FAQs

Before a patient can undertake an endoscopy procedure or a consulting appointment, they must get a referral from a General Practitioner or family doctor.

A referral is required to enable you to claim Medicare rebates

Please follow this procedure:

Step 1. Print Referral Form & take it to your Doctor

Step 2. Call us on 9709 2777 to make an appointment.

email us at reception@gihealth.com.au if you have any queries about requesting referrals.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?

• Insurance information

• A referral from your GP/Family doctor

• Pertinent x-ray and test results

• A list of all medications that you are taking currently

• A list of known drug allergies if any and symptoms you have from taking these.

Please note: We cannot bill Medicare for any part of the consultation if you do not have a current referral.

Hydrogen Breath Testing

You can download the guide here

Depending on the procedure and the time it will be conducted, you will need to prepare.

Colonoscopy

• For a complete and accurate result the colon must be completely clean. To assist with this process, dietary restrictions apply. Detailed instructions are available to ensure a successful cleansing routine – this involves a special cleansing solution or several days of laxatives and clear liquids prior to the procedure.

• Instruction sheets are dependent on the time of day that the procedure has been scheduled. Choose the instruction sheet based on the timing of the procedure - morning, afternoon or special preparation. If you need assistance with choosing the appropriate instruction sheet, please call or morning, afternoon.

• The success of your colonoscopy will depend on your large bowel being as clear as possible. If it is not clear the procedure may need to be repeated at a later date. To avoid this occurring, please follow preparation instructions. Bowel preparation kits are available from GI Health or the hospital for only $25 each.

Gastroscopy

• Fasting for 5 hours prior to the procedure. You cannot eat or drink anything for 5 hours before including water.

ERCP

• Fasting for 5 hours prior to the procedure (you cannot eat or drink anything).

Each procedure has a small amount of risks. Please review the details on the procedure and discuss any concerns about the risks with your specialist. You can find more information about the risks involved with colonoscopy and gastroscopy here

An endoscopy allows your doctor to look inside your body without the need to perform major surgery. It is a relatively safe and cost-effective way to identify and treat problems that have to do with your gastrointestinal tract.

• This is a simple, low risk, cost-effective procedure.

• It is generally painless though some discomfort can occur.

• No scarring occurs as your body’s natural openings are used

• Minimal time at the hospital – this is usually a day procedure

• Recovery time after the procedure is usually quick.

WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD MORE INFORMATION?

• Information kits are produced by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA).

I HAVE QUESTIONS RELATING TO MY COLONOSCOPY. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

• The fact sheet on the procedure will help answer some of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require additional information.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON GASTROSCOPY?

• Review the fact sheet which will help answer some of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require additional information.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON ERCP?

• Review the fact sheet which discusses preparation and what can be expected during the procedure. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require additional information.

HOW DOES AN INFLIXIMAB INFUSION FOR CROHN'S DISEASE WORK?

• Infliximab works by blocking the action of a protein in your body called TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha). The body's own immune system makes TNF-alpha and patients who have diseases like Crohn's have an excess of TNF-alpha in tissue. This causes the immune system to attack normal healthy parts of the body, like the bowel, and cause disease. Infliximab is designed to block TNF-alpha, decreasing inflammation, and damage.