Rapid Access Endoscopy

What Is Rapid Access Endoscopy?

We can offer Rapid Access Endoscopy to suitable patients.

The Rapid Access Endoscopy program allows patients to book their Endoscopic procedures directly at a private facility (private hospital or day surgery) on an available date of their choice without requiring prior consultation with their surgeon.

This option is best for private health-funded or self-funded patients. Please call our rooms to discuss this option further with one of our helpful staff.

Why Choose Rapid Access?

If you already know that you will require an endoscopy procedure as part of either a:

• Recall surveillance programs or 
• Cancer screening program, 

Who Is Eligible For Rapid Access Endoscopy?

Patients suitable for Rapid Access Endoscopy include patients who are:

• Under 80 years of age,
• Using limited or no medications,
• Have no significant health issues, and 
• Are in good health (no flu or colds within the previous six weeks)

If you want to be considered for Direct Access, please forward us your GP or Specialist referral for clinical review.

Rapid Access Suitability

There are many situations where an earlier appointment could be scheduled to fast-track appropriate care. We encourage parents to mention the following to our administration staff to help prioritise an appointment:

Positive Coeliac Serology:

Coeliac Disease, or having a positive blood test for the coeliac disease, could be stressful. Going gluten-free before gastroscopy may confuse the diagnosis. 

Those children on a gluten-reduced/free diet may have to go on a formal gluten challenge for at least 6-8 weeks before an endoscopy. To avoid these situations, an earlier appointment could be prioritised.

Elevated stool calprotectin and suspected inflammatory bowel disease:

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative colitis) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. A stool calprotectin is an excellent screen for such conditions. However, there are many other situations where it could be raised. Those children with raised stool calprotectin are recommended to have an earlier appointment to investigate the cause further.

Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties):

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (choking on food): Children with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) may have an oesophageal pathology such as Eosinophilic oesophagitis, an inflammatory condition caused by an allergy to certain foods or environmental triggers. Confirmation of diagnosis and treatment is recommended, as delay in diagnosis and treatment may result in oesophageal narrowing.

Abnormal liver function test:

Abnormal liver function (Liver dysfunction) picked up incidentally could be an indicator of a chronic liver condition such as autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson’s disease, fatty liver disease and many more. An extensive investigation is indicated to ascertain a diagnosis and commence appropriate intervention.

Rapid Access

Rapid Access Endoscopy may be suitable for you.

You can usually book a Rapid Access Endoscopy procedure within the month at one of the private facilities. 

We can manage all paperwork and admissions processes by telephone, email, fax or mail to minimise disruption to your daily life.

Our helpful staff is available throughout the process to answer any questions and guide you through the steps.

Who Is Not Eligible For Rapid Access Endoscopy?

Patients not suitable for Rapid Access Endoscopy include patients who are:

• Patients are aged 80 or over.
• Unstable or acutely bleeding patients 
• Have a contraindication to endoscopy, such as known or suspected perforation, severe or acute diverticulitis, fulminant colitis, uncorrectable coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia, or unstable cardiac or pulmonary conditions.
• Patients requiring advanced interventional endoscopic procedures (ERCP, RFA, EMR, and ESD).