Your Doctor’s Answers to Frequently Asked Questions and Comments
What is my out-of-pocket expense for my procedure?
The billing and fees are all set by your doctor and any adjustments are at their discretion. For billing and fee enquiries, please ask your doctor during your admission or enquire with our administration team who can provide this information on your doctor’s behalf.
If you have private health care with hospital cover and are having an individual procedure, your only out-of-pocket expense may be your hospital excess (if you have one), payable on the day of your procedure as the doctors supported by Townsville Gastroenterology are no gap providers. If you are having a double procedure on the same day there may be an out of pocket expense and please contact our office for informed financial consent of this. If not insured, there may be a prepayment required prior to the procedure being performed that covers your doctor doing the procedure and the sedation. The Medicare rebate for these payments can be processed at your request and the overall out-of-pocket expense is therefore reduced. Please contact our office for the prepayment related to your procedure. Pensioners over the age of 65 may be bulk billed by the doctors we support for procedures and sedation. The Day Surgery fee may also be payable the day of your procedure.
Can I take my normal medication?
Yes, take your medication as normal, but iron tablet consumption should be stopped a week beforehand. Blood thinners can be continued to be taken, but please notify our reception staff of your medication so that we can inform your doctor. Take any evening medication just before bed the night before the procedure. Any morning medication should be taken after the procedure or it will be washed wash out of your system by the preparation for the colonoscopy.
If you are having a gastroscopy, then take your morning medication with a little water just before the drinking cut off on your instructions.
Will I get a report back?
Yes, you will either receive a report on the day or it will be posted to you.
When can I make an appointment with my GP?
Bearing in mind that there may be some samples sent away for pathology, the pathology report will take approximately three days (some results take a little longer). Follow-up appointments should be made accordingly.
How long am I there for?
Four to five hours.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
Yes, your doctor will need a referral on file before any appointments can be made.
Do I need to be on a three-day low-fibre diet before my colonoscopy?
No, as the clear fluid period is now extended, it is found to be more effective in clearing you out.
How many days should I take off work?
You should only need the day of the procedure off. Your main preparation which causes diarrhea does not commence until after hours the night before. However, if you do drive for a living, you should not drive for the following 24 hours due to the sedation. You may need the day off following the procedure or to perform other duties aside from driving. A medical certificate for any other days needs to be requested through the reception staff at TGE and being granted a medical certificate will be dependent on your doctor’s consideration of your occupation, among other factors.
I don't have anyone at home to care for me after the procedure. Can I still have my procedure performed?
Your doctor has a duty of care to ensure that you will not experience any post-surgery complications without any supervision. If no one can be with you or check in on you, there is the option of having your procedure performed without sedation or your doctor can offer you an inpatient stay at the Mater Hospital.
Where do I send my forms?
Your admission form should be returned one week prior to the procedure to either the Townsville Day Surgery or to the Mater Hospital (depending on where your procedure is performed). You should bring your consent forms with you on the day of the procedure.
