Planning a colonoscopy on the Sunshine Coast

When you contact the practice, ask about the Sunshine Coast service with Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, Specialist Endoscopic Surgeon. The team can tell you how to send your referral securely.

If Sunshine Coast Day Surgery is missing from a booking form, contact the practice before continuing. Do not select another hospital instead. Wait until your procedure and booking details are confirmed before arranging travel or time off work.

Your referral explains why you need an assessment. Have any relevant test results and previous colonoscopy reports ready if you can. The reason matters: a positive bowel screening test, new symptoms and follow-up after earlier polyps each need to be considered differently.

If you do not have a referral, speak with your GP about which investigation or referral is appropriate. A valid referral is normally needed for a Medicare rebate on a specialist consultation. After reviewing your referral, the team can advise whether colonoscopy, a consultation first or another approach is suitable.

Ask for an estimate for Sunshine Coast Day Surgery. Check which fees are charged by the practice, the hospital or another provider, and ask your insurer what your hospital policy covers.

Fees for Brisbane or the Gold Coast may differ. Keep your Sunshine Coast estimate with your booking information. If the hospital name or procedure on the estimate differs from your booking, ask the practice to check it.

The practice needs your registration details to arrange specialist care. Sunshine Coast Day Surgery has its own form for hospital admission. You need to complete each separately.

Once your admission is arranged, use the hospital link supplied for your booking and check that it names Sunshine Coast Day Surgery. The hospital’s patient booklet explains its eAdmission form. Completing this form does not confirm that a procedure is suitable for you or that a date has been booked.

Contact the practice about your referral or procedure. Ask the hospital about its admission form or hospital fees. If something still needs to be done, check who will follow it up.

Sunshine Coast Day Surgery is on the corner of Second Avenue and Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore QLD 4558. Your admission instructions explain where to go when you arrive and where to be collected.

Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home after sedation and stay with you as instructed. Tell the team early if you need help organising transport or support at home, or if you have difficulty getting around.

Follow the written preparation, fasting and medicine instructions issued for your booking. If instructions are missing or conflict, contact the treating team before starting. Ask how you will receive the results and who to contact afterwards.