Rapid Access Upper Endoscopy/Colonoscopy

Waiting for a gastrointestinal evaluation can be stressful. That’s why at Montserrat Medical Services we offer a rapid access endoscopy service that helps patients undergo an endoscopic procedure without needing an initial specialist consultation. It means that patients with urgent digestive concerns can be seen promptly and receive a quicker diagnosis and treatment, including appropriate and timely triage.

Getting rid of unnecessary wait times means we can guarantee that patients with symptoms needing further investigation – such as a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT), unexplained abdominal pain or persistent digestive issues – can have their procedures performed within seven to 14 days.

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What is Rapid Access Upper Endoscopy/Colonoscopy?

Rapid access endoscopy is a service that provides the most timely and high-quality gastrointestinal care – without the need for a lengthy referral process. Patients who meet set eligibility criteria can bypass the traditional consultation route and proceed straight to their endoscopy procedure.

It’s a service that is especially helpful for those who are at higher risk of gastrointestinal cancer, including patients with a positive FOB test (indicating blood in the stool), a family history of bowel cancer or persistent digestive symptoms that demand further investigation. Instead of waiting weeks for a specialist consultation, patients in our Rapid Access Program can be booked in for their procedure within one to two weeks.

Having priority access to our leading Gastroenterologists and General Surgeons means you’ll get expert diagnosis and treatment, as well as continuity of care with referring GPs and specialists. Results are delivered straight after the procedure and include follow-ups to support ongoing patient management.

Benefits and Eligibility

For many patients, if a diagnosis is delayed, it can cause unnecessary anxiety and further complications. Our rapid access endoscopy program is a fast-tracked solution so that patients with urgent or routine endoscopy needs get the specialist care they need without delay. This service is suitable for patients:

  • Who need an urgent gastroscopy or colonoscopy
  • With positive FOBT results, which indicates the presence of blood in the stool.
  • With stable health conditions and few medication requirements.
  • Needing colorectal cancer screening due to personal or family history concerns.

Having a rapid access endoscopy results in faster detection of potentially dangerous conditions like colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal cancers.

Our experienced team of healthcare professionals are here to provide you with personalised care and support.

What To Expect At Your Appointment

At Montserrat, you can book either a face-to-face consultation or telehealth appointment. Our rapid access endoscopy service is available at Westside Private Hospital, North Lakes Day Hospital and Bundaberg Private Day Hospital.

If you’d prefer an in-person consultation, our hospital locations are a comfortable and welcoming space where you’ll meet with our specialist nursing team before your procedure.

Nurse-led consultation

Before undergoing a colonoscopy, patients will have a consultation with a registered nurse who will:

  • Review your medical history, including any past gastrointestinal conditions or previous surgeries.
  • Look into your current medications to avoid any potential interactions with the bowel-preparation process.
  • Give you complete instructions for how to prepare for your procedure.

During this consultation, you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions or discuss your concerns about what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

 

Why Choose Montserrat?

Montserrat prioritises patient care above all else. Our rapid access endoscopy program helps patients get the timely diagnosis and treatment they need without unnecessary delays, which means less stress and better outcomes for your future health. With modern facilities and a highly skilled team of gastroenterologists and general surgeons, we deliver compassionate care through:

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Priority access to expert care

Appointments available within 7 to 14 days.

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No gap procedures

For eligible privately insured patients and affordable, all inclusive quotations on request for uninsured patients.

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A seamless referral process

So you can take advantage of rapid scheduling and follow-ups.

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Convenient locations

With free on-site parking at all hospitals (Westside Private Hospital has free parking for the first three hours).

Book an Appointment

If you or your patient requires an urgent gastrointestinal evaluation, our team is here to help. Referring doctors can call our GP hotline, while patients can contact us directly to book an appointment.

GP hotline: (07) 3833 6788

General bookings: (07) 3833 6701

General fax line: (07) 3833 6740

Email: bookings@montserrat.com.au

Patient Information

Referrals

We accept GP and specialist referrals. You can book online and upload your referral in just a few simple steps. Once we receive it, our team will review your details and triage appointments based on clinical urgency. 

Before Your Procedure

Prior to your appointment, you will receive detailed instructions about the procedure, including information on bowel preparation, dietary restrictions and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

After a prior consultation and health assessment, a registered nurse will decide on the most suitable preparation kit for you. You will be guided on the correct way to use the kit, including getting instructions on timing and dosage for the cleanse. Patients will also be advised about specific foods to avoid, as certain ingredients can interfere with preparation. A fluid diet plan will be provided and will outline which liquids are best to keep you hydrated.

If you are taking any medications, the nurse will discuss whether there should be any adjustments to avoid potential interactions during the procedure, which will reduce the risk of complications. If you have any concerns or questions, our team is here to help every step of the way.

Other Information

We encourage patients to be certain about their appointment schedule before collecting their preparation kit, as refunds cannot be issued in the event of a cancellation.

A valid referral from your doctor is needed before your procedure. Please make sure all paperwork is completed in advance, as incomplete documentation can cause rescheduling and delay your care. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, so if you need to make any changes, please contact our team as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Our Locations

Our Rapid Access Endoscopy services are available at facilities across Queensland:

All locations have free on-site parking for your convenience. Please note that Westside Private Hospital provides free parking for the first three hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most endoscopic procedures take between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of procedure being performed. Patients should allow additional time for pre-procedure preparation and recovery (1 hour minimum) before being discharged from the hospital.

Medicare rebates are available to eligible patients for some services related to endoscopies. Additionally, we offer no gap surgery for privately insured patients and competitive rates for uninsured patients.

An endoscopy is a broad term that covers any procedure that uses a thin, flexible camera (endoscope) to examine the digestive tract. A gastroscopy is a type of upper endoscopy used to evaluate the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine.

A colonoscopy is a type of lower endoscopy that examines the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It helps identify issues such as polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or early signs of bowel cancer.

While gastroscopies and colonoscopies focus on specific parts of the digestive system, the term endoscopy refers to the overall technique. Your doctor will recommend the most suitable procedure based on your symptoms, medical history, and screening needs.