Referral, registration and hospital admission explained

Start with the reason for your referral

Your clinician may be investigating symptoms, following up a screening result or reviewing previous bowel findings. Ask what question the proposed colonoscopy is meant to answer and how soon you need further assessment.

A clinician will assess whether colonoscopy is suitable for you. A referral does not mean the procedure will automatically go ahead. Bring any previous colonoscopy or pathology reports, and tell the team about relevant health conditions and medicines.

Sources: Australian Commission: Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard

If your bowel screening test was positive

A positive result means the test found blood in your sample. It does not establish a cancer diagnosis. Arrange an appointment with your GP to discuss the result and the next investigation, which will often be colonoscopy.

Follow through with the assessment your GP recommends. Do not delay assessment while waiting to arrange a preferred provider or venue. New bowel symptoms also need medical assessment, even if an earlier screening result was negative.

Sources: Australian Government: Understanding bowel screening results; Queensland Health: Following up a positive screening result

Practice paperwork and hospital admission

Keep your referral acknowledgement with the practice letters or emails. Store your booking confirmation, preparation instructions and any hospital admission confirmation together.

Procedures take place at Sunshine Coast Day Surgery in Maroochydore. The hospital has its own online admission process. Complete admission only when your treating team tells you to, using the hospital named on your confirmed booking.

Sources: Cura: Sunshine Coast Day Surgery

Is your appointment confirmed?

Check that the letter or email confirms your appointment. Choosing a preferred date, sending a referral or completing a form does not settle every part of the booking. If you are unsure, ask the booking team what still needs to be done.

• Is this a consultation or a procedure appointment?
• Which hospital or consultation location is named?
• Which steps still need to be completed, and by whom?
• Have I received the instructions and written cost information I need?

Questions before you decide

Ask about the benefits, risks and alternatives before agreeing to care. It is reasonable to ask for an explanation in different words or to bring someone who can help you remember the discussion. Let the team know if you need an interpreter or help reading the information.

Ask your GP or treating clinician about urgency or changing symptoms. The booking team cannot assess those concerns.

Sources: Queensland Government: Making decisions about care; Healthdirect: Questions to ask your doctor