David J Phillips
M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S. (Ed) F.R.A.C.S.
SURGEON

GASTROSCOPY ( UPPER ENDOSCOPY)
Gastroscopy and Upper Endoscopy refer to the same procedure)

  Topics discussed:

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What is a Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy):
A gastroscopy is a relatively simple and painless procedure which allows the doctor to examine the upper digestive tract. A thin flexible tube is passed through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The doctor is able to look at the inside of these body parts by the use a micro video camera which relays the pictures on to a television monitor. If he should see a lesion or growth (usually called a polyp) which needs excision or biopsy, he is able to use small instruments which are passed through the digestive system to remove these items for further examination by a pathologist.
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Why Do I need a Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy):
The most common reasons are to investigate the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn (reflux), nausea or dyspepsia. The procedure can also stop any bleeding or stretch a narrow area (stricture). It does allow the doctor to identify cancers which may have already started growing or conditions which may later develop into a cancer. For this reason it is very important the procedure is performed if your GP or surgeon recommends you have the procedure. It is often used as a follow up procedure on other tests such as a barium meal X-ray.
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Preparing for a Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy):
Normally you will need to ‘fast’ for six (6) hours before the procedure. This means no food or drink, including water for six hours before the procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy (examination of the bowel) at the same time, the instructions from your doctor will be slightly different. You must arrange for someone to escort you home as you are not allowed to drive.
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What will the anaesthetist do to assist in the procedure. The role of the anaesthetist is to give you a mild sedative prior to the procedure so that you won’t feel the instrument passing through your digestive tract. He will spray your throat with a local anaesthetic prior to giving you the sedative so you won’t feel the tubes passing into your digestive system. He will briefly discuss your medical condition and explain the role of the anaesthetist while you are in hospital and just prior to your undergoing the procedure. He will stay with you after the procedure and ensure you wake up safely.
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What is involved with the procedure of Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy):
After you are asleep, the doctor examines your upper digestive tract through the video camera and performs any procedures which may be required. He may also take photos of areas, which appear unusual. The procedure will take ten to fifteen minutes. It will take one to two hours after the procedure for you to recover from the anaesthetic.
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After the Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy):
After waking you may feel a bit drowsy. Some patients may have a slightly sore throat which can be treated with a gargle of salty water. Others may feel a little bloated because air has moved into the digestive system and will need to pass through the body. If a biopsy has been taken, the results will take a number of days for the pathologist to examine.

Under no circumstances can you drive a car or operate machinery for twenty-four hours after the procedure. You should avoid drinking alcohol for twenty-four hours. It is also recommended you should not sign any important documents for twenty-four hours. Arrange for someone to escort you home from the procedure.
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Where Does Dr Phillips Perform this procedure (Gastroscopy or Upper Endoscopy):

  • Brisbane Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy,
  

Level 2, 35 Astor Terrace,

 Spring Hill. 4000
  • Sunnybank Private Hospital,
  

245 McCullough Street,

 Sunnybank. 4109
  • Wesley-Turrawan Hospital,
  

641 Sandgate Road.

 Clayfield. 4012

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How do I arrange to have my Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy):
You need to visit your general practitioner for a referral to a specialist. After reviewing your signs and symptoms your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy as a further means of diagnosing your condition. Your GP may wish you to visit Dr Phillips prior to the procedure for further advice and explanation or he may simply suggest you ring Dr Phillips’ rooms and arrange for the procedure to be performed. In either case you must book the appointment or procedure only through Dr Phillip’s Office:
Phone 3839 6507.
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What fees will be incurred for the Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy):
Dr Phillips accepts GapCover payments for all patients covered by Private Health Fund insurance participating in the scheme. All other patients are charged the same rate as the MBF Schedule fee. A considerable discount is given to pensioners, health care card holders and patients with no private health insurance if you have the procedure performed at Brisbane Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy.

For an estimation of total costs you can E-mail us or discuss this with the staff when you make your booking. However the following explains the various accounts and fees from both Dr Phillips and other associated service providers.

  • Brisbane Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy has government approved ‘simplified billing’. This means they will collect all fees not covered by your Health Fund and Medicare. This includes the theatre fees for the Endoscopy Centre, Dr Phillip’s (the endoscopist) and the anaesthetist when you arrive for the procedure. If you have a biopsy, the Pathologist will send you a separate account. If you have GapCover approved Private Health Insurance you will have no out of pocket expenditure. If you have no private insurance Brisbane Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy offers the lowest cost procedure of all the centres Dr Phillip’s attends and it is strongly recommended you take advantage of these lower fees. Please note you must book your procedure through Dr Phillip’s office and not Brisbane Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy.
 
  • Wesley-Turrawan Hospital. You will receive separate accounts from the Dr Phillips, the anaesthetist, the hospital and the pathologist (if required):
  1. Dr Phillips: If you have GapCover approved Private Health Insurance Dr Phillips will bill the heath fund direct and you will have no out of pocket expense. If you have no private health insurance you will be billed at the same rate as the MBF Schedule fee. You will receive a Medicare rebate of 75% of the Medicare Schedule fee.
  2. The Anaesthetist: This doctor’s fee structure is completely different to Dr Phillips and when the operation has been booked you will need to contact the particular doctor to discuss their fee. However Dr Phillips does have an understanding with anaesthetists on his regular lists, that those people covered by GapCover will have their account sent directly to the Health Fund and they will incur no out of pocket expenditure.
  3. The Hospital: If you have private health insurance you should contact your health fund to find what, if any, costs you will incur at that hospital for this procedure (Gastroscopy Medicare Item 30473). If you do not have private hospital insurance you should contact the hospital regarding fees. You should advise the hospital if you are on a FULL PENSION.
  4. The Pathologist: Normally the company will be QML or Sullivan and Nicolaides. The pathologist is only required if a biopsy is taken.
 
  • Sunnybank Private Hospital You will receive separate accounts from the Dr Phillips, the anaesthetist, the hospital and the pathologist (if required):
  1. Dr Phillips: If you have GapCover approved Private Health Insurance Dr Phillips will bill the heath fund direct and you will have no out of pocket expense. If you have no private health insurance you will be billed at the same rate as the MBF Schedule fee. You will receive a Medicare rebate of 75% of the Medicare Schedule fee.
  2. The Anaesthetist: This doctor’s fee structure is completely different to Dr Phillips and when the operation has been booked you will need to contact the particular doctor to discuss their fee. However Dr Phillips does have an understanding with anaesthetists on his regular lists, that those people covered by GapCover will have their account sent directly to the Health Fund and they will incur no out of pocket expenditure.
  3. The Hospital: If you have private health insurance you should contact your health fund to find what, if any, costs you will incur at that hospital for this procedure (Gastroscopy Medicare Item 30473). If you do not have private hospital insurance you should contact the hospital regarding fees. If you do not have Private Health Insurance you will find the cost at this hospital the dearest of the three options.
  4. The Pathologist: Normally the company will be QML or Sullivan and Nicolaides. The pathologist is only required if a biopsy is taken.
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