Direct Open Access Endoscopy
If you’re experiencing unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms or require a routine screening, the standard route to an endoscopy can be a lengthy process: visiting your GP, waiting for a specialist appointment and then booking the procedure.
An easier answer to this problem is direct open access endoscopy, where your General Practitioner (GP) can send you directly for a gastroscopy or colonoscopy without seeing a specialist first.
How does it work?
Under the open access model, your GP will consider your symptoms and medical history. If you meet the clinical criteria you are referred directly to an endoscopy centre for the procedure. The common reasons for this type of referral are:
- a positive Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
- family history of bowel or gastric cancer
- iron deficiency anaemia
- unexplained symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and altered bowel habits.
All referrals are thoroughly triaged to ensure the safety of the patient. You are usually a good candidate if you are:
- between 18 and 75 years old
- have a BMI less than 35, and
- do not have major cardiorespiratory conditions or severe neurological diseases.
Patients on complex medications (like some blood thinners or GLP-1 inhibitors) or with complex medical histories will still generally need a traditional specialist consult before any procedure.
Open access endoscopy is a highly effective, safe and cost-effective pathway to essential diagnostic care. If you think you might be a suitable candidate, talk to your GP about your eligibility today.
Dr Pratap is a gastroenterologist who accepts referrals from your GP for Open Access Endoscopy. You can submit a referral or new patient form on the referral page or reach out to his practice on 07 3063 1273.