Overview
Epworth Priority Endoscopy provides easy access to a colonoscopy and gastroscopy performed by specialists using the latest technology, with all specialists and anaesthetist fees covered for patients with eligible health cover.
We believe a hospital setting for endoscopy procedures is the safest place for patients, with the additional benefit of continuity of care if the results reveal further investigation or treatment is required.
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is an inspection of body organs or cavities using a flexible tube with a camera and light attached. While there are many types of endoscopy, Epworth Priority Endoscopy provides access to the two most common types of endoscopy - colonoscopy and gastroscopy.
About endoscopy
At Epworth Priority Endoscopy, these procedures are generally performed as a day procedure, involving only a short period of sedation, with patients admitted just prior to the procedure. This allows for minimal waiting time and disruption to the patients schedule.
About colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside lining of your large bowel. The doctor will use a colonoscope - a long, thin flexible tube with a small camera and light attached, to view pictures of the inside of your bowel on a video screen.
The colonoscope bends so it can move around the curves of your colon. It can also be used to remove growths or polyps, which are fleshy growths in the bowel lining. A colonoscopy can also be used to take a biopsy, a very small section of the bowel lining, which can be tested to identify many conditions.
About gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The doctor will use a gastroscope, a small, flexible, fibre optic instrument, to pass through the mouth to allow a direct visual inspection of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodendum (small bowel).
A gastroscopy can also be used to take a biopsy, a very small section of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which can be used to identify a range of conditions.
Accredited specialists listing
Epworth Priority Endoscopy provides access to over 50 specialists across three Epworth hospitals.
By selecting 'Next Available Specialist' on the referral form, your patient will have easy access to one of Epworth's accredited specialists. You can also nominate a preferred specialist on the referral form.
Patient pre-admission information
Prior to undergoing a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, patients will undergo a pre-admission consultation to confirm their suitability for Epworth Priority Endoscopy.
Generally, patients will only meet with the specialist who is performing the procedure on the day of admission to Epworth, unless specifically requested.
This booklet below contains important pre-procedure information patients need to be aware of, in addition to any instructions their specialist provides. Epworth provides a copy of this booklet to patients prior to their procedure.
- Patient pre-admission information booklet (PDF, 168KB)
- Steps you'll take in your endoscopy journey (PDF, 1.75KB)
Referring to / make an appointment with Epworth Priority Endoscopy
Making an appointment
Before undergoing a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, you will need to have a consultation with your GP to determine if you are suitable to be referred directly to Epworth Priority Endoscopy.
When referred by your GP, you can contact your preferred Epworth hospital to book an appointment with a specialist.
You will have a pre-admission consultation to confirm your suitability for Epworth Priority Endoscopy, but generally will only meet the specialist who is performing your procedure on the day of your admission, unless they specifically request to meet you beforehand.
If you are not suitable to be referred directly to Epworth Priority Endoscopy, your GP can still refer you to one of Epworth's leading specialists for a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, but you will need a further consultation with a specialist prior to the procedure.
Prior to undergoing a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, you may be required to undergo tasking and taking a bowel preparation.
This booklet below contains important pre-procedure information you need to be aware of, in addition to any instructions your treating specialist provides you with.
- Patient pre-admission information booklet (PDF, 168KB)
Information for GPs
GPs can refer suitable patients requiring a colonoscopy or gastroscopy directly to Epworth Priority Endoscopy by filling out a referral form.
Referral forms are available below and can be downloaded into your GP software.
Please note:
Elderly patients and those with complex health issues may not be suitable for direct access endoscopy. These patients may need prior consultation in our specialists' rooms. Epworth can facilitate this in conjunction with our participating doctors.
- Epworth Priority Endoscopy Referral Form (Epworth Eastern, Epworth Freemasons and Epworth Richmond) (PDF, 62KB)
- Epworth Priority Endoscopy Referral Form (Epworth Geelong) (PDF, 40KB)
To download the referral forms for GP software in .rtf format, please right click on the files below and click 'save target as'. Please ensure you do not save the .rtf files as an MS Word document.
- Referral Form - Best Practice (RTF, 176KB)
- Referral Form - Medical Director (RTF, 68KB)
Completed referrals can be faxed to the patient's preferred Epworth location.
Admissions staff will then contact the patient to make an appointment.
Alternatively, you can request the patient to contact their preferred Epworth hospital by phone to make an appointment.
To obtain an Epworth Priority Endoscopy referral pad, please contact us via email.
Meet our specialists
All our clinicians are here to work with you and achieve the best outcome.
Search for a specialistEndoscopy at Epworth Eastern
Epworth Eastern Endoscopy is located on Level 8 of our East Wing Tower at Epworth Eastern.
Access to endoscopy is via the East Wing entrance at 25 Nelson Road, Box Hill 3128.
Contact the Endoscopy Unit on 03 8807 7151 or via fax on 03 8807 7676.
Endoscopy at Epworth Freemasons
Endoscopy at Epworth Geelong
Priority Endoscopy is available at Epworth Geelong, a service that provides fast and seamless access to a colonoscopy or gastroscopy procedure.
Epworth Geelong endoscopy physicians include Prof. Glenn Guest, Dr Christopher Hair, Mr David Wardill, Mr Sonal Nagra and Dr Julien Schulberg.
Service
Prior to undergoing a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, patients will require a consultation with their GP, who will determine whether they are suitable to be referred directly to Epworth Geelong Priority Endoscopy.
Upon referral, patients will be contacted by Epworth Geelong patient services to arrange a pre-admission appointment. The pre-admission appointment provides the patient with an opportunity to meet with an endoscopist to confirm your suitability for endoscopy, receive instructions that must be followed prior to the procedure and be advised of the date of their procedure.
The time between receiving your referral to having your endoscopy is normally within two to three weeks.
A copy of your results will be provided both to you and to your GP via ReferralNet on the date of your procedure.
If you are not suitable to be referred directly to Epworth Priority Endoscopy, your GP can still refer you to one of Epworth’s leading specialists for a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, however you will need to undergo a further consultation with a specialist prior to the procedure.
Fees
Some fees may apply for an endoscopy.
The pre-assessment clinic is always bulk billed by the endoscopist.
The procedure is bulk-billed for privately insured patients however, some out-of-pocket fees may apply including the private health insurance gap, the anaesthetist fee gap and/or a pathology fee.
Referral information for GPs
GPs can refer suitable patients for colonoscopy or gastroscopy directly to Epworth Priority Endoscopy by completing a referral form (PDF, 65KB) and faxing it to 03 5271 7710.
Fax: 03 5271 7710
Contact Priority Endoscopy at Epworth Geelong
For all booking enquiries or referrals, please contact:
Epworth Geelong Patient Services
Phone: 03 5271 7711
Fax: 03 5271 7710
Email: [email protected]
Endoscopy at Epworth Richmond
Epworth Eastern
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1 Arnold Street, Box Hill VIC 3128
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Epworth Freemasons Victoria Parade
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320 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002
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Epworth Geelong
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1 Epworth Place, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216
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Emergency Department is open 24 hours
Epworth Richmond
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89 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3121
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Emergency Department is open 24 hours