- 10 Ramsay Rd Pennant Hills
- (02) 9875 2311
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Yes, each of the gastroenterologists consulting from our practice require referrals from their patients. One can be obtained from a GP or Specialist that is treating you. A GP referral is generally valid for 12 months & a Specialist referral is generally valid for 3 months.
Your Gastroenterologist will study your files from your doctor and then prescribe some diagnostic tests for you. During your initial visit, they will explain the specific procedure needed, help you visualise the results and go over the risks.
Each individual Gastroenterologist sets their own fees. Fees will generally differ depending on whether you present for an initial (first) consultation, or a follow-up consultation. The fee involves a Medicare rebate (payable by the government) as well as an extra out-of-pocket expense. This out-of-pocket expense is usually around $100-150.
EFTPOS/ Credit Card is the preferred method of payment.
• Your gastroenterologist and our practice understand that sometimes things come up that are outside of your control. Please provide as much notice as possible (preferably at least 24 hours), as this appointment time could be offered to another patient. Please be advised that if you reschedule an appointment you will be offered the next available appointment with your gastroenterologist. If you do cancel your appointment within 24 hours of your appointment time or do not arrive for your appointment you may be charged a cancellation fee.
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Your gastroenterologist and our staff follow strict confidentiality requirements regarding your medical records.
No. For general prescriptions you should see your general practitioner. For complex drugs prescriptions you will need to book an appointment to see your Gastroenterologist.
No, these are as stated. These “out of pocket” gap fees are above and beyond what the health fund will pay.
Reimbursement is at the discretion of your gastroenterologist. However, if you provide 48 hours’ notice, the reimbursement for or rescheduling of your appointment may be available.
No, this is between you and your health fund. Please contact them for clarification.
Yes they are securely stored and destroyed after your payment is processed.
Firstly see your GP to obtain a referral. Then call us to make a booking with your gastroenterologist, have a list of your current medications handy. During this call we will ask you a series of questions related to your health to ensure you qualify to book in for a procedure without a prior consultation with your doctor.
Please email us at info@phgastro.sydney so that we can let your gastroenterologist know to update their records.
It is very important you inform our reception staff if you are on these medications so we can let your gastroenterologist know. You may need to change or stop them before your procedure.
The doctors have procedure lists with scheduled anaesthetists.
Due to the required diet and schedule of laxatives, you cannot book a colonoscopy the following day as there would not be enough time to complete your preparation.
Management of your diabetic medication is crucial for any procedure & should have been discussed at consultation with your doctor or at the time of booking your surveillance procedure.
Please ring our rooms if you are still unclear regarding your diabetic medications.
If you can see through it, and it is a liquid, then it is considered a clear fluid.
Approved Clear Fluids – insert PDF here.
No, you are to remain nil by mouth from the time your doctor advises.
Yes, you can take paracetamol (e.g. Panadol) in addition to your normal prescription medications (unless advised otherwise) while on clear fluids or on the morning of your procedure with a sip of water.
No, you can use a tampon but if you feel uncomfortable you may wish to reschedule.
No, as you are having an anaesthetic you will be unable to drive for 24 hours post procedure. You must also have a responsible person accompany you from hospital & stay with you overnight.
You will be informed by your doctor regarding a follow-up appointment required after your procedure.
Your doctor will discuss with the results of your procedure.
Your referring doctor will also receive copies of all reports and results.
A Gastroenterologist is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating diseases of digestive organs. The digestive organs include the digestive tract-oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine-as well as related organs-the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Problems associated with the following areas are normally evaluated by a gastroenterologist are:
Abdominal pain
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Rectal bleeding
Heartburn
Swallowing trouble
Weight loss
Jaundice
Your insurance information
A referral from your General Practitioner or family doctor.
All pertinent x-rays, scans, blood test results and results of any other relevant investigations ordered by your GP.
A list of all medications that you are currently taking
A list of any known drug allergies and the symptoms you may have from taking these medicines
There are a number of different systems which purport to be “Open Access”. At Pennant Hills Endoscopy Centre, certain patients can be booked for routine endoscopic procedures without prior consultation with a gastroenterologist. Patients referred by their GP under Open Access are interviewed by telephone by specifically-trained GE nurses on their suitability and fitness for both the preparation and procedure. A detailed medical history is taken. Patients receive detailed written instructions for preparation and information about the procedure including any associated risks. If a patient wishes to discuss all possible complications they will need to seek a formal consultation with a gastroenterologist prior to the procedure.
Patients who are candidates for Open Access include: People < 70 years of age; in good general health with no significant co-morbidities; who have had a positive faecal occult blood test or non-complicated rectal bleeding; a Family History of GIT cancer; simple reflux and screening for Barrett’s Oesophagusocedure.
Suggested for per-COLONOSCOPY
Your doctor may change this dependent on your own circumstances.
BREAKFAST:
Juice – apple, cranberry, pear, white grape
Yogurt (no fruit or nut topping)
Small bowl of Cornflakes or Rice Bubbles
2 eggs – poached, boiled or scrambled
Bacon, pork/ chicken sausage
Hash browns
White toast – with Vegemite, honey, lemon butter, butter, margarine
French toast/ cinnamon sugar
Croissant – plain or ham & cheese
Muffin – no fruit or nuts / Crumpets with honey / Pancakes with syrup
Chocolate brioche
Tea, coffee, water
LUNCH/ DINNER
Clear soups, broths, chicken noodle soup
Fish, ham, turkey, chicken, pork,
Potato or pumpkin (without skin)
Potato salad
Pasta Carbonara or macaroni cheese (no tomato sauce or bottled sauces)
Sandwiches – white bread/ roll
Panini: chicken, ham (no mustard) tuna, turkey, cheese, egg
Baked rice custard: chocolate mousse / Plain – vanilla ice cream
Water, soft drink , tea coffee
SNACKS
Cheese and crackers
Rice cakes, protein bars – no nuts
Ham quiche
Parmesan cheese sticks
Wedges with sour cream
Cake / Cheesecake baked with white flour
Chocolate biscuits – no nuts
Scones butter and honey
Pikelets/Waffles with lemon & sugar or honey
Vanilla slices, doughnut, custard Danish, custard tart, meringue
Milkshakes, egg flip/protein shake / Clear sports drink /tea/iced tea/coffee/hot chocolate
Plain or chocolate Sustagen / Ensure/Digestilact
Water