Your Appointment
What to expect at your appointment
You require a referral from your GP or another doctor to see a Gastroenterologist. Referrals need to be sent to GSC for triaging via email: admin@gastrosc.com.au or fax: (03) 9102 9774. Once we receive your referral, it will be reviewed by a Gastroenterologist who will recommend whether you are suitable for a face-to-face appointment, telehealth appointment or direct access endoscopy.
Our admin team will contact you to make an appointment for you according to the Gastroenterologist's recommendation.
You will generally be referred to see a specific Gastroenterologist, however if it is more convenient for you to go to an alternative location or if we can offer you an earlier date with another doctor, we may be able to offer you that option. Note that some Gastroenterologists have sub-specialties which may be better suited to assessing and treating the condition you are being referred for, and we will direct your referral appropriately.
Please refer to Locations for a full list of where the doctors consult and perform procedures. Please note that not all doctors attend all locations.
You will receive an email from us upon booking an appointment with information on location (for appointments in person) or telehealth login (for video conference), fees, and a registration form for new patients.
Appointments in Person:
The doctors work out of shared consulting suites within other medical practices or hospitals. GSC will provide you with comprehensive information on where to find your doctor and parking. You will be greeted on arrival by one of the GSC admin team and will then see your doctor.
Please bring any relevant information such as results of pathology or radiology tests, letters from other health practitioners, and a list of any medications you are taking.
Please also bring along your current Medicare, Pension and Private Health Insurance cards. You are welcome to bring a support person with you to your appointment.
Note that payment is due on the day for all appointments. Please click here for information on Fees.
Telehealth Appointments:
Some appointments can be done via telehealth which is a convenient option for patients. In particular, review or results appointments can often be done this way. Telehealth appointments are via video conference. You will be sent an email and SMS with a link which you can open via your phone or PC. Fees apply for telehealth appointments. Please click here for information on our Fees.
Direct Access Endoscopy:
On the basis of your referral, your Gastroenterologist may feel that you are suitable for Direct Access Endoscopy. If this is the case, our admin team will book you for your procedure at the location of your choice and also a brief telehealth appointment with your Gastroenterologist beforehand to go over the details of the procedure and consent. You will be provided with all the relevant information on your procedure including preparation and fees once it has been confirmed.
Fees & Payments
All Providers are private billing practitioners and fees apply to most consultations. Payment is required on the day of your appointment, or sometimes in advance. Medicare rebates apply to consultations, and we can process this for you after payment of your account. Information on fees can be found here. If you do not hold a Medicare card, please contact us for further information on fees.
Running on time
Doctors endeavour to run on time; however circumstances occasionally mean that your appointment may be delayed. We will try to inform you in advance if your doctor is not running to time. Please remember that optimal patient care is of the highest importance, and if the doctor needs to spend a little longer with a patient leading them to fall behind schedule, the next time that patient maybe you!
Cancellation Policy
You will be sent an SMS to confirm your appointment a few days prior. Please reply to this to confirm you will be attending or contact us to reschedule. Failure to reply to the SMS may result in cancellation of your appointment. Cancellations within 24 hours or failure to attend your appointment may result in a cancellation fee being charged, or require pre-payment of future appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
All patients referred for consultation or procedures (including Fibroscan, capsule endoscopy and direct access endoscopy) require a referral from a General Practitioner or other doctor. This assists with providing doctors with your medical history and entitles Medicare holders to a rebate (except Fibroscan). Referrals from your GP last for 12 months. Referrals from Allied Health Practitioners are not accepted.
Which doctor will I see?
You will generally have a referral specifically to see a particular Gastroenterologist, however we can sometimes offer you an earlier date with a different doctor or at another location if this suits you. Some of the doctors have sub-specialties which may be more appropriate for your condition.
What if I need a procedure?
If your doctor feels that you need a procedure they will discuss this in detail with you at your consultation. Our admin staff will book you for a date and location that suits. You will be sent your booking details including fees and comprehensive instructions on what to do before your procedure and what to expect afterwards.
Please refer to Locations for a full list of where doctors consult and perform procedures. Note that all doctors do not go to all locations.