Do I Quality?

The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone undergo a screening colonoscopy at age 50. These screening exams, at age 50, have been shown to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates. Austin Gastroenterology, PA recently completed a year long study that showed the average age of their patients’ first screening colonoscopy was 57! Direct Procedure Scheduling is one way to make these screening exams more accessible and more convenient to schedule.

Direct Procedure Scheduling (DPS) allows a healthy person, age 50 or older, access to a gastroenterologist to perform a screening colonoscopy exam without the extra time and expense of a prior consultation.

Direct Procedure Scheduling does not substitute for consultation. If you are having symptoms, please call our office and schedule an appointment for consultation.

Please note that while most insurance companies cover screening colonoscopy, some do not. If you are unsure, please contact your insurance company or call our office.

You may be eligible for DPS if you can answer “YES” to the following 4 questions:
(Please circle your answer)

Are you at “average risk” for colorectal cancer and between 50 and 70 years of age? YES NO

“Average risk” means: you have no first degree relatives with colorectal cancer or polyps, and you have no personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
“High risk” means: you have one or more first degree relative(s) with colorectal cancer or polyps, and/or you have a personal history of polyps, and/or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease of the colon.
Physician Consultation is highly recommended for people with “High risk” factors for colorectal cancer.

If you are “average risk”, was your last colonoscopy 10 years ago or more, or was you flexible sigmoidoscopy 5 years ago or more?
You may answer “YES” if you have never had a colon exam. YES NO

If you are “high risk”, was your last colonoscopy 5 years ago or more?
You may answer “YES” if you have never had a colon exam. YES NO

4. Do you consider yourself healthy? YES NO

Please call our office and schedule a consultation instead of DPS if you answer “YES” to any of the following questions about your current health status:

1. Are you pregnant? YES NO
2. Have you had previous problems with anesthesia or sedation? YES NO
3. Are you actively taking blood thinners (Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs such as coumadin, Plavix, aggrenox, Lovenox, etc.)? YES NO
4. Do you have any conditions affecting your heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys that require active medical treatment (other than mild high blood pressure or high cholesterol)? YES NO
5. Do you take insulin or have diabetes that is difficult to control? YES NO
6. Do you have a psychiatric condition that is difficult to control? YES NO
7. Do you currently abuse alcohol or drugs? YES NO
8. Do you have active gastrointestinal symptoms? YES NO
**(A formal consultation is recommended for patients with symptoms.)**