FAQs

COVID- 19

Can I still have my procedure with the current Covid-19 restrictions?

The decision to have a procedure during Covid-19 restrictions is up to you the patient.

We follow the advice given by QLD health and NSW health depending on where the hospital/ day surgery is located. If there are any restrictions that impact our patients that are already booked we will contact them as soon as we know.  This may take a few hours after the initial announcement.

We have been advised by the hospitals/ day surgeries that they have implemented new policies with regard to cleaning, visitors and protective equipment to help minimise the risk involved with Covid-19.

FEE QUESTIONS

What does it cost to see a Gastroenterologist?

For the most up to date fees, please contact the GIC team on 07 5564 6922 or gic@gicentre.com.au

Consultation fees

We are no longer able to offer Phone consultations as Medicare has removed these items for specialists.

The maximum out of pocket our patients will have is $150 for a consultation. Fees do vary if you have a Government Pension or Health Care Card.

Procedure Fees

Privately Insured patients-

• most routine procedures have no gap and are billed directly to your health fund. There may be procedures that do incur a gap, these fees will be discussed with you before booking.
• If you have a hospital excess this may be payable at the hospital before your procedure, the hospital will advise you of this information before the procedure once you have submitted your pre admission form.

Uninsured patients

• Please contact our rooms on 0755646922 for up to date Uninsured fees.

Anaesthetist fees

The Gastrointestinal Centre works with Anaesthetists groups that may charge an upfront fee for uninsured patients this will be advised by the Anaesthetist approx 5 days before your procedure. Most insured patients will not incur a Gap with our Anaesthetists.

Pathology charges

The Gastrointestinal centre use Envoi Pathology and Sullivan Nicolades for all procedure pathology. Both companies provide a bulk billed or no gap agreement for our patients. If you do receive a bill for your procedure please contact our rooms on 07 5564 6922 or gic@gicentre.com.au

How do I know if my insurance will cover the procedure or not?

This is something that you can discuss with your private health insurer. You must have hospital cover included in your Private Health insurance policy. You will also need to have been in the fund for over 12 months, with an adequate level of cover.  Your confirmation email or paperwork will include the item numbers for your procedure. If you do not have this information, please call our rooms on 07 5564 6922.

PROCEDURE QUESTIONS

Do I need a referral?

All patients wanting to make appointments require a referral. Referrals from a GP are valid for 12 months from your first visit provided that it is the same issue. Referrals must be sent to our rooms before your appointment. Not supplying the referral may result in your appointment being delayed.

Do I need to have a consultation prior to my procedure?

There are a few reasons you might need a consultation prior to your procedure.

• If you are over the age of 80 and having a colonoscopy, we do require you to have a consultation before your procedure. This will give the doctor the chance to go through the preparation and procedure with you and make sure you are physically well enough to have the preparation and procedures.
• If you are under the age of 80, there are some patients that will require a consultations based on medical history. This will be advised at the time of booking.
• If your GP specifically requests you have a consultation you will be booked for a consultation.

Our doctors provide an open access service, which means if your GP wants you to come straight in for the procedure we can accommodate their clinical decision. If they/you want you to come in and discuss your problems first this is also possible.

Will I get to speak to the doctor before my procedure?

You will get to speak to the doctor before your procedure on the day. He will look at your referral, go through your symptoms, history and you can ask any questions you have.

What should I bring with me to my procedure?

If you have been unable to sign your consent form or symptoms forms, please bring these on the day. If you need to pay your hospital excess or hospital fee, you will need to bring the payment with you.

What should I wear?

You should wear loose fitting comfortable clothes.

Can I wear nail polish, what if I have fake nails?

The advice on this comes from the hospital/ day surgery. Currently you do not need to remove nail polish or fake nails for the procedure. This advice can be changed by the hospital at any time and we will update this site if we get that advice.

Where do I go on the day of my procedure?

If you present to the main reception of the hospital/ day surgery they will point you in the right direction. It may also pay to check the hospital/ day surgery website for any restricted access to the building.

John Flynn Hospital– You can be dropped at the front entrance of the hospital at the top of the hill, proceed to the main reception on the Ground Floor.

Pindara Private Hospital- There are 2 receptions at Pindara, you can be dropped at the Allchurch avenue entrance or there is a rear reception accessible through the multi storey car park on Carrara Street. If you go to Level 2 in the carpark take the lift to level 2 of the medical centre, when you exit the lift turn left and follow the bridge into the hospital, this will take you to the rear reception.

Tweed Day Surgery- You can be dropped at the main entrance of the day surgery, when you go inside you will need to proceed to the first floor. The stairs should be on your right when you walk in, the lift is located next to Sullivan and Nicolaides.

Gold Coast Private Hospital- You can be dropped at the main reception of the hospital on Hill Street, there is a drop off zone right near the entrance. Go through the doors and the main reception is in front of you on the left.

How long will I be at the hospital? You can be at the hospital or day surgery for anywhere up to 4 hours on the day of your procedure.

How long will I need off work? Most people are fine to return to work the day after the procedure. We can supply a medical certificate for the day of the procedure and the day before the procedure when you are taking the preparation. Please ask the Doctor on the day of your procedure and this can be organised for you.

Why can’t I drive after my procedure? You will be sedated for the procedure and will still be affected by the medication until the morning after the procedure.

Why do I need someone to stay with me after the procedure?

This is because you have had a sedation and a procedure. There is a slight risk that you may feel unwell after the procedure, and we require you to have someone there to check on you incase this happens.

How long will it take for my results to be ready?

We strive to have your procedure report back to your GP within 5 working days after your procedure, however this can not always be achieved. If you are making an appointment with your GP for your results, you should check if they have received the results, if they haven’t please contact our rooms on 07 5564 6922 to find out when they will be ready. Results of any biopsies taken go straight to your referring provider once analysed. This is generally done within 3 days of your procedure.

DIET QUESTIONS

What are clear fluids?

Clear fluids are any liquid that you can read a newspaper through, and has no bits in it.

Can I eat other foods not on the diet sheet?

Our diet sheet is specifically designed to provide the best view for the doctor during the procedure, therefore there are no substitutions to the items on the diet sheet. If you have accidentally eaten something not on the list during your diet period, please contact our rooms for further information.

What should I do if the preparation is making me sick?

This depends on the severity of your problem.

• If you have been drinking the prep down in large quantities at once, try sipping the prep and alternating with lemonade or clear apple juice.
• If you have been drinking it down slowly and in small amounts and are vomiting constantly, are light headed or dizzy please seek medical advice as soon as possible. You can call our rooms on 07 5564 6922 during business hours or call 13HEALTH (13 49 85 24) after hours for advice.

Can I drink alcohol whilst on the diet?

You may have 1 standard beer or 1 glass of white wine per day whilst on the Low Residue Diet. However once you start the clear fluids diet, no alcohol is permitted.

If you have any other questions, or still have concerns please call our office on 07 5564 6922 and one of our receptionists will be happy to help.