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General information
Open Access Endoscopy
Early detection is important. At Somerset Private Hospital, we can book suitable patients in for an Endoscopy procedure without prior consultation.
What is Open Access Endoscopy or Direct Access Endoscopy?
Open Access Endoscopy or Direct Access Endoscopy is the direct patient referral for a routine colonoscopy or gastroscopy from a GP to Somerset Private Hospital. No prior consultation with a specialist is required. All patients will be screened by our nursing team. The benefits of Open Access Endoscopy or Direct Access Endoscopy include reduced waiting time, reduced costs (as no prior consultation is required), and enabling continuity of care between the patient and GP (as results are provided to the GP following the procedure).
Who can be referred for Open Access Endoscopy or Direct Access Endoscopy?
There may be many reasons your GP has referred you for a colonoscopy/gastroscopy.
Some of which may be:
- Positive Faecal Occult Blood test
- National Bowel screening program
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Anaemia
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rectal bleeding
- Change in usual bowel habit
- Diarrhoea (stool culture negative)
- Unexplained abdominal pain > than 6 weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
Exclusion Criteria
Not all patients are suitable for Open Access Endoscopy or Direct Access Endoscopy. Referral to a Specialist for consultation is recommended prior to GI Endoscopy for patients:
- Younger than 16 years or older than 80 years
- Active and significant co-morbidities
- Poor mobility
- BMI >40
Participating Specialists:
- Dr Sulman Ahmed
- Dr Sinan Albayati
- Dr Sulak Anandabaskaran
- A/Prof Walid Barto
- Dr Guang Chen
- Dr Jo Chen
- Dr Kar Yin Fok
- A/Prof Viraj Kariyawasam
- Dr Sebastian Kwon
- Dr Kieran Longley
- Dr Ewan MacDermid
- Dr Stephen Oh
- Dr Anthony Shakeshaft
Some of our Drs may charge a gap. You will be notified during the booking process if any out of pocket costs apply.
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