Procedural Appointments
Your doctor can refer you directly for a procedure. Referrals can be faxed, emailed, posted, hand-delivered or via Healthlink.
Appointments can be made by contacting our friendly reception staff.
If you have been referred for a procedure, our reception staff will advise you about what needs to be done to get ready for the procedure. You will be sent a patient survey which needs to be completed at the time of booking. If you have been referred for an ERCP or EUS the doctor will usually wish to see you before the procedure. If you have any significant health issues the Doctor may also choose to see you first rather than book you direct to a procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy and are over the age of 78 or have other underlying health conditions, in most instances the doctor will arrange an appointment in the rooms before the procedure. If for any reason you would like to be seen by the doctor first, please inform our reception staff who will be happy to organise this.
We perform procedures in the endoscopy suite at The Mater Hospital which is just across the road from our consulting rooms as well as Townsville Day Surgery at The Lakes.
We are committed to high-quality, cost-effective medical care and aim to keep out-of-pocket costs to the minimum. Exact costs will depend on a number of factors including the type of procedure(s) you are having carried out, your private health insurance, and the anaesthetic fee. We encourage you to talk with the anaesthetic group that will be providing your care and will supply you with their contact details. If a pathology sample is taken there may be a further cost from the pathology laboratory.
Preparation for procedures is described on the information sheets (below). You will be e-mailed instructions about what particular preparation you should have and where to buy it at a low cost.
Uninsured patients are welcome to have their procedures performed by Gastroenterology North Queensland. A significant proportion of the doctor's fees will be reimbursed via Medicare however the hospital admission fees are non-rebatable. Please contact the rooms for advice on the cost.
