Doctors can refer a patient to the Specialist of choice for Gastroscopy and/or Colonoscopy without the need for an initial consultation with the Specialist.

Guidelines for Referring Doctors

1. Choose a Specialist (see list below)

If you have an urgent referral, or need more information about available Endoscopy lists or lists on a particular day, please call Bendigo Day Surgery reception on 5444 3533.

2. Send the Referral

by Argus-encrypted email (preferred), by fax or by mail.

3. The Specialist’s rooms will contact the patient directly

If the patient is suitable for Open Access Endoscopy, they will be contacted directly by the Specialist’s Reception staff and an admission to Bendigo Day Surgery will be arranged for Gastroscopy and/or Colonoscopy. Bowel preparation is required for colonoscopy.

4. Follow-up Appointment with referring GP

The results of the endoscopy and any biopsy results are sent to the referring GP. The patient will be advised of any follow-up appointments that are needed.

Some patients are not suitable for Open Access Endoscopy. We recommend referral to a Specialist for consultation prior to GI Endoscopy for patients:

• • Younger than 16 years or older than 80 years
  • Significant chronic medical problems
  • Poor mobility
  • Obesity with weight >150kg or BMI >35

Open Access GI Endoscopy Specialists

Bendigo Day Surgery Gastroenterologists and General Surgeons all live and work in Bendigo. We work together to get the best treatment outcomes for patients in our community.

Complex medical problems like cancer often need to be treated by a team of Specialists who work cooperatively together in Multidisciplinary teams. Patients with Bowel cancer, for example, may need coordinated care from a Gastroenterologist, General or Colorectal Surgeon, Medical or Radiation Oncologist and diagnostic services like Pathology and Radiology.