarm symptoms
- Dysphagia, odynophagia
- Persistent vomiting and weight loss
- Reflux refractory to medical therapy
- Upper abdominal mass or imaging abnormality
- For duodenal biopsy following positive serology in suspected coeliac disease
- Surveillance of Barrett’s oesophagus and gastric intestinal metaplasia
COLONOSCOPY INDICATIONS
- Rectal bleeding for >4 weeks
- Positive FOBT result (including National Bowel Cancer Screening Program) age 45-75yo
- Bloody diarrhoea with negative stool MC&S
- Change in bowel habit >6 weeks with alarm symptoms at any age
- Change in bowel habit >6 weeks without alarm symptoms in patient aged >60yr
- Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia
- After first episode of proven diverticulitis to exclude neoplasm
- Abnormal imaging
- Active inflammatory bowel disease where endoscopy is indicated to progress management
- Surveillance for past history of bowel cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease
- Surveillance for significant family history of bowel cancer