Priority endoscopy | Colonoscopy and gastroscopy

Epworth Priority Endoscopy provides fast access for colonoscopy and gastroscopy by specialists in our state-of the-art hospital theatres.

Endoscopy service

We offer appointments within 7 days of referral

In our hospitals, we routinely perform advanced endoscopic techniques.

Our specialists are experienced in endoscopic procedures to investigate bowel cancer, coeliac disease and the full range of gastrointestinal concerns. With their expertise, they will ensure you understand and feel prepared for the procedure.

If polyps or pre-cancerous tissues are detected, our surgical team can treat this in the same admission. This reduces the need to return for a separate second admission or repeat bowel prep.

You’ll also benefit from continuity of care at Epworth if your results show further investigation or treatment is needed. 

Endoscopy without delay  Your GP can refer you directly to the next available Epworth specialist, for screening and results as soon as possible.

If your GP recommends a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, ask them for a referral to Epworth Priority Endoscopy at:

  • Epworth Eastern (Box Hill)
  • Epworth Freemasons (East Melbourne)
  • Epworth Geelong
  • Epworth Richmond.
Knowledgeable, caring teams
State-of-the-art, accredited surgical theatres
Time to discuss your results with a specialist follow-up
Comfortable waiting facilities and recovery rooms
Generally performed as a day procedure, with around 3 hours from arrival to discharge

  • What is a 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.

  • What is a 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 duodenum (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.

  • Who is eligible for Epworth Priority Endoscopy?

    Most patients are suitable to have the procedure directly after GP referral. You will meet your specialist performing the procedure on the day of admission, unless specifically requested.

    Some patients require an appointment with a specialist first to ensure this is a suitable procedure for you. We will organise and explain this with you.

Cost

All specialist and anaesthetist fees* are fully covered for patients with eligible health cover.

* some out of pocket fees may apply, speak to the bookings team at your chosen location for more information.

You can also access endoscopy as an uninsured patient. Please contact Patient Services at your Epworth location to find out your out-of-pocket cost.

Book an appointment

You're ready to book with Epworth Priority Endoscopy through a referral from your GP.

  1. Speak to your GP about a priority referral to Epworth.
  2. Once we receive the referral, our admission team will contact you to schedule your admission.
  3. We will explain and prepare you for your admission.
  4. Your Epworth specialist will explain any results available on the day and deliver detailed diagnostics to your GP. Your follow up appointment will be booked with your specialist, in their rooms.

Alternatively, if you already have a referral, contact your preferred Epworth hospital to book an appointment – jump to the Locations and contacts section on this page. 

Our specialists

Meet our specialists

All our clinicians are here to work with you and achieve the best outcome.

For GPs – referral process

Refer to the next available specialist or name your preferred proceduralist. Fax your referral directly to your patient's preferred Epworth hospital below

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.

Locations, contacts and referral forms

Epworth Eastern (Box Hill)

Patients seen within 7 days. 
No gap arrangement. All specialist fees covered for patients with private health cover. Excess or co-payments apply on some health cover policies upon admission. 

Endoscopy PDF referral form - Epworth Eastern

Fax 03 8807 7676
Phone 03 8807 7772
Email [email protected]

Once we receive your referral by fax or email, we will triage your referral, schedule the procedure directly with your patient and send you diagnostic results when ready.


Address: Enter via the East Wing entrance at 25 Nelson Road, Box Hill 3128.

Epworth Freemasons Victoria Parade

Priority Endoscopy Referral Form - PDF

Phone 03 9483 3373
Fax 03 9483 3318
Email [email protected]

We will triage your referral, schedule the procedure directly with your patient and send you diagnostic results when ready.


Address:
Albert Street 109 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Victoria Parade 320 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002

Conveniently located for Melbourne CBD residents and surrounds (Fitzroy, Carlton, Brunswick, and Clifton Hill).

Epworth Geelong

Patients seen in 2 - 3 weeks.

Refer suitable patients for colonoscopy or gastroscopy directly to Epworth Priority Endoscopy by completing our referral form and faxing it to 03 5271 7710.

Priority Endoscopy PDF Referral Form


Fax: 03 5271 7710
Phone: 03 5271 7711
Email: [email protected]

Address: 1 Epworth Place Waurn Ponds VIC 3216.

Upon referral, patients will be contacted by Epworth Geelong patient services to arrange a pre-admission appointment.

This is an opportunity to meet with an endoscopist to confirm suitability for endoscopy, receive instructions that must be followed prior to the procedure and be advised of the date of their procedure.

A copy of results will be provided both to you and your patient via ReferralNet on the date of their procedure.

Epworth Richmond

Priority Endoscopy PDF Referral Form

Fax: 03 9428 7692
Phone: 03 9426 6155
Email: [email protected]

We will triage your referral, schedule the procedure directly with your patient and send you diagnostic results when ready.


Address: Level 2, 89 Bridge Road Richmond VIC 3121

Resources for patients

This booklet below contains important pre-procedure information patients need to be aware of, in addition to any instructions their specialist provides. We provide a copy of this booklet to patients prior to their procedure.