FAQ’s

At Peninsula Gastroenterology, we strive to ensure every patient is seen in an appropriate timeframe.  We work with our local GPs to ensure patients with urgent conditions or worrying symptoms are seen as early as possible. That is why we request a referral and completed Patient Information Booking Form prior to making any booking.  Our doctors individually read and triage every referral and booking form so every patient receives the care they need in the shortest timeframe available.

Yes, if you are privately insured and medically fit, we do offer an open access no-gap diagnostic endoscopy service.

Below is a list of medical conditions which may require consultation before the procedure. Patients will be considered for suitability on an individual basis.

General:

• Age less than 15 years or older than 80 years of age
• Frail
• Without a responsible adult to collect and provide support after procedure
• Unable to cope with colonoscopy preparation or unable to follow diet and preparations instructions
• Morbidly obese with BMI > 40
• Pregnancy
• Breast feeding

Cardiovascular:

• Chest pain with no cardiac assessment
• Unstable Angina
• Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart rate) not investigated
• Valvular heart disease
• Recent Myocardial infarction (heart attack) within the last 3 months
• Recent heart surgery including stents within the last 12 months
• Patients on anti-coagulant therapy (not including Aspirin)

Respiratory:

• Severe asthma
• Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (emphysema)
• Diagnosed with sleep apnoea /use a CPAP machine

Renal:

• Problem with kidneys – significant renal impairment
• Patients on dialysis

Neurological:

• Recent Stroke
• Frequent TIA’s
• History of Epilepsy – uncontrolled

Gastrointestinal:

• Acute diverticulitis (should not have colonoscopy until four weeks after treatment)
• Recent abdominal surgery
• Suspected abdominal obstruction
• Flare up of inflammatory bowel disease

Liver disease:

• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Ascites

Endocrinology:

• Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
• Uncontrolled hyper or hypothyroidism

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