Open Access Endoscopy

Montserrat Medical Services believes that specialist care should be as accessible and patient-forward as possible. That’s why our Open Access Endoscopy service is the most streamlined pathway for patients to get fast, high-quality care for gastrointestinal symptoms without the need for an initial consultation.

Developed in line with best practice medicine over the past 20 years, both nationally and internationally, our open access program gives patients rapid access to diagnostics and therapeutic procedures, while their GP retains control over their healthcare. Importantly, this service also aligns with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, ensuring patients with a positive FOBT (Faecal Occult Blood Test) result have rapid access to colonoscopy for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.

It’s a highly efficient referral pathway that benefits both patients and practitioners, with timely diagnosis and lower costs, as well as access to high-quality care across our fully accredited day hospital locations.

Refer Patient Meet our Doctors

Open Access Consultants and Services

Montserrat’s open access specialists are highly experienced gastroenterologists and general surgeons committed to providing the highest standard of patient care. Under our open access endoscopy model, eligible patients can proceed straight to an endoscopy procedure without being delayed by an initial specialist consultation, provided they meet our strict admission criteria.

Here are some of our most attractive service points:

  • Both colonoscopy and gastroscopy procedures are available through open access.
  • We assess every patient from the initial enquiry (e.g. phone conversation) through to a dedicated nurse pre-procedure preparation appointment.
  • Every patient’s procedure is documented with standalone digital images.
  • Our electronic system means patient recalls are sent physically to the patient and electronically to the patient’s referring GP.
  • Ready access to surgical intervention if needed, supported by a world-class team of specialists.
  • All Montserrat facilities have free patient parking (which is up to 3 hours at Westside Private Hospital)

Advanced Detection and Treatment

Montserrat’s quality health service standards and benchmark detection and treatment set us apart. Every Montserrat endoscopy procedure, whether it’s conducted through open access or via a traditional referral, is performed by expertly trained specialists who are committed to thoroughness and best practice.

We use advanced endoscopy equipment and record or capture standalone digital images of every patient’s procedure, which means we can create a comprehensive post-procedural evaluation report for a complete and transparent diagnosis for both the patient and their GP.

We strive to exceed the highest standards of care through our specialists’ extensive training and stringent quality-assurance processes, ensuring consistent, high-quality outcomes for every patient.

Benefits for Patients

Patients referred through our open access program can expect:

  • Reduced costs: With no requirement for an initial specialist consultation, patients save on consultation fees while still getting quality care.
  • Faster diagnosis: Open access endoscopy patients are usually booked for a procedure within seven to 14 days, compared to longer wait times via non-open access methods.
  • Minimal disruption: Procedures are straightforward and results are provided to the patient after discharge and to the referring GP electronically within 24 hours.
  • High-quality care: Patients are cared for in modern facilities by a world-class team, which means greater safety and clinical excellence for their procedure.
  • Convenience: Our local facilities and on-site parking mean less stress and travel time for patients and families.

Advantages for Practitioners

For GPs and other referring practitioners, Montserrat’s open access service is based on a patient-centric model that supports best practice medicine. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Retain control: Unlike the normal referral pathway where specialist care might take over, with open access, the GP keeps control over the patient’s overall care.
  • Timely communication: GPs get the patient’s procedure results electronically within 24 hours.
  • Easy reporting: Digital imaging and post-procedural evaluations mean detailed and transparent documentation for referring GPs.
  • Referral pathway: Using our secure electronic referral forms, referring patients is easy and hassle-free.
  • Clinical and technical support: Our team is always here to assist practices with referrals, answer queries and provide education around open access.

Referring Patients

Choose any of the following options to refer a patient to Montserrat’s open access endoscopy service. For urgent enquiries or support, call our GP Hotline at (07) 3833 6788.

Online Referrals
Complete our Online Referral Form.
Online Referrals
Direct Email
Email the referral to bookings@montserrat.com.au.
E-Referral
Send an electronic referral (e-referral) through Medical Objects.

Meet our Team of Specialists

Montserrat Medical Services is proud to work with a world-class team of gastroenterologists and general surgeons who bring their years of expertise, compassion and training to every patient interaction. Our open access specialists are highly trained in diagnosing and managing a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, which means that every patient’s entire procedure is performed to the highest standards.

All of our specialists have to undergo continuous professional development and follow rigorous quality-assurance protocols to maintain the highest standards of care. Whether our patients require a routine diagnosis or urgent surgical intervention, they can trust Montserrat’s team for outstanding care.

To learn more about how open access endoscopy at Montserrat Medical Services could benefit your patients or to refer a patient today, contact our friendly team. We are committed to giving you the most timely, high-quality care that supports both patients and referring practitioners in delivering the very best in gastrointestinal healthcare.

When Patients are Not Suitable for Open Access Endoscopy

While Open Access Endoscopy offers a simple and efficient referral pathway, some patients may not be suitable for an Open Access Endoscopy procedure and may require a pre-procedure consultation with a treating specialist.

Patients who may require a consultation include:

  • Patients with complex medical issues and conditions
  • Patients taking multiple complex medications, such as blood thinners, GLP-1 or SGLT2 inhibitors, or several cardiac medications.
  • Patients with complex gastrointestinal dysmotility.
  • Patients whose referring GP has requested a consultation prior.

In these cases, a pre-procedure consultation ensures the safest and most appropriate care before proceeding with an endoscopy.