Frequently Asked Questions
| Q: How long will I be at the centre for my gastroscopy or colonoscopy with my Gastroenterologist? |
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| A: Two and a half to three hours |
| Q: Can I drive home after my procedure? |
| A: No, you will not be able to drive a vehicle until the next day, as you will be given an anaesthetic. |
| Q: Do I need a referral to be seen by my practitioner consulting from The Digestive Health Centre? |
| A: Yes, you will need a current referral from your GP or another specialist. |
| Q: Does medicare cover the costs for my procedure? |
| A: The Digestive Health Centre is a private hospital that supports independent Gastroenterologists, Anaesthetists and Allied Health Practitioners. Medicare may not cover your practitioner’s fees. Please call the centre for further clarification on your practitioner’s fees. |
| Q: Are there any female gastroenterologists that consult from The Digestive Health Centre? |
| A: Yes, there are three female gastroenterologists that we support and consult from The Digestive Health Centre: Dr Jacqui Dobson, Dr Shara Ket and Dr Kristen Bechly. |
| Q: Does The Digestive Health Centre only support gastroenterologists? |
| A: We support independent gastroenterologists, as well as other consultative services, including paediatric gastroenterologist, specialist dietitian, psychologist, and continence physiotherapist. |
| Q: Does The Digestive Health Centre support paediatric gastroenterologists? |
| A: Yes, we support three paediatric gastroenterologists: Dr George Alex, Dr Rupert Hinds and Dr Eric Cheah. |
| Q: Does my doctor participate in the gap cover scheme? |
| A: Yes, your practitioner may be able to offer you patients gap cover. Please call the centre for further clarification on your practitioner’s fees. |
| Q: Do you have any carparking available? |
| A: Yes, we have car parks at 90 David Street and also at 108 Cleeland Street for visitors and patients of practitioners consulting from The Digestive Health Centre. |
| Q: Where do I get the preparation for colonoscopy? |
| A: You will need to make an appointment to see one of our Pre-Admission Clinic nurses, who will discuss your medical history and the bowel preparation to suit your needs. This appointment will take approximately 15 minutes. |
| Q: Do the practitioners consulting from your centre treat patients from overseas? |
| A: Yes, your practitioner does treat patients from overseas, however the practitioners require all costs to be paid in full prior to or on the day of the procedure. Please call the centre for further clarification on your practitioner’s fees. |
| Q: Does your centre provide electronic transmission to Medicare of my doctors accounts? |
| A: Yes, if you have your bank details registered with Medicare, we provide this service on your practitioner’s behalf. |
| Q: Has your hospital implemented the National Safety & Quality Health Service Standards and ISO certification? |
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A: Yes, we are proud to have been ISO Accredited and to have achieved all 10 National Standards Edition 2 (NSQHS) in May 2025 with no findings or recommendations. We passed ISO re-certification in May 2025 too, also with no findings or recommendations. |