Direct access colonoscopy allows for patients without any major symptoms
or medical problems to directly schedule a colonoscopy without the need
for an office consultation.
How do I know if I qualify for a direct access colonoscopy?
You must be 45 years-old or above. If you're younger than 45 years-old
but have a family history of colon cancer, please schedule a consultation
to determine if you need an early colonoscopy.
You must NOT have any significant GI symptoms:
Unexplained abdominal pain
Uncontrolled heartburn
Unexplained nausea or vomiting
Chronic unexplained diarrhea
Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
Unintentional weight loss
Difficulty swallowing
You must NOT be on any of the following blood thinners (baby aspirin is ok):
Coumadin (warfarin)
Plavix (clopidogrel)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
Eliquis (apixaban)
Pradaxa (dabigatran)
Effient (prasugrel)
Lovenox (enoxaparin)
You must NOT have any of the following major medical conditions:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
Morbid obesity with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 45
Recent heart attack or heart stent placed within the last 1 year
Recent pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) within the
last 6 months
Your form will be processed and a representative from the general surgery
department will call you within five business days to schedule your colonoscopy.
After the procedure is complete, you will be contacted within two weeks
to discuss your pathology results.
