Frequently Asked Questions

Your primary care physician may ask you to see a gastroenterologist for many reasons. Gastroenterologists are experts in diagnosing and treating patients for symptoms that arise from the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, large and small bowels, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Examples of such symptoms could include diarrhea, constipation, trouble swallowing, heartburn, or abdominal pain. They also perform screening or surveillance colonoscopy for patients with a family history of colon cancer or personal history of colon polyps.

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Your first visit will allow your gastroenterologist to evaluate your symptoms. As part of that consultation, your gastroenterologist may request additional tests or procedures such as blood tests, imaging studies, or endoscopic examinations for diagnosis or treatment. A treatment plan may also be prescribed along with a follow-up plan of care.

You may schedule an appointment with one of the specialists we support at the Centre by contacting reception 1-300-580-239. Your first visit will be an office visit only. No procedures will be done at this time. Please provide us with 24-hour notice if you are unable to keep an appointment. The specialists have a long wait for appointments, and this courtesy allows other patients who are waiting for an appointment to be scheduled sooner. Your first appointment with your specialist will be an office visit only. No procedures will be done at this time.

You will be asked to complete a registration form at the time of your first visit. This will help expedite the registration process. It is also important that you bring the following items:

• Insurance card/Referral documents
• A list of all medications you are currently taking
• Recent blood work and x-rays (upper GI series, barium enema, ultrasound, or CT scans of the abdomen or pelvis)
• Copies of past medical records

Note: If medical records are to be sent by your doctor(s), please call us to verify that your specialist has received them prior to your visit. Lack of these items can result in delays and/or your appointment being rescheduled.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.

Follow-up care is an important part of your treatment plan. Your specialist will advise on this matter after the tests are performed.

Where a specialist schedules you for an outpatient procedure such as an endoscopy, colonoscopy or a video capsule endoscopy, there will be no bill issued as the doctors have a “no gap” cover practice for procedures.