FAQs

My Appointment & Costs

What do I need to bring with me to my consultation?

  • Current referral
  • Any xrays or scans
  • Medicare and private health insurance details
  • DVA or pension card if appropriate

Why do I need to bring a referral?

If you do not have a current referral for your visit you will not be able to claim the Medicare rebate for your visit.  Payment will be required in full for your visit if you do not have a current referral.   Your GP will provide you with a referral on request.

What will it cost me to see one of the SCA consultants?

The cost of the consultation will be decided by the surgeon at time of consultation. This depends on various criteria and we suggest you discuss this with your consultant. Basic private fees for SCA are $170 for the initial consultation and $90 for follow up visits.

What will my colonoscopy or other procedure cost?

This will depend on what procedure is performed on the day of your admission and this will be dependant on what the surgeon finds.

What is an Estimate of Fees?

We provide you with a guide to the fees charged by this practice to indicate likely costs at the time of consultation and/or surgery.

Should you need to undergo in-hospital or Day Surgery elective procedures our quote does not include services provided by other doctors, anaesthetists, surgical assistants, radiologists and / or pathologists.

Quotes are exclusive of all costs associated with your hospital accommodation, pharmacy and / or physiotherapy.

What if I have Private Medical Insurance?

If you have private medical insurance, you may also want to contact your insurer prior to your admission for the procedure. Discussing your procedure with your health fund will provide you with the full scope of your policy at an early stage so you are clear about the procedures it covers, making sure you enquire about claims for investigatory measures including imaging, pathology and hospital fees.

 

Clinical general questions

If I have a relative with bowel cancer does that increase my risk?

One close relative such as a mother, father, sister, brother or child, increases the risk of bowel cancer two to three times. Two close relatives increases the risk eight times.

Who is most at risk of getting bowel cancer?

  • People who have already had bowel cancer or polyps.
  • People with one or more close relatives (mother, father, brother, sister or child) who have had polyps or bowel cancer.
  • People who have had extensive, long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).

Can I catch bowel cancer?

No, bowel cancer is not catching. It is true that people who have a family history or bowel cancer are more likely to get it than people who don’t, but that doesn’t mean you can pass it on to anybody else. Nor does it mean you can catch it off anybody.

Is it possible to have blood in your stool, but not have bowel cancer?

Yes, it is quite common to have blood in your stool yet not have colon cancer. Rectal bleeding or blood in or on the stool is never normal and should not be ignored. You should see your doctor immediately.

What are the symptoms of early bowel cancer?

In the early stages, when bowel cancer can be more easily cured, there are few, if any, symptoms. After that, these are the symptoms to look for:

  • Bleeding from the bowel. While this is the most important symptom, it does not always mean that bowel cancer is present.
  • Abdominal symptoms such as pain, bloating, weight loss or mucous in bowel motions.
  • Change in bowel habit, ranging from constipation to persistent diarrhoea.
  • Low iron levels, which can cause anaemia and tiredness.

I have noticed a change in my bowel movements - from constipation to going a couple of times a day. Could this be an indication of irritable bowel syndrome or possibly cancer?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that leads to cramps, bloating and changes in bowel habits, including constipation.  The chances are it is not cancer. However, the symptoms of bowel cancer and irritable bowel syndrome are similar, so your doctor will need to do tests to diagnose the problem.

Is bowel cancer preventable?

You can help prevent bowel cancer with regular testing. Bowel cancer almost always starts with a polyp, a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. Finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous will stop bowel cancer before it starts.

What types of tests are used to detect bowel cancer?

It is possible to have bowel cancer and not have any symptoms, which is why regular screening is vital. Screening can find polyps, which when removed prevent bowel cancer from developing. Even if cancer is found, regular screening means it is likely to be found in the early stages which greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. There are a number of screening methods available.

 

Lifestyle & Education

Colonoscopy Preparation

For this procedure to be effective the bowel must be clean to allow a good view of its surface. An oral preparation needs to be taken 24 hours prior to the procedure which encourages the bowel to empty its contents.

How can I reduce my risk of getting bowel cancer?

You can prevent bowel cancer with regular screening from the age of 50. The polyps generally begin to occur in your 40’s and bowel cancer in your 60’s (although both occasionally occur at younger ages).

You can also reduce your risk by:

  • Eating a healthy diet, including plenty of vegetables and fruit and a small amount of animal fat.
  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Not smoking
  • Reducing your intake of alcohol

  • Exercise regularly

 

Colonoscopy Procedure Preparations

Special Instructions:

  1. DO NOT drive your car, sign legal documents, drink alcohol or operate anything mechanical until the day after the procedure
  2. DO NOT WEAR HEAVY MAKE-UP, LIPSTICK OR NAIL POLISH. DO NOT WEAR ANY JEWELLERY (apart from your wedding ring). DO NOT BRING ANY VALUABLES. A gown will be provided for you.
  3. Please tell the nurse if you are taking and medications. If you are taking ASPIRIN, PERSANTIN, PLAVIX, ISCOVER, WARFARIN (COUMADIN OR MAREVAN) or any other aspirin products you need to inform the nurse.
  4. Notify us if you think you may be pregnant. If you are taking the CONTRACEPTIVE PILL you will need to use another form of contraception for 2 weeks.
  5. Please tell your doctor if you suffer from diabetes or have a significant heart, chest or kidney problem.
  6. Cease iron supplements 4 days prior to the procedure.

Glycoprep and Picoprep

Glycoprep and Picoprep are solutions taken by mouth to cleanse the bowel before an examination of the intestine.

Approved clear fluids:
Water, clear fruit juices (apple, pear & grape), jelly, Bonox, black tea/coffee, clear soups (no vegetables or meat), clear broth/bouillon, carbonated beverages, clear cordials (lemon/lime), sport drinks. NO purple or red colourings. You may have a barely sugar to suck.

It is important to maintain your fluid intake with a variety of APPROVED clear fluids.

The day before the procedure

Breakfast (before 8am):
You may eat a light breakfast. Do not eat any food after breakfast, but have 2 glasses of APPROVED clear fluids

Morning Tea (10am):
1-2 glasses if APPROVED clear fluids.

Lunch:
2 glasses of APPROVED clear fluids.

 

Quality Improvement

We look forward to welcoming you to our Practice and we encourage you to assist us in continuing to improve the service we provide by giving us your feedback. If our service is above or below what you expect, we sincerely value your comments.

Please call us on 1300 553 347 or email at admin@sydneycolorectal.com.au.