Direct Endoscopy

Direct access to endoscopy is offered to referring doctors for suitable indications (listed below). 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 any 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.

Referrals can be made via Healthlink, Argus, Email (admin@premiergastro.com.au) or Fax 85826797

    • 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

    • 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

    • Overt gastrointestinal bleeding; or

      Has gastrointestinal bleeding that is recurrent or persistent, and iron deficiency anaemia that is not due to coeliac disease, and, if the patient also has menorrhagia, has had the menorrhagia considered and managed; AND

    •  An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a colonoscopy have been performed on the patient and have not identified the cause of the bleeding; AND

    • A pillcam not been provided to the same patient on more than 2 occasions in the preceding 12 months